Need Creative Ideas? Find a High Ceiling

Introduction

We’ve all been there.

You’re staring at a blank page, desperately trying to come up with ideas for your next project, but nothing flows. Or maybe you have ideas, but they feel too conventional—you need something more “outside the box.”

Perhaps you don’t need creativity at all, but deep, uninterrupted focus to power through a task.

Maybe what you need isn’t another overpriced coffee from your favorite café.

Maybe what you need is a change of scenery that taps into the Cathedral Effect.

What is the Cathedral Effect?

Think back to the last time you visited a cathedral—or any building with a soaring, high ceiling. Remember how awe-inspiring it felt?

How your gaze naturally drifted upward, marveling at the architecture, while your mind seemed to wander freely, exploring new ideas and possibilities.

Now, contrast that with the last time you were in a space with low ceilings, like your high school library.

Remember how it felt more confined, almost tunnel-like? In that environment, you likely found it easier to focus on the task at hand, tuning out distractions and zeroing in on the details.

This phenomenon is known as the Cathedral Effect. The height of a ceiling can significantly influence your thinking and problem-solving abilities.

And depending on the ceiling height, it can aid you in different ways.

For Creativity: High Ceilings

High ceilings create a sense of openness and freedom, allowing your mind to wander and explore. This “breathing space” encourages more abstract, innovative, and out-of-the-box thinking.

If you’re brainstorming, planning, or working on a project that requires creativity, a high-ceilinged environment can help you generate loftier ideas. However, high ceilings aren’t ideal for tasks that require intense focus or attention to detail.

For Focus: Low Ceilings

On the flip side, low ceilings act like blinders on a horse, narrowing your focus and helping you concentrate on the task in front of you.

This environment is perfect for detail-oriented work, like crunching numbers, editing, or tackling a backlog of tasks.

Low ceilings create a sense of confinement that keeps distractions at bay, allowing you to dive deep into your work without your mind wandering too far.

Conclusion

Ceiling height is probably the last thing you think about when choosing a workspace, but it can make a significant difference in your productivity and creativity.

Whether you need the expansive, idea-generating environment of a high-ceilinged space or the focused, detail-oriented atmosphere of a low-ceilinged room, leveraging your environment can bring you one step closer to achieving better results.

So, the next time you’re struggling to brainstorm or need to power through a task, consider your surroundings.

Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery—and ceiling height—to unlock your full potential.