7 ways to brighten a room
If your home is feeling a little too closed in and you’re looking to bring in more light, try these ideas before you begin pulling down walls.
1. Paint in a lighter colour, including the ceiling
Even a colour you love can close in a space if it is already too dark with no natural light. Consider ½ or ¼ strength of your colour choice and redo the ceiling in a crisp white.
2. Add sheer curtains
Whilst decorative, curtains can cut out any available light coming into the room. Opt for sheers instead.
3. Choose lighter flooring
If you’re choosing new flooring and looking to create an open, airy space, bring in a lighter timber colour such as oak or refinish existing boards with a white-washed, or clear finish.
4. Add more lighting
Sounds obvious but lighting makes so much difference and is your friend as the opportunities to direct light into a dark space are endless. Task lighting with lamps and wall sconces light dark corners of the room, whilst LED strip lighting can work wonders under cabinetry in bathroom vanities and kitchen workspaces.
5. Add mirrors
Possibly the quickest and easiest way to add brightness, mirrors give the illusion of space and reflect light around the room. If positioned carefully, a large mirror can effectively double your space visually.
6. Clean your windows
You’d be amazed at the difference this can make! Cut away any plants outside in the garden that overhang window frames and block natural light.
7. Move any furniture that blocks your windows
Position heavy pieces away from not only windows themselves but block the passage of light into a room.
