7 WAYS TO BRIGHTEN UP A DARK ROOM

We all search for that dream home that faces east and west, has the biggest, brightest windows money can buy in a climate of 75 degrees and sunny year round. Most and oftentimes we aren’t awarded such specifications but never fear! You can work within your current situation to lift the veil and let in the light using these 7 helpful tips!

CLEAN WINDOWS

Many people overlook the importance of thoroughly cleaning their windows due to dirt and grime  diffusing the light making the room appear darker. Cleaning can be especially helpful if there’s not much natural light coming into your home–you want to take full advantage of whatever sunlight there is! This is a relatively cheap and easy task to do yourself so make this one of the first things you do.

The color of your walls and floors can make or break a room, especially if you have dark-colored furniture. If possible, embrace bright colors in your decorating choices: paint or wallpaper the walls in light colors such as yellow or white. Anything bright works. The main objective is to get the walls to reflect light and to not absorb it as darker colors do. An added perk of going with white walls is that white paint makes decorating easy because it goes with everything. When picking out your paint, consider using glossy instead of matte paint finishes since it’s more reflective!

PURPOSEFULLY PLACED MIRRORS

Mirrors have long been used to create the illusion that rooms are larger than they actually are, but did you know that you can use them to utilize the existing light in your room more efficiently? When decorating, try placing mirrors near light sources like windows and lamps to reflect light and illuminate your space!

STRATEGIC FURNITURE CHOICES

When you’re working with a dark room, consider using furniture that’s light in color or even see-through! This will allow light to travel through the room more efficiently. Low-to-the-ground furniture can also make a space feel larger because it creates an illusion of distance between you and what’s below eye level.

Accent lighting is a great way to make any space feel brighter. Everything from floor and table lamps to wall-hanging string lights. The more light sources, the better. To make the space feel larger, try aiming some lights at the walls and ceiling. Candles are also a great way to add some extra light. They give off a warm glow that helps create an inviting atmosphere in any room not to mention they smell nice too! For overhead lights, use dimmers so you can adjust based on the mood or time of day.

When decorating, try to keep wall hangings and art to a minimum. This leaves a decent amount of your light-colored walls exposed which helps lighten up the space without making it feel too busy or overwhelming. As an added bonus, if you only have one or two pieces of artwork, they will stand out more!

LIGHT AND AIRY WINDOW TREATMENTS

Airy curtains can add visual interest to your space without blocking out light. Go for sheer fabrics like voile or chiffon. If you’re trying to go for a more historic or country vibe, lace curtains are a great option as well! On the opposite end, if more privacy is a must, try adding an opaque layer behind existing lightweight curtains to be used as needed.

Sources:
Home Stratosphere
Lazy Loft Blog
Elle Decor
Martha Stewart
The Spruce