If you are trying to make a small space feel larger, light is key. In addition to using light colours and maximising natural light, you also need to pay attention to the lights and lamps you use in your small space.

To make your space feel larger, here are four tips to keep in mind as well as advice on when to ignore these tips:

1. Ditch the overhead lighting

In most small rooms, you want to avoid overhead lighting. It draws the eye to a single spot and thus creates the illusion of a smaller space. The exception to this rule is if you are decorating a small foyer or dining room – in both cases, an overhead chandelier adds to the style of the room.

2. Use at least three lamps

Instead of overhead lighting, your room should have at least three lamps. Ideally, these lamps should be set in spaces where they illuminate tasks or features. For example, a floor lamp behind a chair creates a spot for reading or knitting, while a set of lamps on a buffet or sideboard illuminate decorative objects in that area.

The exception to this rule happens when you don't have enough floor or table space to accommodate lamps. In that case, consider track lighting. With a single track, you can have two, three or more spotlights that can be trained on anything in the room.

3. Use mirrors to enhance lighting

Mirrors are inherently useful in small spaces as they reflect parts of the room, creating the illusion of more space. Mirrors also reflect light, helping to brighten up your space.

However, if your walls are full of windows, you can skip the mirrors. Instead, cover your windows with sheer treatments, and let the sun work with your lamps to light up your room.

4. Choose lamps and lamp shades carefully

When you choose lights, you don't just think about the light they produce. You also need to think about the style impact made by the lamp and its shade. Ideally, you should stick with light coloured lamps and shades, and you should avoid busy patterns. Light colours reflect light, making your space feel more open and airy, and busy patterns can make a small room feel cramped and cluttered.

However, you can break this rule. If everything in your room is light coloured, you can play with dark-colored lamps as accent pieces. Additionally, if your room is relatively sparsely furnished and has primarily big, bold patterns, you can include small lamps with busy patterns – as long as you use them sparingly, they won't make the space feel cluttered. For more information, contact a business such as Lighting & Ceramics.