Photo @fionamphoto

1. Natural light is king

 Image via Pinterest

 2. Layering

Ok, so natural light is king but realistically, a lot of the time you spend in the room will be once the sun has gone down. No matter how small you room, you need to make sure you have multiple sources of light to make the room as functional (and atmospheric) as you can. Layer up lights so that you have your main light (whether that is pendant or spotlight), task lighting for specific tasks such as reading or cooking and mood lighting to create, well, mood. 

Image via @mybedroomgoals

Check our our pinterest page for more small space lighting inspo

 3. Tall floor lights

Where you are working with minmal space, create vertical lines by using tall floor lights. Where possible, use multifunctional but beautiful furniture like this side table with floor lamp incorporated.

Image @hartoeditions

4. Pendant lights

Use long pendant lights to create a feeling of space within a room, preferably with no light shade to maximise the radiance of the bulb used. This oak and rope one adds texture and personality to the room too. 

Image @fionamphoto 

5. Shady choices

Give a lot of thought to shades. Lighter colour shades will allow the light to shine through more and give you better illumination, darker shades will direct the light into a specific corner. There are a lot of modern designs which dispense with shades altogether especially with the rise of designer Edison style bulbs available. Our favourite for a small space is to use a glass shade which will allow a lot of light through but also create a beautiful statement piece.

Image via Pinterest

6. Think outside the box

Use lighting in unexpected ways, whether that is using a pendant light above your bedside to free up your bedside table space, under kitchen cabinet lighting in your bedroom or a huge statement chandelier in a bathroom. Using lighting differently can add that wow factor or help create the ambiance you need in a small space.

7. Check scale

Make sure you’ve got your proportions right. A lot of lighting and furniture is designed for bigger rooms, check for smaller lights to ensure the scale is right in your space.

Image @fionamphoto

8. Throw out the rule book

Or scrap the point above and simply use a massive oversize pendant or table light to create a statement in your room. This can create a really dramatic look which works well for some small spaces. Just make sure you keep the rest of your lighting to scale, too many statement pieces can confuse the eye.

Image via Pinterest

 9. #mood

Finally, you want a room that is ambient for all occasions whatever you are using it for. Lighting is not all about illumination, it can be key in creating the vibe of the room. So, in the final part of your light layering, add anything you need that will help your create a relaxing, romantic or chilled space whether that is fairy lights, candles or even a disco light! This is the least functional but by far the most important step in our view.

 Image via Pinterest

So, there you have our top tips for lighting up your small space. We are always looking for more ideas, how do you light your small space? Do share!