10 Tricks to Style a Room With High Ceilings

High ceilings are often considered a luxury, offering a sense of grandeur and openness that few design features can rival. But let’s face it—they can also present a challenge. If not styled thoughtfully, they can leave a room feeling cold, cavernous, or incomplete.

I remember the first time I styled a living room with 12-foot ceilings. At first, I was thrilled about all that vertical space! But after arranging the furniture and hanging a few pictures, the room felt oddly disconnected—like all the action was happening below while the towering walls loomed above. It wasn’t until I started thinking vertically and embracing the height that everything came together.

Here are 10 tried-and-true tricks to make the most of your high ceilings while creating a warm, cohesive, and stylish space.

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1. Embrace Tall Drapes or Curtains

Why It Works:

Floor-to-ceiling curtains draw the eye upward, accentuating the height of the room while adding a touch of elegance.

How to Do It:

• Choose drapes that start just below the ceiling and extend all the way to the floor.
• Opt for fabrics like velvet, linen, or sheer materials depending on your style.
• Use curtain rods or tracks that match the width of your windows to avoid overwhelming the space.

Pro Tip: If you want to make the room feel cozier, choose curtains with a bold color or pattern to add visual interest.

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2. Install Statement Lighting

Why It Works:

Chandeliers, pendant lights, and large fixtures help fill vertical space and create a focal point.

How to Do It:

• Use a dramatic chandelier for formal spaces like living rooms or dining areas.
• For modern interiors, opt for oversized pendant lights with sleek, clean lines.
• Hang lighting fixtures at an appropriate height—low enough to anchor the space but high enough for function.

Pro Tip: Layer your lighting with wall sconces or floor lamps to add depth and warmth.

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3. Add Vertical Artwork or Gallery Walls

Why It Works:

Large-scale or vertically aligned artwork draws attention to the height of the walls and prevents them from feeling empty.

How to Do It:

• Hang one oversized piece of art for a bold statement.
• Create a gallery wall that extends from eye level to near the ceiling.
• Use art with vertical lines or tall subjects to emphasize the room’s height.

Pro Tip: For a cohesive look, stick to a consistent frame style or color palette for your gallery wall.

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4. Incorporate Tall Plants

Why It Works:

Tall plants like fiddle-leaf figs, palms, or bird-of-paradise plants bring life and scale to a room with high ceilings.

How to Do It:

• Place large plants in corners or next to furniture to balance the space.
• Use woven baskets or minimalist pots to keep the look polished.
• Consider hanging planters or wall-mounted greenery for additional vertical interest.

Pro Tip: Choose low-maintenance plants if you’re new to indoor gardening—snake plants and rubber trees are great options.

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5. Layer Vertical and Horizontal Lines

Why It Works:

Combining vertical and horizontal elements creates balance and prevents the room from feeling too “tall” or narrow.

How to Do It:

• Use vertical paneling, shiplap, or wainscoting to add texture to the walls.
• Incorporate horizontal shelving or built-ins to ground the space.
• Look for furniture with low profiles to emphasize horizontal lines.

Pro Tip: Mix and match patterns with vertical and horizontal stripes in rugs, pillows, or upholstery.

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6. Paint or Wallpaper the Ceiling

Why It Works:

Adding color or pattern to the ceiling draws the eye upward, making the height of the room a focal feature.

How to Do It:

• Choose bold paint colors or intricate wallpaper patterns for a dramatic effect.
• Use lighter tones if you want the room to feel more open and airy.
• For subtlety, consider a textured ceiling finish like beadboard or plaster.

Pro Tip: Add a decorative ceiling medallion to highlight a chandelier or pendant light.

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7. Build Up with Bookshelves

Why It Works:

Tall bookshelves or built-ins make use of vertical space while adding functional storage and a sense of coziness.

How to Do It:

• Install floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in living rooms, home offices, or bedrooms.
• Arrange books and decor in a balanced way—leave some open spaces to avoid overcrowding.
• Use a rolling ladder for both function and charm.

Pro Tip: Add lighting to your shelves with LED strips or sconces for a polished look.

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8. Introduce Textured Walls

Why It Works:

Textured walls, like exposed brick, wood paneling, or plaster, add depth and dimension to tall, blank spaces.

How to Do It:

• Use wood slats or beams to create a rustic or modern look.
• Install decorative molding or trim for a classic touch.
• For a dramatic statement, consider a feature wall with bold tile or stone.

Pro Tip: Play with contrasting materials—like combining wood with metal—for added interest.

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9. Hang Mirrors Strategically

Why It Works:

Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of even more space, emphasizing the height of the room.

How to Do It:

• Use oversized, vertical mirrors to highlight the scale of your walls.
• Hang multiple mirrors in a staggered arrangement for an artistic effect.
• Place mirrors opposite windows to maximize natural light.

Pro Tip: Opt for mirrors with decorative frames to tie in with your room’s style.

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10. Use Rugs and Low Furniture to Ground the Space

Why It Works:

Grounding elements prevent the room from feeling unbalanced and draw attention to the lower part of the space.

How to Do It:

• Choose an oversized rug that defines the seating area.
• Use low-profile furniture, like sofas and coffee tables, to create a sense of intimacy.
• Add layered textiles, such as throw blankets and pillows, for extra warmth.

Pro Tip: Choose furniture with dark or rich tones to visually anchor the space.

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Picture Gallery

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Conclusion

Styling a room with high ceilings is all about celebrating the space while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. By embracing vertical elements like tall curtains, artwork, and bookshelves, and balancing them with grounding features like rugs and low furniture, you can achieve a design that feels both grand and cozy.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—paint the ceiling, introduce bold lighting, or build a dramatic gallery wall. With a thoughtful approach, your high-ceilinged room can go from intimidating to awe-inspiring.

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FAQs

1. How can I make a room with high ceilings feel cozier?

Use warm lighting, large rugs, and layered textiles to add warmth and intimacy. Incorporate tall elements like plants or drapes to visually fill the space.

2. What’s the best way to decorate large, blank walls in a high-ceilinged room?

Try oversized artwork, gallery walls, or textured finishes like shiplap, wainscoting, or wallpaper. Built-in bookshelves are another great option.

3. Can high ceilings make a room feel cold?

Yes, high ceilings can sometimes make a room feel uninviting. Counteract this by adding warm colors, cozy textures, and layered lighting.

4. How do I choose the right chandelier for a high-ceilinged room?

Look for a large-scale chandelier or multiple pendant lights that complement the room’s size and style. Hang it at a height that draws attention without obstructing the view.

5. Are high ceilings energy-efficient?

High ceilings can lead to higher heating and cooling costs. To improve efficiency, use ceiling fans, insulation, and window treatments to regulate temperature.