Tall Ceiling Lighting - How To Get It Right

Rooms with tall ceilings, often found in modern homes and industrial spaces, can be challenging to light properly. With heights reaching 18 feet or more, simply screwing a ceiling fixture in place will not sufficiently illuminate the space. "Lighting for tall ceilings" requires careful planning and strategic fixture placements to create a well-lit interior that is functional yet visually stunning.

When designing a lighting scheme for a room with lofty ceilings, consider the size and proportions, architecture, and how the space will be used. The goal is to choose the right mix of chandeliers, pendants, sconces and other fixtures that will provide ample ambient light as well as a healthy dose of style. Follow lighting design principles and recommendations for number of lumens per square foot to create a breathtaking interior under soaring ceilings.

Measure and Assess Your Tall Ceiling Lighting Needs

The first step in lighting any space is taking measurements and analyzing how the room will function. For tall ceilings, this means:

• Measuring ceiling height as well as room length and width. This provides the square footage needed to determine lighting requirements.
• Considering primary activities, tasks and mood. factor in where furnishings will go and understand how the space will be used - for intimate dining, work, or relaxation.
• Accounting for natural light. Rooms with skylights or ample windows require less artificial lighting during the day.

Once dimensions are documented, recommended lumens per square foot can be used as a starting point. While a standard 8-10 foot ceiling calls for 5-10 lumens per square foot, taller ceilings should have around 20 lumens per square foot for ambient lighting. Performing tasks like cooking or reading may require up to 50 lumens per square foot.

Choose Lighting Fixtures for Tall Ceilings

Selecting the right mix of lighting fixtures ensures tall ceilings are illuminated properly. Consider these types:

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights add a directional overhead source while contributing decorative flair. Cluster 3-5 pendants together over a kitchen island or dining table. For large rooms, line up pendants in rows for uniform light.

Chandeliers

Nothing makes a dramatic statement like a sparkling, oversized chandelier. Crystal and other ornate styles refract light in all directions. For tall ceilings, choose large chandeliers or mini chandeliers clustered together.

Track Lighting

With adjustable heads, track lights target light exactly where needed. Tracks can also be mounted at various heights on the ceiling or walls.

Recessed Lighting

Recessed can lights installed into the ceiling provide diffuse, indirect light. Use recessed lighting to wash walls with illumination or highlight architectural details.

Wall Sconces

Mounted on walls, sconces deliver task lighting and accent lighting. They also work well in areas without ceilings such as hallways.

Floor Lamps

Direct light downward where it's needed most using floor lamps. For wide open spaces, consider soaring floor lamps on tall poles.

Arrange Lighting Layout for Tall Ceilings

To avoid uneven light and dark spots, plan fixture layout carefully. Here are some tips:

• Space lighting evenly. Place multiple chandeliers, pendants, sconces and other fixtures throughout the area.
• Layer lighting types. Combine overhead, wall and floor fixtures for visual interest.
• Use accent lighting strategically. Install recessed cans or directional lamps to highlight focal walls, artwork or architectural details.

A lighting professional can help design a well-balanced plan tailored to your space. Provide furniture layouts and room dimensions to determine optimal fixture positions.

Select Bulbs and Adjust Heights

Choosing the right bulb types and adjusting the hang height of fixtures helps fine tune the lighting design. Considerations include:

• Bulb brightness. Measure room size to gauge lumen output needed. Opt for higher wattage bulbs.
• Bulb color temperature. Cool white (4000-5000K) helps with tasks while warm white (2700-3000K) provides a cozy ambiance.
• Bulb style. Opt for translucent bulbs or those with directional beams to project light upward.
• Mounting height. Hang pendants and chandeliers 1-2 feet below the ceiling so light reaches the space below.
• Light direction. Angle spotlights, track heads and other directional fixtures to brighten specific areas.

Add Dimmer Switches for Flexibility

Installing dimmer switches allows you to adjust light levels for different needs. Reasons to dim lights include:

• Setting the mood. Create ambiance for dining or relaxation.
• Conversation flexibility. Dim lights for intimate gatherings or raise them for large parties.
• Reduced glare. Lower light levels to avoid eye strain.
• Energy savings. Dimmimg LED bulbs can extend their lifespan significantly.

Choose smart dimmers for the ability to control lights remotely, schedule automatic adjustments, and sync with home automation systems.

Consider Specialty Tall Ceiling Lighting

For extreme ceiling heights exceeding 12 feet, specialty lighting helps you make a dramatic statement. Options include:

• Wired or remote control fixtures that allow adjusting lights from the floor.
• Extra tall hanging pendants, chandeliers and wall sconces sized for high ceilings.
• statement chandeliers with 25+ bulbs and spans of 6 feet or more.

A high-end lighting showroom can show you the possibilities and place custom orders for your ceiling height.

Accent with Reflective Surfaces

Strategically placed mirrors, glass surfaces and polished metals will bounce and amplify light around a tall space. Consider:

• Hanging mirrors above lighting fixtures to reflect illumination downwards.
• Backlighting glass shelves, partitions or lightboxes to add glow.
• Using chrome, stainless, or brass finishes on fixtures and hardware for subtle shine.

A mirrored wall behind a candlelit chandelier can create a starburst effect. highlighting reflective details prevents spaces from feeling cavernous.

Troubleshoot Common Tall Ceiling Lighting Issues

While lighting tall ceilings presents challenges, solutions exist for common problems:

• Fixtures seem too small - Choose larger statement pieces and cluster smaller fixtures.
• Room feels dark or cavernous - Add more ambient lighting and incorporate mirrors.
• Glare from exposed bulbs - Use frosted, translucent, or shielded bulbs.
• Insufficient light reaching floor - Lower hanging pendant heights and use floor lamps.

If a space still lacks sufficient illumination, consider adding more fixtures until the right balance is achieved.

Work With Lighting Professionals

For best results lighting tall ceiling spaces, consult with experts. Services to consider include:

• Interior designers to analyze space usage and make creative fixture recommendations.
• Lighting showrooms to view products and try out different options.
• Electricians to safely install wiring, switches, and fixtures.

Pros can help select well-scaled lighting that complements your interior design in high ceiling rooms. They also handle tricky installation challenges.

Maintenance Tips

Caring for tall ceiling lighting fixtures helps them function properly and look their best. Tips include:

• Use ladders or lift equipment to reach fixtures for cleaning and bulb changes.
• Dust fixtures and chandelier strands regularly to maximize light output.
• Group control bulbs on dimmers and timers for efficient operation.

Schedule electricians annually to inspect visible wiring and socket connections on tall ceiling fixtures.

Lighting tall ceiling spaces presents unique challenges, but layered ambient, task and accent lighting can create a stunning look. Carefully chosen and positioned fixtures provide both form and function. The result is a space filled with light that celebrates the architecture rather than competes with it.

Follow lighting design fundamentals and lean on expert help when illuminating your tall ceiling space. The ability to highlight or downplay dramatic heights gives you creative control. Proper lighting transforms cavernous rooms into bright, welcoming spaces for living and socializing under lofty ceilings.