A double-height space is the hardest brief in residential lighting — and the most rewarding when it's done well. The volume demands scale, but the piece has to earn its presence from every angle, including from above on a landing. Here's how we'd approach it, using the strongest pieces in the new CTO Lighting release.
For stairwells: go vertical
A stairwell wants a piece that falls, not spreads. The new Trace Free Fall was designed for exactly this: five, seven or nine veiled glass shades tumbling down connected metal strands like a cascade frozen mid-fall. Because the glass is worked with liquid opal and pulegoso techniques, it looks as good unlit in daylight as it does glowing at dusk — essential when the piece is visible all day.
For entrance halls: the floating ring
The Avalon Chandelier suspends a ring of honed alabaster on near-invisible stainless cables, so it appears to float. The extra-large 1300mm version holds its own under a galleried landing, while the Avalon Triple staggers three rings at different heights for true double-height drama.
For grand dining and reception rooms
Where the ceiling is high but the room is lived in, scale needs warmth. The two-metre Ivy Round 15 reaches outward on organically curving bronzed arms — fifteen shades of opal or smoked glass casting a wide, ambient pool. For something more architectural, the Trace Circular Halo layers two seamless arcs of glass and metal into the collection's grandest form.
Three rules of thumb
First, measure the drop, not just the diameter — a stairwell piece should finish no lower than 2.1m above the highest tread it hangs over. Second, choose dimmable control from day one; every piece above is available with DALI options for whole-house systems. Third, think about the unlit hours: natural materials like alabaster and worked glass reward daylight in a way painted metal never will.
Planning a project? Our team offers specification support and trade pricing for designers and hospitality schemes — contact trade@aracointeriors.com, or browse the full CTO Lighting range.