"The decoration seems somehow richer, and that's mainly thanks to dimming the daylight in the hall and turning up the chandeliers, so it feels more intimate even though the size is unchanged. That's thanks to a climate control change as they've put nets over the main windows to keep the temperature controlled, but in doing so, it dims the room and gives it an atmospheric feel that maybe was lacking before."
"It did previously feel a bit like a big bright room and somewhat lacking an undefinable magic, but now there's a sense of grandeur in the slightly darkened room. They've also improved the lighting of the painted ceiling, and (as I noticed when comparing photos), raised the height of the chandeliers. There's also some decorative lighting of the upper columns, which enhances the gilded effect."
Most restoration work is invisible, replacing and upgrading worn-out, inefficient facilities while a dramatic change appears in the main hall. Nets over the main windows control temperature and dim daylight, creating a more intimate, atmospheric mood. Chandeliers have been raised and the painted ceiling lighting improved, with decorative lighting on upper columns enhancing gilding. A 1970s faux throne has been removed as an anachronism. A new lift has been installed, providing step-free access for the first time. The Banqueting House will fully reopen in summer 2026, with a brief public preview and tickets currently available.
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