A guide to lights for low ceilings.

We are extremely privileged to live in a country steeped in history, with historic buildings from eras throughout the ages still standing the test of time, allowing us to glimpse into the lives and surroundings of our ancestors. These architectural gems have allowed historians to piece together the intricate tapestry of our country’s past.

Standing proud, many of these properties have tugged at our heartstrings, from the ultimate ‘Chocolate Box’ thatched cottages to grand Manor Houses and everything in between. A fortunate few enjoy living with the character and soul that these homes provide and without doing so, many could fall into disrepair and the narration of architectural antiquity would be lost forever.

Whilst the romanticism sweeps us up in the fairy-tale of purchasing these characterful homes, the reality of living in them can sometimes be a devotion of time and effort before we earn the reward of ‘happily ever after’. If they have not been modernised for several years, there may be plumbing, electrics and general repairs that may need undertaking before they can become the cosy haven of your dreams.

Once the serious works are undertaken, you can start to have fun with the interior design. As a general rule of thumb, each generation tends to get a little taller, meaning that ceilings that were once adequate for the tallest member of the family may not be so today. Whilst this will add to a cosy ambience, it will have an impact on how you choose to decorate your home. A major factor to this common issue is lighting – you don’t want to end up dancing around your ceiling light! In addition, these homes often have small windows with deep window reveals and sills which will also limit the amount of natural light that you get into a room.

There are many styles that work well in cottage style settings such as shabby-chic, traditional, industrial and vintage but one that is rising in popularity is mixing modern and contemporary styles with the old. We see this in architecture too, where old brick and thatch is teamed with modern materials, such as glass; the two styles working together in mutual appreciation.

When you’re planning your décor, ensure that you include a lighting plan. Think about how you are going to use the room – do you need a light for crafts or reading? Look at where the window(s) are placed – where will the dark corners be? The attention to detail now will pay dividends throughout the years that you enjoy your home.

So, put your trusted old key in the heavy, wooden front door and come and peruse the lights designed for low ceilings that we love for each space in your characterful residence. As we all know, wall lights along with table and floor lamps also play a huge part in lighting your home, so where there are matching lights available, you can click on the images to view them along with more information.

For a full, comprehensive guide on ceiling lights, we recommend our article: The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Perfect Ceiling Light

The Hallway: Smaller cottages may miss this more modern addition out, but when it is present, this is often an underestimated space. We pass through it often barely pausing to appreciate it, however it is always the first area that our guests see – and sometimes the only space if they are not welcomed over the threshold! By far the most important light is the ceiling light. Often, hallways can seem a little cramped and the light cast from the ceiling light will illuminate the way into your home clearly. If you have the space for a sideboard, an added luxury in this space is a table lamp – team this with a timer switch and you will always come home to a warm and welcoming home.

The Kitchen: Often described as the heart of the home, this is a room that we spend a lot of time in which can vary from actively preparing meals to slumping with a cup of coffee and a slice of toast. Invariably, we require a bright and far reaching light to help us see clearly the masterpieces (or mess!) that we are creating.

The Dining Room: This can vary from being its own separate room to being a designated space within another room, perhaps a lounge, or more usually as part of the kitchen. Regardless of its situation, the dining table in often a social space, where time is taken to enjoy meals with family and friends. A splash of luxury works really well in this space.

The Living Room: This is a space where we choose to relax and partake in quieter pastimes, such as reading or watching TV and films. Ambience is key in this space as it will help to create an aura of calm after a busy day. Choosing adjustable lighting, or controllable lighting can really help achieve this – as can the addition of floor and table lamps.

The Bathroom: This is often just a convenience stop, but every once in a while, we lock ourselves away for a soak and a pamper. The lighting in here needs to be bright so that we can see clearly, so if you want to add atmospheric, relaxing lighting for your pampering sessions, you are best to consider adding wall or mirror lights.

For full and comprehensive bathroom lighting advice, read our complete bathroom lighting guide.

The Bedroom: This can sometimes be the last space that we decorate, after all, nobody ever sees it, right? Wrong – this is the space that we spend more time in than the other rooms combined; albeit with our eyes shut! This is where we come to relax and replenish our batteries for the next day ahead, which a calm and cohesive vibe can help us to achieve. Table, wall and floor lights also play a huge part in the lighting of this room.

So, what are you waiting for? Give your home the lighting it deserves and that you love! f you are still looking for your perfect light for your low ceilings, shop here for more designs. We hope you enjoy your time in your very own slice of history, basking in all its newfound glory and light.

Hope you found this informative; feel free to share!