In today's real estate market, having any amount of space, whether horizontal or vertical, is undoubtedly a blessing. It’s easy enough to fill space horizontally with more furniture, but many people with tall ceilings might be at a loss as to what to do with all that vertical space. Even though vertically spacious rooms offer many benefits, mistakes in rooms with tall ceilings can leave your home feeling cold, empty and uninviting – which is not what most people are wanting their home to feel like. So, we’ve compiled a list of 7 ways to decorate a room with a tall ceiling hoping it might give you some inspiration if you’re struggling in your space!

Artwork

Wall art is an obvious decorating choice, and for a good reason - it allows you to express your creativity while efficiently covering blank spaces. There are, however, a few details you should pay attention to when it comes to hanging art on tall walls. A good rule to follow is the rule of thirds. It simply means that you should divide your walls into three parts - the bottom is where your furniture should be, the middle is for artwork, and the top part is best left empty. Don’t be beholden to this though, as rules are always meant to be broken, but this is a good basic.

Size is another thing you should consider. Choosing fewer larger pieces instead of many small pieces will give your room a put-together look and ensure it doesn't feel too busy. Remember that expensive artwork isn't your only option. You can hang anything from family photos to decorative items, as long as they are in tune with the rest of the room.

Modern industrial style living room. Image created using AI via Canva

Lighting

Lighting plays a significant role in giving your space the mood you want. Dimmers are great to be able to set a mood, but I can’t stand poor lighting choices as they can ruin your best decorating efforts. For spacious rooms, it's best to opt for multiple light sources. Different occasions, moods, and times of day require appropriate lighting, so having options is essential. Luckily, tall ceilings allow you to take the more extravagant route. Uou can choose large, uniquely shaped floor lamps or dramatic chandeliers and light fixtures. With that said, make sure not to go overboard. Choose one statement piece and dial it down with the rest.

Scandinavian style living room. Image created using AI via Canva

Beams

If you are looking to make your tall ceiling home feel cozier and more inviting, exposed wooden beams might be the way to go. Even though they are often seen as rustic or vintage, you can find various styles that will fit any vibe you are trying to achieve.

The idea of embarking on a remodeling adventure during the COVID-19 pandemic might not seem too appealing at first. However, remember that renovation is possible with extra precautions. You will have to put a bit more effort into safety measures and hygiene, but as a result, you will have a more comfortable home that’s going to bring you joy for years to come!

Accent Wall

Instead of trying to hide the height of your room, you could go the less conventional way and accentuate it as a feature wall. This way, your room will gain more character, and you will avoid the risk of creating yet another dull cookie cutter living room. Creating an accent wall is as easy as picking up a can of your favorite paint and having fun with a DIY project, but you can play with textures and materials, as well. Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose anything from wallpaper to concrete and exposed brick. Accent walls do an excellent job of making a statement in a space and creating a feature out of something previously unusable.

Curtains

Coziness is what most tall spaces lack, and curtains are an excellent way to address this issue. Even though choosing and hanging curtains do not seem to require much philosophy, there is one important rule to remember, especially when decorating a room with a tall ceiling. Your curtains should always cover the entire length of your wall, no matter the size of your window. If you hang your curtains lower, you risk making your windows look smaller and isolating the emptiness above. And if your curtains aren't floor-length, the room will feel less elegant and put-together. You can play with different colors and materials but make sure to avoid anything too crazy unless you want your curtains to take the spotlight.

Shelving

One thing you can never have enough of is storage space. If you want to stay on the practical side when it comes to decorating your tall space, custom shelving might be a great choice. Whether you want to create a vintage library kind of feel or simple shelves to display your décor and collections, tall ceilings will allow you to do it. If reaching the top shelves worries you, you can always add a stylish ladder for practicality.

In rooms where this is appropriate, you can opt for ceiling to wall closets where you can store anything from clothes and linen to luggage and shoes. Since there is an overwhelming amount of choices to consider when it comes to shelving and storage, make sure to measure your room correctly and take your time with the process.

Transitional style living room with tall shelves. Image created using AI via Canva

Tapestries

Decorating a room with a tall ceiling is the perfect opportunity to utilize that tapestry you picked up while traveling across Asia (or that you ordered off of Amazon, we won't tell). Contrary to popular belief, tapestries don't have to be outdated or dusty-looking. There is a variety of materials, colors, and prints to choose from, which will improve the look of any room. They will even bring a dose of extravagance and texture to the space while still keeping it cozy. Again, unless you want your tapestry to be the focal point, make sure to opt for lighter colors or simple prints. This will ensure your room doesn't look too stuffy and busy.

There are many ways to decorate a room with a tall ceiling; however, you should always choose what you like best. Interior design rules can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming, so don't be afraid to break some if you feel like it. A perfectly designed and decorated room will be for nothing unless you feel good in it. If you have any further questions on the subject, please feel free to reach out to me with Ask Joshua!

Apr 1 7 Ways to Decorate a Room with a Tall Ceiling