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The Influence of Ceiling Height on Perceived Spaciousness in Residential Interiors

Abstract

Ceiling height is an important spatial characteristic that influences how residential interiors are perceived and experienced by occupants. The vertical dimension of a room can affect perceptions of openness, enclosure, comfort, privacy, and spaciousness, even where the floor area remains unchanged. As housing designs increasingly respond to constraints such as limited floor area and urban land costs, the effective use of vertical space becomes an important consideration in creating comfortable residential environments. Understanding the relationship between ceiling height and perceived spaciousness can therefore support more responsive interior and architectural design. This study examines the influence of ceiling height on perceived spaciousness in residential interiors, focusing on how variations in vertical dimensions affect occupants' visual and psychological perception of space. The research considers different ceiling heights in relation to room width, length, furniture arrangement, openings, lighting, and interior finishes. It also investigates whether variations in ceiling height produce differences in users' perceptions of openness, spaciousness, comfort, and spatial quality within residential environments. The study explores the psychological mechanisms through which ceiling height can influence spatial perception. Higher ceilings may create a stronger sense of openness and visual expansion, while lower ceilings may produce a greater feeling of enclosure and intimacy. However, the perceived effect of ceiling height may vary according to room proportions, lighting conditions, window dimensions, colour, material selection, and the presence of architectural features such as beams or suspended ceilings. These relationships demonstrate that vertical dimensions should be considered alongside other elements of interior spatial composition. The research further considers the functional and environmental implications of ceiling height in residential spaces. Higher ceilings can increase room volume and influence natural ventilation, air movement, daylight distribution, and indoor temperature, while lower ceilings may provide greater spatial efficiency and potentially reduce the volume of conditioned air. Furniture scale, occupancy patterns, activity type, and cultural preferences may also influence perceptions of appropriate ceiling height. The study therefore considers perceived spaciousness as a multidimensional experience shaped by both physical and psychological factors. The findings are expected to provide useful information for architects, interior designers, housing developers, and building professionals seeking to optimize residential spatial quality. The study may identify ceiling height characteristics that contribute to positive perceptions of spaciousness without requiring substantial increases in floor area. It may also demonstrate how ceiling height can be coordinated with room proportions, daylighting, colour, furniture, and interior detailing to create a stronger perception of spatial openness and comfort. Ultimately, the study aims to establish a clearer understanding of the relationship between ceiling height and perceived spaciousness in residential interiors. By examining vertical dimensions alongside room proportions, environmental conditions, interior elements, and occupant perceptions, the research contributes to human-centred approaches to residential design. The findings can support evidence-based decisions concerning ceiling dimensions and encourage architects to consider vertical space as an important component of perceived residential quality.

Keywords: Ceiling height, Perceived spaciousness, Residential interiors, Spatial perception, Interior design, Room proportions, Visual perception, Spatial quality, Psychological comfort, Vertical space, Residential architecture, Interior environment, Human-centred design, Housing design.