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How To Use Decorative Lights To Make Small Spaces Feel Bigger

Freitag, 15. November 2024

Not every homeowner knows how to use decorative lighting to make small spaces feel bigger, which is why we’re here to help.

When it comes to interior design, lighting can make all the difference in how the eye perceives a room. A well-executed lighting plan will not only provide ample illumination, so no areas appear dark or dull, but will also give the illusion of expansiveness.

As a leading wholesaler, we at Searchlight ensure our stock reflects the needs of top retailers and distributors of decorative lighting worldwide. If you are a regular reader of our blog posts, you’d know we talk a lot about ‘layered lighting plans’.

In this blog, we will guide you on how a successful layered lighting plan- using ceiling lights, wall lights, floor lamps, and table lamps- can make even the smallest room in a home appear bigger and more inviting.

Understanding Layered Lighting

Layered lighting combines different types of light to create depth and improve the functionality of a room.
For smaller spaces, layered lighting adds dimension and gets rid of shadows, which can make a room feel closed in. The three primary layers are ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Ambient Lighting

Serves as a room's primary light source. Ambient light gives an overall illumination, meaning if this was the only light switched on, you’d still be able to see. In small rooms, we recommend opting for fixtures that provide ample light without overwhelming the area.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is designed to complement the specific ‘tasks’ carried out in a room, like cooking, reading, or working. Using task lighting in a layered lighting plan prevents the need for strong ambient light, which can wash out a space.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is used to highlight architectural features, artwork, or decorative elements, adding depth and character to a room. Accent lights tend to be minimal or non-distracting but instead, work to guide the eye’s focus to something else.

Techniques To Enhance Space Perception

Beyond layering, specific lighting techniques can further amplify the sense of space in compact areas.

Uplighting

Uplighting directs light towards the ceiling, reflecting it back into the room and creating a sense of height. Floor lamps or wall sconces that cast light upwards can make ceilings appear higher, giving the room an airy feel.

Wall Washing

This technique involves placing lights a short distance from the wall to evenly illuminate its surface. Wall washing reduces shadows and highlights the wall's texture, making the room feel more expansive.

Perimeter Lighting

Installing lights around the room's perimeter, such as LED strips or crown moulding, gives definition and creates the illusion of a larger floor plan. This is a great technique for providing more light, without taking up extra space.

Image of small kitchen for the blog How To Use Decorative Lights To Make Small Spaces Feel Bigger

Choosing The Right Fixtures

Selecting appropriate lighting fixtures is crucial in small spaces to avoid overwhelming the area.

Ceiling Lights

We recommend opting for fixtures that are proportionate to the room's size. Flush or semi-flush mounts are ideal for low ceilings, providing ample light without hanging too low. For a touch of elegance, consider a compact chandelier that adds style without bulk.

Wall Lights

Wall-mounted lights do not take up much space and are great for providing ambient and accent lighting. Adjustable spotlights or wall sconces can provide functional light and highlight features without protruding too far into the room.

Floor And Table Lamps

Incorporate floor and table lamps to add layers to your lighting scheme. Additional lighting fixtures can also help you adjust the mood of a room. To leave plenty of space in a room, we suggest designs that have slender profiles and light-coloured shades.

Why Choose Searchlight?

Now you know how to use decorative lights to make spaces feel bigger, it’s time to find the right fixtures that suit your style.
Searchlight is committed to delivering decorative lighting solutions that blend quality, innovation, and style. Our extensive range caters to the tastes and trends of our distributing partners across the globe. Not only that, but we can guarantee all our shades are of the highest quality.

Unmatched quality
Innovative designs
Global reach with personal service
Need any more reasons? Find out more about Searchlight here.

Choosing Searchlight as your lighting wholesaler means partnering with a company that values excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Illuminate your spaces with our decorative lighting and experience the transformative power of well-designed illumination.

If you are not shopping for wholesale, you can still visit our Manchester-based showroom, where some of our end-of-the-line products are on sale to the public!