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Feeling Boxed-In? How Ceiling Height Affects Space Perception
- Bill Zhao
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
You probably know the feeling of walking into a gigantic space and feeling in awe – whether it’s a museum, auditorium, or an exotic overseas mall. The breadth of a great space can be seriously breathtaking, and taking into consideration its effects can make your next home or renovation feel a lot more expansive. While the key contributor is of course the ceiling, this also extends to the layout and fit out of a room.
Why Does it Affect Perception?
A common fear among humans is claustrophobia, or the fear of tight, enclosed spaces. People typically associate this word with vent shafts or caves, but its effects can be felt even in rooms a lot larger than ourselves. This fear is not unfounded, and in fact has very strong, and reasonable roots in human survival, such as escape navigability.
From a neurological perspective, the type of space activates different areas of the brain. Open spaces activated regions related to attentiveness and visuospatial exploration. On the other end, closed rooms activated areas related to emotions responses, including anxiety and fear. This is what leads to the sense of wonder in large space and a certain constrictiveness in smaller ones.
How Does it Affect Perception?
By using a higher ceiling, you invite a sense of openness and airiness. Even though the extra space is inaccessible, it is nonetheless pivotal for opening up the room simply through perceived potential. But it’s not height alone that adds to the feel: lighting, accessories, and décor can contribute greatly to its perceived size. Larger spaces demand larger features for grander look: this can involve upgrading your lights to chandeliers, incorporating wall-to-floor windows, or oversized art and drapery.
Skylights are great for adding an extra touch of freedom, along with a sense of mobility. Light colours for the walls help breathe space, while warm or dark colours such as red or black can be more confining. Similarly, if a space is littered with furniture, it provides both visual and physical clutter, which gives a sense of slowness in navigation. If you’re in control of your next build, consider tailoring the ceiling height to its intended effect.
What are the Effects of Greater Perception?
Small rooms can give the sense of being trapped, especially if it’s not a space you’re familiar with. Low ceilings and tight walls evoke a decision to exit, with many people seeing it as an enclosure with limited space to leave if needed. Conversely, small spaces that are known or owned can be seen as safe, cosy, and intimate.
Taller spaces emphasise creativity, wisdom, and a sense of grandeur. Wider rooms focus on practicality, collaboration, and connectedness. Often, tall spaces are compared to that of a cathedral, which promotes abstract thinking and freedom, as though all the empty space is fuel for your thoughts.
While it might seem like having taller ceilings offers nothing but benefits, it is often the case that they are neither practical nor affordable. You may not even need the pros on offer. A well-proportioned, modestly-sized space can be just as practical, while still offering a breathable layout.
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