Natural light has numerous benefits from improving eye health to improving sleep and enhancing mood. Not every room has as much natural light through and figuring how out how to brighten a dark and gloomy room can be a challenge. Here are some different options to brighten up a room.
Mirrors
One of the oldest ways to brighten up a room and expand the visual space is by adding mirrors. Strategically place a mirror on walls that are adjacent to or opposite a window to make it appear like you have light streaming in from multiple areas of the room. You can also hang them in areas that don’t naturally receive natural light such as hallways. Mirrors will do the trick even in windowless rooms. Place them on bookcases, side tables, over the mantle, above couches and wherever else they can function as both decorative too. Glass and metallic pieces with reflective surfaces also do the trick.
Light colours
Choose light, bright colours for your walls, furniture, and decorations. White is the best colour to brighten up rooms. A white ceiling makes the room feel taller. This works best with true white, not the variations of it. White walls brighten up a room because they don’t absorb the light. Instead, light bounces off them brightening up the room.
Opt for lighter, paler furniture and furnishings including floor tiles and counters. Transparent furniture like a glass table is even better. Darker colours tone everything down.
If you can’t afford to paint the walls and ceiling, a clean-up job goes a long way. Dust accumulates on walls even if it’s not noticeable, washing the walls and ceiling is guaranteed to brighten the room a little. Deep clean your windows too.
Plants
Rooms that don’t have windows can sometimes feel dull and lifeless and can benefit from introducing plants. Plants can be functional as well as decorative. They bring nature indoors which breathes life into the room. Plants are also calming. For a room that doesn’t get enough sunlight, pick a plant that doesn’t require much light. Go for a plant with vibrant colours like red, yellow, or pink to brighten up a room.
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Low furniture
Tall and oversized furniture casts shadows darkening a room. Go for furniture that’s low to the ground and embrace minimalism. Clutter makes a room look dull and is unpleasant to the eyes. Minimalism also means there’s more space between the furniture, which means more areas for the light to shine through and brighten up a room.
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Bright floor rags
Brighten up a room and add some softness to it by adding brightly coloured floor rags. This is especially beneficial if you have darker floors.
Lighting
When lighting up a dark room, aim your lights at the walls or ceiling. You can use a wall scone or floor lamp. Lighting the wall gives the room a warm glow, making it feel cozy yet spacious. This is a great way to elegantly brighten up a room.
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