TRICKS FOR BRIGHTENING UP A DARK ROOM

If a room lacks natural light (like most apartment spaces, basements, rooms with only one window) you don’t have to settle for living in the dark 24/7. This issue is more common than you think and my goal as a designer is to always brighten it up. There’s no need for a massive renovation. Thankfully, there are lots of options out there. Here are a few decorating tricks that I like to use to brighten and liven up those dark rooms.

SAY GOODBYE TO HEAVY CURTAINS

Don’t add more weight around your only natural light source if you’re lacking window light. That’s a no, no! The heavy thick fabric will absorb light. Instead opt for translucent curtains that are hung higher than your window trim and also not covering the sides of your window.  This allows sunshine to spread throughout the room and make your window look even bigger. For privacy, consider Roman shades or blinds vs curtains.

HANG MIRRORS

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You can actually double the amount of sunlight in your room by allowing it to bounce off reflective surfaces. It’s true! Hang a large mirror in the space or, try lots of smaller mirrors to lighten it up.

METALLICS

Add some gold or silver accessories to transform that darker space. The simple addition of metallic accent, a metallic mirror, light fixture, piece of artwork has a way of reflecting light and making a design scheme feel much brighter and even higher end.

MATTE WALLS

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I know this might sound counter-intuitive, but having a glossy wall will cause glare instead of balancing the light through the room. A matte surface will naturally reflect light evenly in every direction.

LIGHT FIXTURES

Put some thought into your light fixtures for your room. Don’t settle on that one flush-mount to lighten your space. It’s important to layer your lighting. It doesn’t hurt to add accent lighting which feels inviting while brightening up those dark corners. Also, consider a task lamp (which is associated with desk lamps) and floor lamps that provide direct, focused light.

USE MORE WHITE OR LIGHTER NEUTRALS

This really speaks for itself. The lighter your walls, the more light will be reflected. If your walls are neutral, paint your trim lighter or white, or paint the ceiling white if it isn’t already to help reflect that light more.

BALANCE YOU FURNITURE & DECOR

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If you like darker walls, try adding a light couch or lighter accent furniture to help brighten the space. Even acrylic accents and translucent furniture will add the right kind of reflective surfaces that will play to your advantage. Balance light with throws, pillows and even art.

CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS & TRIM BACK TREES

I know this one seems obvious, but are your windows clean? Simply cleaning your windows will affect how much sunlight streams into the room. The less dirt, dust and splatters on your windows, the more sunshine pours in. Also, make sure any bushes or trees around your windows are trimmed regularly. You’ll want to avoid planting trees on the southern side of your home too. The sun is too high for the trees to provide shade in the summer and the foliage cuts out your windows from getting solar warmth.

Which tip will you try first?

XO

Melessa