Apr 93 min readElevating Your Space: Embracing High Ceilings in Your Living Room Affiliate links are used in this post and I may earn commission.I only promote products that I personally want to use in my home.In the realm of interior design, high ceilings are akin to a blank canvas, offering limitless possibilities to transform a space into a breathtaking masterpiece. A living room with high ceilings is one of the most common features you see in barndominiums.To shop the design pieces and furniture used in my barndominium check out my collab with Homemakers! There you can find the pieces I've used to elevate the look of my barndo.Embrace the High CeilingsThe key to mastering a living room with high ceilings lies in embracing verticality. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of the space, capitalize on its grandeur by drawing the eye upward. Opt for statement pieces of furniture that accentuate the height of the room, such as tall bookcases, floor-to-ceiling drapes, or towering indoor plants. These elements not only fill the void but also create a sense of balance and harmony within the space. We opted to fill the space with plenty of windows, leaving little room for things against the wall. This gives you that indoor/outdoor living feel that so many are looking for in a barndominium.Play with Scale Incorporating elements of varying scale is essential for creating visual interest in a room with high ceilings. Experiment with oversized artwork or decorative mirrors to command attention and fill the vertical expanse. Likewise, consider incorporating low-profile furniture to ground the space and prevent it from feeling cavernous. By juxtaposing elements of different sizes, you can establish a sense of depth and dimension that captivates the eye.For function and design appeal we placed our wood stove in the center of the space. The large wall of stone shows the greatness of the room while the mantle at a lower height makes you feel invited to sit by the fire and enjoy the atmosphere.Illuminate the AtmosphereLighting plays a pivotal role in defining the ambiance of any living space, and this rings especially true in rooms with lofty ceilings. Opt for statement light fixtures, such as chandeliers or pendant lights, to illuminate the room and accentuate its verticality. Additionally, strategically placed floor lamps and sconces can create pockets of warmth and intimacy within the vastness of the space. By layering various sources of light, you can imbue your living room with a sense of drama and sophistication that is sure to leave a lasting impression.We used recessed lighting in our design to keep costs lower while still providing a great deal of light to the space. We have lights that feature the wood stove operated independently from the overall lighting in the space. The windows give plenty of natural light, making additional lighting something of personal preference especially during the day.Celebrate Architectural DetailsHigh ceilings are often accompanied by architectural details, such as exposed beams or intricate molding, that lend character and charm to a space. Instead of concealing these features, celebrate them as focal points within your living room design. Highlight exposed beams with a contrasting paint color or draw attention to intricate molding with strategically placed accent lighting. By accentuating these architectural elements, you can infuse your living room with a sense of history and craftsmanship that is both timeless and elegant.Create Intimate ZonesDespite its lofty proportions, a living room with high ceilings should still feel inviting and cozy. To achieve this, consider creating intimate zones within the space that encourage conversation and connection. Arrange furniture in groupings that facilitate interaction, such as around a central coffee table or fireplace, to foster a sense of intimacy amidst the grandeur. Additionally, incorporating plush textiles and soft furnishings can add warmth and comfort to the room, making it a welcoming retreat for both family gatherings and intimate soirées.A question we often are asked is about the noise level of the room. The wood on the ceiling along with the furniture and rugs absolutely helps. While the room is louder than it would be with a lower ceiling, it’s nothing that would make someone uncomfortable. Most of the furnishings use fabrics instead of leathers so that they absorb more of the sound. In conclusion, a living room with high ceilings presents a design opportunity like no other—a chance to elevate your space to new heights of sophistication and style. By embracing verticality, playing with scale, illuminating the atmosphere, celebrating architectural details, and creating intimate zones, you can transform your living room into a breathtaking sanctuary that captivates the senses and inspires awe. It’s definitely worth considering for your barndominium design. Specifications + Other InformationOur Barndominium Plans available through Back Forty BuildingsAll wall + trim colors are Sherwin Williams Extra WhiteTrim in Semi-GlossWalls in SatinMain Floor Concrete Second Level Solid Hardwood
