The right lighting concept: 10 tips to make your rooms look bigger

A small room doesn't have to feel cramped – with the right light, amazing magnifying effects can be achieved. Did you know, for example, that a cleverly placed mirror can almost double the perceived living space? Contrasts between light and dark lighting zones also influence our perception: they can make rooms appear deeper, while uniform light makes them appear rather flat and small. Such insights make you curious for more. We show you ten tried and tested tips on how to make your rooms more visually spacious with a well thought-out lighting concept - without any structural changes.

How light influences the perception of space

The interaction of light and shadow affects our perception of depth, height, and the overall spaciousness of a room. Well-distributed and layered light can create a sense of space. So it's not just about making a room brighter, but about actively using light to change the perception of its size.

In rooms without pronounced contrasts, the apparent size increases with the average brightness of the room surfaces. In addition to general brightness, the clear definition of edges and surfaces through light and shadow also plays a role in our perception of space.

The following tips describe how you can use the influence of light to optimize the perceived size of your rooms.

Tip 1: Multiple light sources instead of a single one

Avoid a single central light source that visually overwhelms the room. Instead, place different lamps around the room, such as a combination of a ceiling lamp, floor lamp, wall lamp or table lamp. These distributed light sources create different light zones, create depth and structure in the room and give it a spacious atmosphere.

Tip 2: Make sure there is sufficient basic brightness

Rooms that are too dark automatically appear smaller. Therefore, ensure that the basic light is sufficiently bright, for example by using bright LEDs . Modern LED panels or ceiling spotlights are ideal for optimally imitating daylight and compensating for a lack of sunlight. The brighter the basic lighting (without dazzling), the more open and friendly the room looks.

Tip 3: Use indirect light for depth

Indirect light creates smooth transitions between light and shadow, which instantly makes rooms feel larger. LED strips behind cabinets, under shelves or behind the back of the sofa add depth to the room. The visual effect: walls seem to recede, and the room seems less limited and much wider.

Tip 4: Illuminate the ceiling

Consciously direct the light towards the ceiling, for example with ceiling washlights, LED strips or upward-facing wall spotlights. This trick visually opens up the room upwards and makes low ceilings appear higher. This approach is particularly effective in rooms with low ceiling heights, where every additional centimetre of visual room height counts.

Tip 5: Don't leave walls and corners dark

Dark, poorly lit corners make any room look smaller and narrower. Therefore, consciously rely on lamps that set light accents in corners of the room. Wall lamps, LED spotlights or small table lamps on shelves or niches distribute light in a targeted manner in the room and ensure that every corner is well illuminated. This makes the entire room look larger and much friendlier.

Tip 6: Choose slim and transparent lamps

Small rooms benefit enormously from slim and filigree lamps that do not dominate the feeling of space. Lamps made of transparent materials such as glass or acrylic ensure that light can shine unhindered and at the same time does not obstruct the view in the room. A slender floor lamp or pendant lamps made of glass have an airy effect and make the room appear larger and less crowded.

Tip 7: Use suitable ceiling lights

In small rooms and low ceilings, you should use flat ceiling lamps or recessed spotlights, as they take up little space and do not visually push the ceiling down. LED panels offer a wide range of space-saving options that blend discreetly into any ceiling and still provide very good and even lighting.

Tip 8: Use mirrors as light amplifiers

Mirrors reflect and distribute the light in the room. A large mirror mounted opposite a window or light source not only makes a room appear much brighter, but also makes it look larger. Especially in small entrance areas, bathrooms or bedrooms, this trick provides impressive effects.

Tip 9: Set accents with modern LED solutions

Use modern LED technology in a targeted manner to create special accents in the room. For example, shelves, cupboards, skirting boards or stair treads can be equipped with LED strips. These subtle lines of light create visual highlights that make pieces of furniture appear to float and give the room more space and elegance overall. In addition, you can use it to highlight areas that attract attention and make the room more interesting.

Tip 10: Play with light colors and brightness

By selecting the right light colour and variable brightness, the effect of the room can be significantly influenced. Neutral white light (approx. 4000 Kelvin) makes rooms look fresh, clear and spacious. Warm white light (2700-3000 Kelvin), on the other hand, creates cosiness and comfort, but looks a little more compact. Smart lighting offers the advantage that the intensity and colour of the light can be easily adjusted. This flexibility can be used to optimize the feeling of spaciousness at different times of the day or for different activities. 

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the lighting concept for small rooms

Which types of lamps are particularly suitable for small rooms?

Wall lights and flat ceiling lights are good for small spaces because they don't take up any floor space. Slender floor or table lamps are also practical. On the other hand, avoid expansive chandeliers and other bulky lights that visually dominate the room.

How much brightness (lumens) should you plan for in a small room?

For living rooms, about 100 to 150 lumens per square meter are sufficient. The kitchen and bathroom may be brightly lit (up to about 300 lumens per square metre). In the bedroom, it should be a little less – the most important thing is an even distribution without completely dark corners.

What color of light makes a small room look bigger?

Neutral white to warm white light (approx. 2700 to 3200K) usually creates a good balance of brightness and comfort. Cool white light appears particularly bright, but often cool; very warm light is atmospheric, but can make the room look a little smaller - dimmable lamps are therefore ideal for adaptation.

Does a mirror really make the small room bigger?

Yes – mirrors reflect the light, creating the illusion of extra depth. A large mirror opposite a window or lamp makes the room appear much brighter and wider.

What to do if the ceiling is very low?

For low ceilings, use flat ceiling lamps or spotlights because they do not hang down. In addition, indirect light upwards helps: A ceiling washlight or an LED strip on the upper wall makes the ceiling appear higher (larger pendant lights should only be installed above tables in such rooms).

With the right lighting concept for a generous feeling of space

The targeted use of light can change the perception of room size. By following our tips, you can create spacious and inviting living areas even from small spaces.