If there is a room in your home that just isn’t getting enough light there are some simple things that you can do to brighten the space. Sure, the best thing would be to put in another window or a sky-light, but that may not be possible given the time of year or your financial situation. If a home renovation isn’t in the cards for you, try some of these tips to add some light to any room in your home.
Open the curtains
This one may seem intuitive, but lots of people keep their curtains and blinds drawn all day to either keep the heat in or out or for privacy. If you prefer to have something shielding your windows, opt for a curtain made out of a light, sheer material. This way you have some privacy but the sun can still shine through.
Change your light fixture
If you have a single light fixture and a large room, it may not be bright or large enough to completely light the whole room. A simple fix is to buy a different light fixture. Instead of a single light fixture, why not opt for a light fixture that has several lights? If the room is traditional you can go with a chandelier. If you want a more modern touch you can chose to use a more linear light fixture with adjustable lights. That way you can dictate which areas of the room get the most light.
Light colors
When it comes to paint and furniture colors, you should choose lighter shades to give a room more light. Also choose a semi or full gloss paint that the light will bounce off of. Changing the paint is easy to do and can make a lot of difference in the brightness of the room. Dark colors aren’t as reflective and can make a room appear cave-like, especially if it is on the smaller side.
Lamps
Lamps are a cheap and easy fix to adding light to any room in your home. You can purchase table lamps or freestanding lamps that can be place in dark corners. You can buy single bulb lamps or multiple bulb lamps that allow you to manipulate where the light hits. Lamps come in so many different heights, colors and styles that regardless of the way the room is decorated, you’ll be able to find a lamp that fits in perfectly. And while lamps can be expensive, you can also purchase them for as little as $15 or $20, meaning that you could brighten several rooms with lamps for under a hundred dollars.
Mirrors
Adding some mirrors or other items with a reflective surface can help create the illusion of more light in a room. Strategically placed mirrors will allow the light from either outside or a lamp to bounce off of its surface, giving the room more light and brightness. Mirrors positioned in the right place can also make a room seem larger and airier, which can in turn make a room seem brighter.
Add some candles
In the evenings when the sun goes down and you have to depend strictly on artificial light, having a few candles place around the room and lit can give you more light. Placing a mirror behind or underneath the candle will also increase the amount of light in the room. Add some sparkly glass stones to the candle holder and you will get even more light reflecting off of the flame. Another option is an electric fireplace. This can create a focal point in a bedroom or living room and add a bit of extra light to the space.
About the Author
Daniel Flores is a freelance writer for Oval and Round Mirrors. The company specializes in selling a diverse selection of oval, round and rectangle mirrors in many sizes and finishes. Most of the home mirrors have been developed especially for us and are therefore not available anywhere else on the internet.
