Simple Ways to Make Your Home Look Lighter and Brighter

Bright, spacious and airy rooms always look gorgeous - so it can be frustrating when your home suffers from a lack of light. Bad positioning and small windows are often culprits when it comes to this, however there are some things you might be doing yourself which could be fixed with a few simple changes. So here are some examples of ways you can improve the lighting in your home!

Change your window dressings

You might have had your curtains and blinds up for so long, that you’re completely overlooking them as a potential issue for your room looking dark and dingy. However, to maximise the light you really do need to have the right window treatments. If you’re already not getting much light in where the windows are small, or due to the position of your house, the last thing you want is to be blocking out what you do get.

One tip is to choose lightweight voile style curtains, as these let in the will make the window (and the room) look finished by having something up, but won't block out any of the light. For practical purposes, then hang a roller blind. At night this can be rolled all the way down, or if you need to block out bright light while watching tv it can be rolled halfway down. But the rest of the time, it can be rolled right the way up so it’s not blocking any light at all from the window. Vertical blinds and shutters might look nice, but even when they’re open they still partially obstruct the light which can be a problem if you’re already not getting much in!

Keep windows clear of obstructions

Another thing to be aware of is obstructions in front of your windows. The windowsill might seem like the perfect place for a plant, photo frame or vase of flowers, but it will partially block out light that could be coming in. Avoid placing cabinets and other pieces of furniture so they’re blocking windows too - you want to make the absolute most of any light that you have coming in. The same applies to any trees or plants outside too. Have a tree surgeon come in and remove any large trees which can instantly make your home inside look much brighter.

Hang a large mirror

A large mirror makes a statement with your decor, and it can also make any room look bigger and brighter by reflecting the light around. Take your time finding one which has a beautiful frame that matches the rest of your decor, and go with the largest size that comfortably works in the space you have. The best position to maximise the light it opposite a window, however anywhere you put it will still have an impact, and it’s an easy way to make the most of the light you have coming in.

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

Invest in glass doors

If you own your home and are in a position to make renovations, then sliding doors made from glass are a fantastic option to consider. They will give you a gorgeous view onto your back garden, and will completely flood the room with natural light. You could even go a step further and have an extension built with skylights, or have the entire extension made from glass - a gorgeous way to extend a modern kitchen. If you can’t extend, another option would be to make your windows larger instead.

Paint the walls

The colour of your walls can make a massive difference to how light and bright it looks. Dark colours will draw it in, making it look dingy and smaller. So if you do want to use bold colours, then stick with an accent wall or use accessories instead. White, ivory and grey are all great choices, they’re neutral so go with any decor and really help to bounce the light around. As well as making it look fresh and chic, you’ll also make it look bigger and brighter.

Add lamps

Finally, as well as letting in as much light as possible during the day, you also want your home to be properly lit when the sun goes down. Adding secondary lighting such as lamps and strip lighting helps to create ambience, and allows you to tailor the room to the task that you’re doing. Smart lighting can give you even more control in this area - set up a couple of lamps with smart bulbs and you can create your perfect lighting for every situation.

Regardless of how beautifully decorated your home is, if it’s dark and dingy it will never fulfil its best potential. Try these tips to help you make the most of every room and allow you to enjoy it as much as possible!

Do you have any tips for improving a dark or dingy home?

This is a collaborative post.