If you’re a lover of interior design, you’ll know that a designer’s best tool when planning a decor scheme is light. Why do you think properties that let in lots of light are so sought after? The rising popularity of skylights and bi folding doors are also a testament to this. But what about those of us whose homes simply don’t get all that much natural light? Perhaps you’ve had an extension, or you have large trees or other properties shading your home. Fortunately for you, we’ve pulled together the best ways to lighten up your dark home, that don’t involve hanging unattractive fluorescent strips from the ceiling.

Use Mirrors to Enhance Natural Light Flow

 

 

It is a widely known design trick. Mirrors, with their reflective surfaces, are ideal for bringing more light to a dark room. Light bounces off mirrored surfaces, reflecting around the room, giving the illusion of not only more light, but more space as well. Perfect for smaller rooms. Hang a mirror on the wall adjacent to the window to get maximum benefit. If your bedroom lacks space to hang a mirror, wardrobe mirrors do the trick just as well.

Mirrored accents are also a great way to enhance the natural light flow. Think sequinned cushions or reflective vases.

Let the Light Through with Glass Accents

 

Objects such as furniture can obstruct light flow, making rooms appear darker. Why not consider replacing some of your wooden or plastic furniture with glass instead? Swap your wooden table for a study glass one. Replace your wooden coffee table with a sleeker glass model. You could even go a step further and opt for a glass balustrade instead of wooden banisters. Glass will make your room appear much lighter, allowing light to easily pass through and light the space without obstruction.

Choose Attractive Lighting

 

Most of us can agree that searing bright bulbs don’t provide quite the right ambiance for a home. If your home is dark, you’ll often find that you need to put the lights on much sooner than in homes where there is more light. It is important therefore that you choose the best lighting to make your space as appealing as possible.

First, you’ll need to consider what the space is used for. If it is a work space, you will need more light to be able to better focus on what you are doing, so overhead lighting might be better. If it is a space for relaxing, dimmer lights can create a more relaxed vibe. Read our guide on Lighting Up Your Living Room for more advice on choosing lighting for a relaxed space. Make sure you choose a style that fits in with your design and color scheme, although veer towards lighter colors where possible.

Up lighters or sconces – A great choice for lighting up a dark space.

 

Bathe your walls in ambient light to help brighten the room in a more gentle way. Wall sconces can help highlight certain details as well such as crown molding or some beautiful wall art.

 

For cabinets or shelves, consider placing lights underneath. You can attach lights underneath easily for a soft glow that lightens your walls in an attractive way. Or opt for table lamps, either as statement pieces or subtly blending into the decor.

When selecting the right light bulbs to go with your home lighting, think about your color scheme and the vibe you want for the space.

For cozy, warm interiors, choose warmer yellow bulbs. For a brighter, more fresh look, opt for bright white bulbs.

Paint it White

 

 

Like reflective surfaces, the color white can help natural light to bounce around the room. As white doesn’t absorb light as easily as other colors, it is a great choice for darker rooms. Paint your walls and ceiling white to make the most of this tip. You could also add white furniture to maximize the natural light flow. Don’t go overboard though. Too much white could look a bit clinical. If you’re not a fan of white, opt for cool blue shades instead, which should have a similar effect. Lighter woods such as ash or maple can also have a lightening effect.

Use Contrast To Stand Out

 

Using black accent pieces can help add contrast and really show up the lighter colors. As long as they aren’t too bulky, you can include them in your home decor to stand out against the white. Think candle holders, thin framed chairs, picture frames or wall art. If black and white seems too harsh, go for navy shades that make the white pop and evokes a stylish nautical vibe.

Cover Up Dark Floors With Area Rugs

 

While hardwood or laminate flooring is very stylish, it can make dark rooms look even darker, absorbing any light and drawing the eye down. Consider investing in an area rug that brings a bit of light and color into the room. You don’t have to go for a white rug – think of the cleaning! But choosing one in a lighter color, perhaps with white accents, can really make a difference.

Remember To Balance It Out

 

Remember, when it comes to design, balance is important. Shadows and darker areas add depth to a space and make it more visually interesting. Light is your friend. Play around with it, have some fun trying different techniques to help make your room a lighter, more appealing space to spend time in.

Author Bio – Katy Carter

Katy is a writer with a passion for all things creative. She loves sharing ideas and inspiration from artists, writers and designers the world over. Her writing specialisms include home improvement, interior design and DIY.

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