The Ideal Bedroom Ceiling Height: How High Should It Be?

Bedroom ceiling heights can vary depending on the desired atmosphere and the type of room. The standard ceiling height is 8 feet, but 9-foot ceilings are increasingly common. Some people prefer an 8-foot ceiling in a bedroom to create a cosy feeling, while others opt for higher ceilings to accommodate overhead additions like ceiling fans or to make the room feel more spacious. The minimum ceiling height allowed is 7 feet, but it can be as low as 6 feet, 8 inches in bathrooms and laundry rooms.

The standard height of a bedroom ceiling

The standard height of a ceiling in a bedroom is 8 feet or 96 inches, although it is increasingly common to see 9-foot ceilings. The minimum ceiling height is 7 feet, though it can be as low as 6 feet, 8 inches in the bathroom and laundry rooms.

The standard ceiling height used to be 8 feet, which was due to the typical length of lumber and an attempt to reduce heating and cooling costs across the country by reducing the volume of the home interior. In 1995 and for years after that, the standard height changed, increasing by a foot.

According to real estate agent Christine Shipp, "Open and spacious with tall ceilings will often mean a grander, more expensive home with higher utility bills. Lower ceilings will make for a cozier home with less money spent on electricity."

Some people prefer an 8-foot ceiling in the bedroom to give the room a cozy feeling.

Pros and cons of high ceilings

Bedroom ceilings are typically 9 feet high. However, some people prefer an 8-foot ceiling to give the bedroom a cozier feeling.

Now, here are the pros and cons of high ceilings:

Pros of High Ceilings

High ceilings are desirable for many homeowners, and for good reason. Here are some of the benefits of high ceilings:

More Room for Aesthetic Elements

High ceilings give you more freedom to experiment with your interior design. You can hang larger portraits or other pieces of decor that would look too overpowering in a room with low ceilings.

More Natural Light

High ceilings can accommodate panoramic windows, which let in an abundance of natural light. This can make your home feel brighter, more open, and more welcoming.

Spacious Feel

High ceilings can make a room feel more spacious, even if it is small. They also allow you to install beautiful feature lighting, such as a chandelier, to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the room.

Luxe Look

High ceilings can give your home a luxurious and impressive look. They can turn a nice home into a stunning one and never go out of style.

Increased Home Value

High ceilings are a sought-after feature by potential homebuyers. They create a "wow" factor during open houses and can make your home easier to sell and attract higher offers.

Cons of High Ceilings

Despite their many benefits, high ceilings also come with some drawbacks. Here are some of the disadvantages of high ceilings:

Maintenance and Cleaning

High ceilings can be more difficult to clean, paint, and maintain. You may need to invest in a longer ladder or even hire a contractor to help with these tasks.

Heating and Cooling

High ceilings can contribute to higher energy bills, as it is harder to heat and cool a larger space. Heat rises, so rooms with high ceilings may be harder to keep warm in the winter.

Extra Noise and Echo

High ceilings can make a room noisier, as sound travels easily through open spaces. They can also cause echoes, which can be annoying and distracting for those trying to concentrate or sleep.

Building Costs

If you're building a new home, high ceilings will likely come with additional construction costs. While many people believe it's money well spent, it's important to consider your budget and priorities.

Ultimately, the decision to have high ceilings comes down to personal preference. While they can enhance the look and feel of your home, they may also require some extra work and expense.

Pros and cons of low ceilings

Bedroom ceiling heights can vary, but they are typically 8 to 9 feet. Some people prefer an 8-foot ceiling in a bedroom to give a cozier feeling. Now, here are the pros and cons of low ceilings:

Pros of Low Ceilings

• Cost savings on heating and cooling: Smaller spaces require less energy to heat and cool, resulting in reduced utility costs.
• Cozy atmosphere: Low ceilings can create a warm and inviting ambiance, making the space feel more intimate and comfortable.
• Better suited for certain interior styles: Low ceilings complement specific interior design styles, such as Scandinavian, minimalist, and modern. They provide an opportunity to experiment with textures while avoiding large prints that can make the space feel cramped.
• Reduced cost of wall décor: With lower walls, there is less surface area to cover, potentially reducing the cost of wall décor.
• Easier maintenance: Lower ceilings are more accessible for cleaning, changing light bulbs, and other maintenance tasks, eliminating the need for ladders or extra effort.
• Enhanced sense of proportion: Low ceilings can make a space feel more proportional, especially in smaller rooms, creating a well-balanced and harmonious environment.

