Most HDB homeowners are faced with the problem of low ceilings, so much so they end up surrendering to the feat by getting plain ole recessed lights. Hold it there! We are not saying that going the safe route is necessarily bad but this is your home: if you can’t live dangerously here, where else can you? In today’s post, we’ll be feeding you with ideas and tips to remedy that problem that has got you feeling low.

ONE : Plan your space

Heed the words of Benjamin Franklin when he said “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail“. This is a mantra everyone should live by especially in the field of interior design where your mistakes haunt you in your personal space! When it comes to light fixtures, it is a common misconception that spaces with low ceiling should avoid pendant or low hanging lighting. But since we agreed on living dangerously, let’s do just that.

Ask yourself: At which part of your space are you planning to position large pieces of furniture? Items such as dining tables, television consoles, islands, beds, and sofa normally have very little traffic and are places where people will mostly be seated. This is your opportunity to incorporate low-hanging statement light fixtures into your design.

Bare walls are fun to work with and are areas where low-hanging lights won’t pose as an obstruction. We are certain a wall of bright lights will make an artistic statement that floods your space with creativity and glamour. The Edison light bulb is a chic and stylish way to make that statement.

Since Edison lights are so en vogue, here are a few snazzy recreations of the traditional lights to give your wall that extra bang. We love how these bulbs have interesting filaments, they take the Edison bulb game to a whole new level!

TWO : Track lights

There is so much to be said about how amazing track lighting is! Over the years, track lighting have gradually penetrated the arena of interior design. However, this transition from studios to households didn’t cause it to lose the artistic quality we commonly associate it with. Low ceilings fall into the viewer’s direct line of vision providing a great opportunity to experiment with this lighting style. The contrast created by the black lights against a pristine white ceiling demands the visitors’ attention. Moreover, the versatility of track lights leave room for personalisation ensuring that you make your statement. It also doesn’t hurt to mention how the spotlights are movable, i.e. a perfectly lit #selfie anytime!

Here, we see how 8A IN THE KITCHEN traded the mainstream parallel style for a more circuit board inspired look. How will you arrange your track lights?

 

THREE : Extendable lights

Move away from the space-hogging standing lights and the table lamps! Instead, opt for a more modern and trendy approach by using extendable lights. Exactly what are extendable lights? To simply put it, they are lights that have jointed arms that allow for the lamp to extend and contract. Here are some examples we absolutely love:

Evelina Tarantula Spider Legs Lighting (left) and Frida Spider Lamp (right) via Screed

Extendable lights offer so much flexibility. If you’re using your space as a study or work area, you can adjust your lights so your eyes won’t be damaged by bad lighting. Seriously though, myopia is a problem here. Or if you’re a cafe owner who wants your clients to capture the finest #foodporn moment, these lights are certainly the way to go.  When you’re done, stashing your light away is as simple as a push in the right direction.

 

FOUR : Multipurpose light fixtures

Sometimes, it’s not about getting the statement light but using lights to help make a statement. Understandably, there are many Singaporeans who are reluctant to make their light fixtures the centerpiece of their space. Maybe you found a piece of vintage furniture in the crooks of Chatuchak and you want to make that your centerpiece instead. Why not consider using lights to help you make a brighter statement?

Here, we see a worn ladder decorated with string lights. This arrangement helps amplify the dreamy and timeless quality of the wooden structure. For more creative string light ideas to help make your statement, have a look at our String Lights article. On the right we have a prime example of one can brighten the space with lights and mirrors. Read more about brightening your space in this article.

Perhaps you’re more interested in function than form? By adding the light characteristic to everyday furniture, you can achieve one without compromising on the other!

More Singaporeans are switching from standing fans to ceiling fans as they occupy less space and allow for better air circulation. As such, the designs for ceiling fans have been growing more profound. Here’s a ceiling fan and light combination that we are wholeheartedly digging. Another popular idea is the combination of table and light as seen below. The Thinking Closet blogged about her genius reinvention of the HOL side table and Grono lamps from IKEA. The end product is certainly eye-catching and screams ‘statement piece’. Three cheers for this #IKEAhack.

Got anymore furniture and light statement combinations you want to share with us? Drop us a comment down below!

FIVE : Repetition

Sometimes you find yourself needing to light up a wide area but one sad light fixture just won’t do the trick. The solution that will delight your inner-OCD is to create repetition with your lights. This works especially well for corridors and stairwells as it elongates the path while creating drama and intensity with simple pieces.  Tip: Pattern and symmetry attracts the viewer’s eyes.

We are serious when we say it creates drama. Check out how Stanley Kubrick uses light repetition to build up excitement in The Shining. If an acclaimed movie director thinks it is a good idea, why shouldn’t you? We hope your lighting design channels the right kind of shining.

 

SIX : Architecture

For the lovers of simplicity and muted elegance, cove lighting is a charming way for your space to make a grand statement. It makes use of walls and shadows to create a spotlight effect that highlights even the tiniest detail in your space. Cove lighting is also the perfect solution for those plain walls just dying to be looked at and a genius method to add dimension. Like moths drawn to the flame, your visitors will be captured by the bold subtlety in your design.

Don’t believe us? Check these amazing spaces out:

 

SEVEN: Literally make a statement

When we said “statement lights” we weren’t intending to be taken literally. But… why not? We can literally make a statement with our lights by installing neon pipe lighting of our favourite quotes. An alternative can be a lit marquee with the name of your cafe or space. This idea provides your space with a very relaxed and youthful vibe. Imagine chilling out with a bunch of your best pals with the words ‘Dream On’ just glowing in your face. It is an incredibly aweinspiring experience that takes you back to your younger, wilder, and more dangerous days.

 

EIGHT : Painted Ceiling

One of the simplest ways to tackle your low-ceiling problem is to go for width and not height. Opting for flat and wide ceiling lights are a safe and sure-win way to go. However, it is hard to find well-designed lights that fit into that criterion. The last thing you want is to find out that you’ve spent a nightmarish proportion of your renovation budget on lights! So what can you do about it?

Most Singaporeans will remember their days spent highlighting different points in your notes so the next time they chiong for a big test, they won’t miss out that particular point. Similarly, we’ll be “highlighting” your light fixtures so that visitors won’t miss it. Instead of using highlighters, we’re going to opt for paint! What we’re trying to do here is to redirect attention with paint to the plain (and wallet-friendly) light fixture. See how these homeowners do it:

We hope this article managed to give you some ideas for your home or your business. Though low ceilings are tricky to work with, there is always a way around things without needing to compromise too much on aesthetics. Certainly, low ceiling lighting solutions are not limited to those listed here, but what we’re presenting low-cost options for new home and business owners. Tell us what you think about our list or if you have any ideas drop us a comment down below!

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