Affiliate links are used in this post and I may earn commission.I only promote products that I personally want to use in my home.In the realm of interior design, high ceilings are akin to a blank canvas, offering limitless possibilities to transform a space into a breathtaking masterpiece. A living room with high ceilings is one of the most common features you see in barndominiums.To shop the design pieces and furniture used in my barndominium check out my collab with Homemakers! There you can find the pieces I've used to elevate the look of my barndo.Embrace the High CeilingsThe key to mastering a living room with high ceilings lies in embracing verticality. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of the space, capitalize on its grandeur by drawing the eye upward. Opt for statement pieces of furniture that accentuate the height of the room, such as tall bookcases, floor-to-ceiling drapes, or towering indoor plants. These elements not only fill the void but also create a sense of balance and harmony within the space. We opted to fill the space with plenty of windows, leaving little room for things against the wall. This gives you that indoor/outdoor living feel that so many are looking for in a barndominium.Play with Scale Incorporating elements of varying scale is essential for creating visual interest in a room with high ceilings. Experiment with oversized artwork or decorative mirrors to command attention and fill the vertical expanse. Likewise, consider incorporating low-profile furniture to ground the space and prevent it from feeling cavernous. By juxtaposing elements of different sizes, you can establish a sense of depth and dimension that captivates the eye.For function and design appeal we placed our wood stove in the center of the space. The large wall of stone shows the greatness of the room while the mantle at a lower height makes you feel invited to sit by the fire and enjoy the atmosphere.Illuminate the AtmosphereLighting plays a pivotal role in defining the ambiance of any living space, and this rings especially true in rooms with lofty ceilings. Opt for statement light fixtures, such as chandeliers or pendant lights, to illuminate the room and accentuate its verticality. Additionally, strategically placed floor lamps and sconces can create pockets of warmth and intimacy within the vastness of the space. By layering various sources of light, you can imbue your living room with a sense of drama and sophistication that is sure to leave a lasting impression.We used recessed lighting in our design to keep costs lower while still providing a great deal of light to the space. We have lights that feature the wood stove operated independently from the overall lighting in the space. The windows give plenty of natural light, making additional lighting something of personal preference especially during the day.Celebrate Architectural DetailsHigh ceilings are often accompanied by architectural details, such as exposed beams or intricate molding, that lend character and charm to a space. Instead of concealing these features, celebrate them as focal points within your living room design. Highlight exposed beams with a contrasting paint color or draw attention to intricate molding with strategically placed accent lighting. By accentuating these architectural elements, you can infuse your living room with a sense of history and craftsmanship that is both timeless and elegant.Create Intimate ZonesDespite its lofty proportions, a living room with high ceilings should still feel inviting and cozy. To achieve this, consider creating intimate zones within the space that encourage conversation and connection. Arrange furniture in groupings that facilitate interaction, such as around a central coffee table or fireplace, to foster a sense of intimacy amidst the grandeur. Additionally, incorporating plush textiles and soft furnishings can add warmth and comfort to the room, making it a welcoming retreat for both family gatherings and intimate soirées.A question we often are asked is about the noise level of the room. The wood on the ceiling along with the furniture and rugs absolutely helps. While the room is louder than it would be with a lower ceiling, it’s nothing that would make someone uncomfortable. Most of the furnishings use fabrics instead of leathers so that they absorb more of the sound. In conclusion, a living room with high ceilings presents a design opportunity like no other—a chance to elevate your space to new heights of sophistication and style. By embracing verticality, playing with scale, illuminating the atmosphere, celebrating architectural details, and creating intimate zones, you can transform your living room into a breathtaking sanctuary that captivates the senses and inspires awe. It’s definitely worth considering for your barndominium design. Specifications + Other InformationOur Barndominium Plans available through Back Forty BuildingsAll wall + trim colors are Sherwin Williams Extra WhiteTrim in Semi-GlossWalls in SatinMain Floor Concrete Second Level Solid Hardwood