11 Designer Tricks That Will Make Your Ceilings Look Twice as High

Instead of stopping at the top of your window frame, keep going to the ceiling. "Your eye will be immediately drawn to the highest point on the wall, which will make your ceilings seem taller," says designer Ryland Witt.

In other words, pieces that sit closer to the floor. "Low-profile furniture avoids making your room feel cramped and closed in," says designer Farah Merhi. Which makes total sense, since it physically takes up less space and makes the distance between the top of your furniture and your ceiling greater.

"Use paint or wallpaper to create a vertical stripe pattern on the walls," recommends designer Francesco Bilotto. After all, the key to making ceilings seem higher is using design tricks that draw eyes upwards and this one literally points people's spectacles in the right direction.

These reflective surfaces always make a room feel bigger, but this is especially true when they're installed a bit higher than usual, says Bilotto. "This, in an instant, adds a tremendous amount of help when you want to achieve an expansive look," he says.

"Even though a chandelier or drum shade fixture can add a luxurious touch to any room, they can also be the culprit and bring the ceiling height down," says Bilotto. That's why he recommends flush mount light fixtures or recessed lights.

Bilotto says you shouldn't be afraid of selecting taller furniture pieces (like these bookshelves). "You'll just want to make sure to keep your upholstered pieces, like chairs or sofas, in a low-profile style," he says, since the goal is to create height by playing with different dimensions.

But make sure you add these details (like plaster molding) to your ceiling — not your floors. "This draws the attention up, making your ceilings feel taller than they actually are," Merhi says.

To prevent your room from feeling overwhelming or ultra busy, stick with neutral or light shades. But don't worry: That doesn't mean you have to go completely white. "Add a pop of color through your accents, like your pillows and decorative items," Merhi says.

If you're lucky enough to have one of these amenities in your room, make sure the finish goes all the way up to the ceiling. "Not only does it make your room feel bigger, but you also get a focal point out of it," Merhi says.

This could include adding a pretty coat of paint or adding unexpected wallpaper that guests won't be able to stop starring at. Another trick? Merhi recommends using a high gloss paint: "The reflection will make your ceiling seem taller," she says.

Merhi says she can't stress how important this is enough. "A clean and organized room makes your whole space feel bright, airy, and spacious," she says. "Use built in shelving, floor-to-ceiling shelving, or nice wicker baskets for storage solutions."