Overcoming the Challenges of High Ceilings

Copyright: Pisa Design, Inc. Photo credit: Mark Kawell Window coverings aren't the only wall décor to consider in rooms with high ceilings, however. Blanda-Wengrod says one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when decorating spaces with high ceilings is hanging artwork too high. "Limit the number of frames and hang them at eye level," she says. "Hanging a collection of several pieces of artwork that use the same style of frame creates unity and looks stylish on a blank wall." McCormick agrees, adding that it's important to remember scale when choosing the artwork, as well. "Fewer but larger pieces work better than many small pieces," she says. "Floor screens make great wall hangings on a tall wall." Choosing the Right Furnishings and Arrangement Another factor in creating a cohesive setting in a room with high ceilings is furnishings. "Think about the scale of the piece of furniture in relation to the scale of the space," says Peck. "Taller backs on furniture, more massive arms, legs and cushioning can help pieces look better in a space with higher ceilings." Too-small pieces will be swallowed in a room with high ceilings, adds McCormick. "Pieces like low-slung chairs will look dwarfed by the height of the walls," she says. Beside making the right choices in the pieces themselves, arranging them correctly can make all the difference in the sociability of your space. Peck says the ceiling itself can even be used to accentuate specific areas in a room. "Use a color, height or pattern change directly over the seating area to define the space below," she says. In expansive rooms with high ceilings, Blanda-Wengrod says arranging the furniture into several smaller seating areas can help alleviate the sense of being in an auditorium-like setting. "Grouping furniture pieces together in different areas of the room will help create more intimate areas," she says. Using the Floor to Your Advantage While the ceiling may be the main attraction, don't forget that the floor is an important design element in making the space seem warm and inviting. Not only will a large area rug help blunt some of the cave-like acoustics of wood floors in high-ceiling rooms, it can also be an important design element. "A beautiful area rug that complements your color scheme can pull in the space and create a sense of coziness," says Blanda-Wengard.

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