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Guide: How to illuminate a small room?

Lighting plays a crucial role in interior design, especially in small spaces. Rooms with limited square footage can feel cramped and overwhelming, but the right lighting can visually expand them, adding a sense of airiness and cosiness. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you effectively illuminate a small living room, kitchen, or bedroom. Embrace multi-level lighting

Guide: How to illuminate a small room? - 1

Embrace multi-level lighting
In small rooms, it’s beneficial to use multi-level lighting, which incorporates several light sources at varying heights. Instead of relying on a single overhead fixture, combine ceiling lights with wall lamps and table or floor lamps. This arrangement adds depth to the space, making it feel more expansive.
For example, the Kanlux ELICEO fixed downlights not only provide the main source of light but also feature two rings in the casing that enhance the decorative effect while illuminating the ceiling, creating an optical lift. They are available in various colors—white, black, white-gold, pink, green, and blue—making it easy to match them with your interior décor.
 

Tip:
Small spaces work best with light wall colours and warm light tones (around 2700-3000K). White or pastel walls reflect light, making the area appear larger and more open.

Invest in LED lighting
LED lighting is an excellent choice for small spaces—it’s energy-efficient, durable, and comes in many forms, from traditional bulbs to LED strips and spotlights. Particularly practical in compact areas and hard-to-reach spots are LED strips installed on furniture, under cabinets, or along skirting boards. This type of lighting subtly diffuses throughout the room, giving the illusion of more space.
The Kanlux LCOB LED strip is perfect for small interiors; it occupies minimal space while delivering impressive visual effects. It boasts high luminous efficacy and even light distribution, regardless of the length, depth of the profile, or opacity of the lampshade.

 

Lighting around furniture – functionality and aesthetics
In small rooms, lighting near furniture is especially important. Under-cabinet lighting in kitchens or spotlights on shelves not only facilitate daily activities but also highlight interior details, adding elegance. Consider installing lighting inside cabinets or bookshelves to create a gentle glow in the space. This is particularly functional in cramped kitchen worktops, closets that lack primary light, deep drawers, or during evenings when you can illuminate a small area with subtle side lighting instead of a harsh overhead light.
The Kanlux DAXA under-cabinet fixture features a touchless switch that activates the light upon motion detection. It enables easy connection of multiple fixtures into a single, aesthetically pleasing, and functional light line. Additionally, it offers adjustable light colour—from warm to cool—enabling customisation based on individual preferences.

 

Ceiling lighting – unobtrusive and minimalist
In small interiors, nonintrusive, understated light sources, such as ceiling-mounted lights or small fixed downlights, work exceptionally well. Opt for models with simple shapes that won’t dominate the space but still provide adequate brightness.
Kanlux VARSO LED fixtures are a great choice for low rooms. These ceiling-mounted lights come in two shapes (round and square) and two power options (18W and 24W). You can also select the colour of the light—ranging from warm to neutral—according to your preferences. The Kanlux VARSO ceiling-mounted lights lack a frame, allowing greater illumination coverage, as the lampshade does not limit the light beam. This is crucial in small rooms, where there is typically one main light source that needs to illuminate the entire area.
For suspended ceilings, opt for recessed fixed downlights that are concealed within the ceiling structure, preventing the space from feeling lower.

Tip:
Don’t forget about natural light. Avoid blocking windows with heavy curtains that hinder daylight. Transparent fabrics or Roman blinds will better diffuse sunlight, further visually expanding the area.

 

 

Accent and directional lighting – add character
Accent lighting can highlight specific elements of your interior, such as artwork, bookshelves, or decorative pieces. By adjusting the light intensity, you can easily set the atmosphere—from bright and functional to soft and cosy.
Fixed downlights with adjustable beam angles are a niche solution in the market. They are ideal for small spaces where you want to use light to highlight a specific area. The Kanlux FIZU LED fixtures are a modern solution, perfect for living rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms, and they can also be used in bathrooms and humid areas (IP44). The ability to adjust the light beam by 30° enables precise light direction where it’s needed most. 
Another excellent option is the Kanlux GALOBA—small spherical spotlights that can be used for both ceiling and wall lighting, allowing you to direct light wherever you wish.

 

The right lighting for a small room is key to creating a cosy and functional space. Focus on diverse light sources, avoid heavy, dominating fixtures, and choose bright, warm tones that visually expand the interior. Remember to utilise mirrors and maximise natural light; these are simple ways to make your small room brighter and more spacious.


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