Low light is a common problem in many properties. High-rise next-door neighbors, trees, and even facing the wrong way can all lead to dark rooms or even dark houses. The good news is that you have more options than simply settling for comfort. You can brighten up your space using several tried-and-true effective methods, allowing you to let the light in. Here are just a few top-notch options on how you can transform your home, from easy and budget options to significant renovation alterations:
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Use Paint to Change the Light
Paint is a powerful tool not only to brighten a space, but also to change the hue of the light coming into it. If you have a north-facing room that never receives direct sunlight, for example, white paint could make the space appear grey and dreary. If you want it to feel bright and happy, consider a bright, buttery yellow instead, as this will warm up the space while brightening it, providing a double-whammy boost to your room.
Design with Lights Indoors
Another easy adjustment to your décor is to use design lighting. This can be as simple as using more table or floor lamps to add that low-light effect (bonus points if you have a color-changing bulb that can shift from a white light during the day to a warm light at night). Or you can install pendant or spotlights to brighten the darkest corners of your rooms, making them an ideal complement during the daytime.
Use Mirrors to Reflect Light
Another easy way to brighten a space is to use mirrors. Rather than placing the mirror directly opposite your window, position it adjacent to it, allowing the light to bounce through the room more effectively. You can use large mirrors or even glass picture frames to achieve the same effect.
Enlarge Your Windows
If you have the budget, then one of the best ways to brighten a space is to expand your windows. You may even want to consider adding a Juliet balcony, which is essentially a double set of doors with a railing right in front of them, allowing you to benefit from a full door’s length of glass and the ability to open it up to let the air in.
Change any Balcony Railings to Glass
If you have a balcony of any kind, one of the easiest ways to brighten your home is to replace any rod or wooden options with frameless glass railings. These railings let the light right in. As they’re frameless, they also work beautifully with any design, including heritage buildings, as they allow you to see more of the building’s original design.
Add a Skylight
If there’s a dark hallway, closet, or bathroom in the middle of your home, then a skylight is the perfect solution to finally bring light in. This is also true if you’re extending your home, as extensions tend to be dark as you’re lengthening the amount of space in your home that’s not near a window. By adding a skylight, you bring that light back in, allowing you to extend your home while maintaining its brightness.