Recessed lighting is perfect for low ceilings and in spaces where you want the focus to be on the decor, not the light fixtures.
Rooms with short ceilings commonly feature low-profile lighting; however, such lights can be welcome additions in spaces with even the grandest of ceiling heights, whether on their own or in conjunction with taller fixtures. Ideally, keep at least 7 feet clear between the bottom of the fixture and the floor below it, and always use a mix of different lighting types in a room, especially when it comes to low-profile fixtures. For example, a single flush-mounted dome lamp in the center of the room, without any additional floor or table lamps, recessed lighting or other fixtures, will look dated and create a dark, uninteresting lighting scheme.
Recessed Lighting
Perfect for creating room-wide overhead lighting or highlight specific areas of the space, recessed lighting is as low-profile as it gets. Install down lights for room-wide overhead lighting or eyeball lights to control the lights' direction. Recessed lighting creates a warm, cozy atmosphere keeping the space open. Without any visual breaks in the ceiling, which occur with other types of lighting, recessed lights maintain a continuous line of sight across the room.
Common Low-Profile Fixtures
The most common and cost-effective types of low-profile lighting are fixtures that feature a small dome covering the bulb. These emanate a fair amount of light while still keeping plenty of clearance between the fixture and the floor below. Purchase and install low-profile fixtures between 2 and 3 inches in height, either in plain glass or with an etched, decorative design. When it comes to replacing fixtures that hang too low, these units don't require rewiring jobs or cutouts in the ceiling (as is the case for recessed lighting), making them easy replacement options.
Cove and Rope Lighting
Nestle cove lighting behind ceiling trim or around a tray ceiling to highlight the architectural features of the room and to enhance the amount of the light in the space, all without installing any obvious fixtures that hang down and break up the ceiling. Install rope lighting around artwork or along the bottom of shelving to add decorative lighting without taking up any space or detracting from what you're trying to highlight. These types of low-profile fixtures also make excellent under-counter lighting.
Flush-Mounted Traditional Fixtures
Many traditional-style fixtures that typically hang lower can be flush-mounted, reducing the profile of the unit while still giving you that classic look. For example, a low-profile ceiling fan is around 12 inches high, from the ceiling to the bottom of the fan, while several retailers also offer classic chandelier pieces that spread across the ceiling, rather than hanging down. These options provide a dramatic effect without losing any space below.
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