A small space doesn’t have to feel dark or cramped. With the right lighting, even the pokiest corner can be transformed into a bright, characterful delight. Here’s how to make a little room feel a lot bigger, lighter, and lovelier…
Why is lighting important in a small space?
Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in a designer’s arsenal, especially when space is limited. Get it right and you can banish shadows, highlight beautiful features, and create a sense of warmth, openness and flow. It’s all about clever placement, layering, and choosing the right fittings for the job.
Ideas and inspiration for lighting small spaces
1. Spread the light around
A single overhead bulb in a small room? Not your friend. It creates shadows and makes the space feel closed in. Instead, combine ceiling lights, wall lights, floor lamps and table lamps to layer the light, add warmth and character, and really open up the space.
In the hallway above, interior designer Clare Weeks has combined our Bulbus pendant in clear glass with the Bow Tie wall light in black and the Crescent table lamp in white marble, drawing the eye along the space and creating an airy, multi-layered feel.
2. Add warmth to dark corners
Quirky architectural features such as alcoves, nooks and chimney breasts can all add charm to a room, but they can also swallow light.
That’s where wall lights come in. Placed at or above eye level, they wash the wall with a soft, flattering glow and make the space feel wider – and all without taking up any additional floor or surface space. Wall lights come in a huge range of different designs, from traditional styles to sleek contemporary designs, so you can find the perfect ones to suit your space.
3. Emphasise the vertical
In a small or narrow room with higher ceilings, long pendant lights can help to draw the eye upwards, emphasising the vertical space and making the room feel more expansive.
Or you can do it from the ground up. A tall, slim floor lamp like the Twinky rechargeable can stretch the eye upward without cluttering the floor.
4. Introduce colour and texture
While minimalism has its place, a bit of colour and texture can actually help small spaces feel more generous. Table lamps are an easy and effective way of transforming a small space: as well as helping to banish dark areas and spread the light more evenly, they’re also lovely decorative objects in their own right – and with a cordless rechargeable table lamp there’s no need to worry about pesky cables or sockets. Pair with a vibrant lampshade to bring personality to a compact corner.
5. Add a touch of sparkle
Reflective materials like glass and metal help bounce light around the room. The Roddy table lamp, with its glass rods and brass fittings, adds instant glam and increases the light quotient.
6. Make a bold statement
Don’t be shy with your lighting scale: a large pendant or chandelier in a small room can actually make the space feel more expansive. A contemporary chandelier brings a sense of drama and light-catching sparkle.
7. Double the sense of space with mirrors and lights
Mirrors are brilliant for making rooms feel bigger, and their powers double when paired with lighting. Hang one near a light source to bounce light back into the room. Read more in our guide to pairing mirrors and lights.
At Pooky, we believe beautiful lighting isn’t just for grand spaces. Explore our full range of home lighting and accessories and discover how even the smallest rooms can shine.
