It’s hard to argue against the benefits of having more natural light indoors. It brightens up your space, boosts your mood, and even makes your home feel larger and more inviting. But what if your home doesn’t get as much natural light as you’d like?
Don’t worry, even if you don’t have a ton of space or huge floor-to-ceiling windows, there’s still plenty you can do to brighten up your interior spaces. Here are some ideas you can try.
1 – Use Light-Colored Paints
Light likes to reflect off surfaces, and light colors reflect more light than dark ones, making your rooms feel brighter and more open. Whites, creams, pastels, and soft shades of blue or green can work wonders in bouncing light around a room.
When choosing your paint, consider the finish as well. A satin or semi-gloss finish will reflect more light than a matte finish. Not only will this choice brighten your space, but it will also give your walls a subtle, elegant sheen.
Keep in mind that too much reflection can lead to issues related to glare. If you place a glossy finish in front of a window that gets lots of harsh sunlight, you may end up needing to cover some of the walls or close the windows to prevent glare.
2 – Place Mirrors Strategically
If light colors are good because they reflect more light, then mirrors are obviously even better. By placing mirrors opposite windows, you can effectively double the amount of sunlight in a room. The light bounces off the mirror and spreads throughout the space, creating a brighter, more open feel.
Don’t just stop at one mirror. Consider adding mirrored furniture or decorative items like mirrored trays and picture frames. These reflective surfaces can further enhance the light in your home. For a dramatic effect, a large floor-to-ceiling mirror can serve as both a functional and stylish statement piece.
3 – Opt. for Sheer Curtains
Heavy, dark curtains can block a lot of natural light. To let in as much sunlight as possible, opt for sheer curtains. These lightweight fabrics allow light to filter through while still providing some privacy. They create a soft, airy look that can make any room feel more open and inviting. As a bonus, the soft light created by these can make your selfies look gorgeous.
If sheer curtains alone don’t provide enough privacy, you can layer them with light-colored blinds or shades. This combination allows you to control the amount of light entering your room without completely blocking it out. Remember, the goal is to let in as much natural light as possible, so keep the layers light and airy.
4 – Create Open Floor Plans
An open floor plan can be a game changer when it comes to light. Removing unnecessary walls and barriers will allow sunlight to flow more freely from one room to another. This creates a brighter, more cohesive living space. It also helps you cover more areas with fewer light sources, which can be a benefit if you’re trying to send less money to the electricity company every month. Tools like LowerEBill can also help.
If a full remodel isn’t in your budget, you can still create a sense of openness by rearranging your furniture. Avoid placing large, bulky items near windows where they can block light. Instead, choose low-profile furniture that doesn’t obstruct the view. Open shelving and glass-front cabinets can also help maintain an open feel while providing storage.
5 – Incorporate Bright Artwork
Bright, colorful artwork can reflect light and add vibrancy to your home. Yes, painting the wall can have the same effect, but putting up a piece of art is easier than painting the whole wall, especially if you’re renting the apartment. It also gives you more freedom to rotate what art pieces you put up to match your mood and your current décor.
Choose pieces with light backgrounds or vibrant colors to enhance the natural light in your space. Abstract art, landscapes, and photography with bright elements can all contribute to a lighter, more cheerful environment.
Of course, placing the artwork near windows or other light sources will enhance the effect, allowing the art to reflect and amplify the natural light. Additionally, frames with glass or acrylic fronts can catch and reflect light, adding an extra dimension of brightness.