Unless you're in the process of buying a bigger house or having one built from the ground up, there will always be a space issue. Especially if you're on a budget! It's not every day that you can find a spacious rental apartment that will satisfy all your needs and wants. However, does that mean you should give up your dream of having an aesthetically pleasing interior? Absolutely not!
It’s not entirely impossible to work with a small space. You just need to carefully plan and strategise how to maximise every inch. Also, you need to be aware of factors that can shrink even the visuals of your space. One way of doing this is by lighting your home correctly! You may think that it won't help much, but good lighting can make a small room look & feel bigger! It’ll make you feel less claustrophobic even if you bring in big furniture pieces and décor. Just don’t go overboard!
Lighting tips to make a space look bigger
Tiny homes can pose a challenge for interior design and functional living. However, with the right balance of everything, including the perfect lighting plan, you can create a beautiful home that fits your needs! So, to help you out, here are some lighting tips that can make your small space look roomy!
Tip #1: Utilise natural light
Windows, skylights, and roof lights are the best way to let natural light brighten your space. Usually, modern homes have already taken this into consideration, so it's easier. However, it's not that easy for people who are renting their home to make a structural alteration. So, how do you deal with this?
The trick is by placing a large mirror opposite a window. The natural light is reflected and bounced back in several directions, adding more brightness inside the space. Because of all the extra light seeping through your windows and being reflected by the mirror, it will make your place look livelier and more extensive than it actually is - have you heard the saying “it’s all smoke & mirrors”?!
Tip #2: Recessed lighting to save space
It's a given that if you have a small living space, you'll usually also get a low ceiling. So, to maximise the height of your home, use recessed downlights. You can mount them into your ceiling to give you enough illumination even with the space constraints. Because recessed lighting is flush/flat to the surface, you don't need to worry about protruding fittings that take up some of the vertical clearance in your home.
Tip #3: Use multiple light sources
Instead of settling with one centralised light source, it's best to get the help of many to illuminate your home. You can ensure that every nook and cranny is covered with brightness, and nothing is left in the dark with multiple light sources.
Pro tip: the biggest enemy of a small space is darkness. The fewer shadows that your area has, the roomier it looks. So, be sure that everything is properly illuminated.
Tip #4: Install cabinet lighting
Aside from wall intersections, shelves, wardrobes, and cabinets can also become the source of dark corners. To address this, be sure to add some cabinet lights like strip lights or under-cabinet light fittings. Place them underneath each shelf, on the inside edge of the cabinet, and anywhere else you see fit. Strip lights are known for their flexibility, so you won't have any problems bending them around the corners. Also, there are under cabinet lights that you can mount recessed, so it's flushed against the surface. Just make sure that you have enough depth if you want to recess your fittings.
Tip #5: Make use of vertical lighting to emphasise height
To remove the attention from the narrow walking space, make use of vertical lights to draw the eyes upwards. You can use uplights, desk lamps, and floor lamps. Vertical lighting can be tricky since you need to consider the formation of shadows. If that's the case, it will do you more bad than good. Study the effects of the downward lighting you have and the vertical lighting you'll set up. Once you determine the correct placements for each, you'll see an expansive space that feels airy!
Tip #6: Use backlights to create depth
Backlights can eliminate darkness behind furniture pieces. In addition, it helps add depth to your space, creating a more prominent appearance. Some of the places you can do this setup are behind mirrors, headboards, TV screens, sofa, wardrobe, and shelving units. Once everything is in place, you'll instantly notice the difference in the room with the added depth. As a cherry on top, backlighting can make your home look stylish and elegant. So, it's a total win for you! You can have too much of a good thing though so just make sure that you don't overdo anything, and you're all good.
After implementing some of these lighting tips, you will surely see a bigger space than what you initially had. So, if you're starting your shopping spree, check out our website, LED Supplier! We have an extensive collection of premium quality LED lights, including downlights, strip lights, wall lights, and more.
