Living Room Decorating Ideas Cathedral Ceiling

Living Room Decorating Ideas for Cathedral Ceilings

Cathedral ceilings, with their soaring heights and dramatic angles, offer a unique and impressive feature for any living room. However, decorating a space with such a distinctive architectural element can pose its own challenges. The vastness of the ceiling can make furniture appear dwarfed, while the angled walls can create awkward corners and complicate the placement of lighting. But with careful planning and creative solutions, you can transform your cathedral ceilinged living room into a beautiful and functional space.

Play with Verticality

The key to decorating a cathedral ceilinged living room is to embrace the verticality. Tall furniture, such as floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, armoires, or statement mirrors, can help to visually anchor the space and break up the vast emptiness of the ceiling. You can also use vertical elements in your decor, such as tall plants, floor lamps with long stems, or even a dramatic vertical painting or tapestry. These elements will draw the eye upwards, emphasizing the grandeur of the ceiling without overwhelming the room.

Consider using furniture that is slightly taller than average, particularly in areas where you want to draw attention. A tall, elegant sofa or a pair of armchairs with high backs can create a sense of formality and balance the height of the room. Consider using a tall bookcase or a bookshelf that extends almost to the ceiling to create a visual focal point. The vertical lines of these pieces will help ground the ceiling, creating a more balanced and cohesive look.

Embrace the Light

Cathedral ceilings naturally lend themselves to dramatic lighting schemes. Chandeliers, especially ones with a long, cascading design, can make a statement while also providing ample illumination. Avoid using small, recessed lights, as these will be dwarfed by the height of the ceiling. Opt for larger, statement pieces, such as a chandelier, pendant lights, or even sconces positioned high on the walls.

If natural light is limited, consider incorporating skylights to bring in more light. They can be strategically placed to maximize sunlight and create interesting patterns of light across the floor and furniture. Additionally, you can use mirrors placed strategically on angled walls to reflect light throughout the room. This will create a sense of openness and brightness, even on cloudy days.

Create Zones and Focal Points

A large cathedral ceilinged living room can feel empty and disconnected. To create a sense of intimacy and define different areas of the space, you can utilize furniture placement and area rugs. Use furniture to define distinct seating areas, such as a conversation pit around a fireplace or a cozy reading nook.

Area rugs can also help to define zones within the room. A large rug beneath a seating area can visually separate the area from the rest of the room, while a smaller rug can create a cozy feel in a reading nook. Consider using complementary colors and textures to create visual interest and cohesion throughout the space.

By using furniture and rugs to define zones and create visual anchors, you can create a sense of warmth and intimacy in your cathedral ceilinged living room.