It’s that time of the year– with the sun rising later and setting earlier, those daylight hours feel more elusive than ever. Even though we know to expect this every winter, it’s still difficult to adjust to the darkness.
Of course, this extends into the home. Spaces that previously enjoyed bright afternoon sun suddenly feel dark. Already-dark nooks now emit a gloomy vibe. It’s going to be a long winter. Luckily, there are tricks to making your space feel lighter and brighter, even during this time of year. Here are 6 ways to brighten up the rooms of your home.
Highlight Reflections
Interior design 101 dictates that mirrors make spaces appear larger, but a strategically placed mirror can also reflect light, giving a room a more luminous feel. Place your mirrors where they will reflect lamps and other sources of light to brighten up a room.
Reflective furniture can have a similar effect, if properly placed– think glass-top coffee tables and polished wood pieces.
Choose Your Colors Wisely
Light colors will reflect light, while dark colors will absorb it. If brightness is what you’re aiming for, keep your color palette light. Don’t feel as though you need to whitewash your entire home. In fact, dark accents can emphasize the contrasting brightness of light colored walls, ceilings and furnishings. A mix of both light and dark shades will give a room a balanced feel. Instead of painting a whole room a dark color, consider limiting the dark shade to one accent wall.
Invest in More Lighting Fixtures
Take inventory of the rooms in your home. Where are the spaces that require you to be most alert? Your family room? A home office?
Ensure that these areas are well-lit. Properly lit rooms will keep you awake and productive, so be sure to have desk lamps and floor lamps, in addition to overhead lighting. If you don’t want to invest in new lamps, consider temporarily relocating some extra lamps from your bedroom to other rooms, since bedrooms typically don’t require as much brightness. Aim for bulbs that provide bright and natural-feeling light. Fluorescent lighting just doesn’t have the same effect.
Window TLC
Those few daylight hours are precious, so make sure that you are not wasting them on dirty windows. Clean windows inside and out to prevent dirt from filtering through the light. Don’t forget your window dressings. A common mistake with an easy fix is a curtain rod that is too short: even when the curtains are pulled open, they cover the ends of the window. A longer rod will allow the gathered fabric to cover wall space instead of window space.
Cluster Your Accessories Deliberately
Color is not just limited to big items, like walls and furniture. Don’t overlook the details, like the décor and accessories throughout the room. For instance, keep large, dark books stored in the bottom shelves of a bookshelf. Reserve the upper space for lighter books or small, bright objects (think seashells or reflective picture frames).
Make a Room Come Alive
Plants might not physically illuminate a room, but they will help a dark, stale space feel fresher and brighter. Fresh-cut flowers are an enticing option, but a few low-maintenance potted plants will do the job just as well.
Be sure to keep your plants healthy—dead plants or overgrown plants will negate the effect. If all else fails, light a few candles, pour a hot beverage, and relish in the fact that those long, summer days are only half a year away.