Cons of Low Ceilings

• Limited design options: Low ceilings restrict the use of certain design elements, such as decorative cornices, intricate ceiling details, or elaborate light fixtures that require substantial height.
• Perceived reduction in space: Low ceilings can make a room feel smaller and more confined, which may be undesirable, especially in larger spaces.
• Inadequate for certain individuals: Taller individuals may find low ceilings uncomfortable or restrictive, impacting their overall experience in the space.
• Limited natural light and ventilation: Due to the reduced height, low ceilings may not accommodate large windows, resulting in decreased natural light and ventilation.
• Challenges with specific interior styles: While low ceilings suit certain styles, they may clash with other interior design preferences, such as vintage, pop, bohemian, or classic, which often favour taller spaces.

How to improve a low ceiling

While high ceilings are desirable for many, low ceilings have their advantages. Rooms with lower ceilings are more cost-effective to heat, easier to light, and can create a more intimate and cosy atmosphere.

However, if you want to improve a low ceiling, there are several ways to do so. Firstly, you could opt for a structural change, raising the ceiling by a foot or two, or creating a cathedral or vaulted ceiling by extending part of the ceiling into the attic.

If you don't want to make such drastic changes, there are other ways to create the illusion of height:

• Expose the structure: Removing the drywall ceiling and exposing the joists or concrete ceiling can give the room a more industrial vibe and a bit more visual headspace.
• Use decor: Adding tall mirrors, vertical stripes, or vertical displays can draw the eye upwards, making the ceiling seem taller.
• Use colour: Painting the walls and ceiling the same colour, or using a darker shade on the bottom half of the wall, can make the ceiling seem taller. Alternatively, a bold colour or wallpaper on the ceiling can bring it to the foreground, turning it into a design feature.
• Choose the right furniture: Low, horizontal furniture that hugs the floor will increase the perceived height of the room by maximising the space between the furniture and the ceiling.
• Keep lighting flush: Flush-mounted lighting will create the appearance of more headroom.
• Use window coverings sparingly: Simple, floor-to-ceiling window coverings will make the room feel more spacious.
• Use glass: Glass doors and panels can elongate the walls and borrow natural light from adjoining rooms, making the room feel brighter and more spacious.

These tricks can help you improve a low ceiling, creating the illusion of height and making the most of your space.

How to measure ceiling height

There are several ways to measure the height of a ceiling. The most accurate way is to use a tape measure. Place one end of the tape measure on the floor and extend it up to the ceiling. Read the measurement on the tape to determine the ceiling height. Make sure to add the width of the tape measure itself to the final reading.

If your ceiling is too high to reach, there are a few alternative methods you can try. One method is to use a piece of string and tape. Tape the string to the ceiling and then measure the length of the string when you pull it down. Another option is to use two pieces of wood. Slide them together until they reach the ceiling and floor, clamp them in place, and then measure the length of the wood on the ground.

If you don't have a tape measure, you can try a simple trick using your arm. Recruit a friend to stand against the wall below the ceiling you want to measure. Stand about 20 feet in front of the same wall and extend your arm in front of you. "Measure" your friend's height using your thumb and index finger by forming an open backward C. Keep the same spacing between your thumb and finger and continue "measuring" up the wall until you reach the ceiling. Take your friend's approximate height and multiply it by the number of "measurements" from the floor to the ceiling. For example, if your friend is 6 feet tall and it took 2.5 "measurements" to reach the ceiling, the ceiling height is 15 feet (6 x 2.5 = 15).

If your ceiling has multiple heights, such as a sloping or tray ceiling, you will need to take multiple measurements. Measure the highest and lowest points of the ceiling to get a basic height range for the room.

Some smartphone apps use augmented reality technology to measure ceiling height without the need for any additional tools. However, keep in mind that the accuracy of these measurements may vary between different applications.

Frequently asked questions