Tips For Brightening A Dark Room
If you’re finding that you’re consistently feeling low-energy, anxious, or a little claustrophobic in your home, one significant contributing factor could be a lack of light within your living space. Our bodies rely on natural light (also known as blue light) to signal to our brain to stay alert. It also contributes to our moods. This natural light triggers chemicals in our brain and actually gives us energy throughout the day. So, when there’s a lack of that stimulation, our energy levels and moods can suffer. But if your home is a little on the dark side, don’t fret just yet, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves for ways you can brighten any dark room.
Our tips below are separated into two sections: Non-Invasive Styling Tips (for renters or individuals working with a limited budget) and More Involved Design Changes (for those of you ready to make more significant changes to your home).
Let’s get to it, shall we?
Non-Invasive Styling Tips
Keep Wall Colors Light
The first thing you can do to brighten a room is to paint your walls in a light color. Dark paints absorb light, whereas light paints reflect it. A light paint color will ensure that the natural light that does make it into your home is taken full advantage of. Another thing you can add to your wall to get the full benefit of the natural light you have at your disposal? A statement mirror.
Avoid Heavy Window Dressings
Privacy and insulation are important for a lot of homes when it comes to window coverings, but keep light exposure in mind when selecting your perfect set of curtains. Consider a sheer curtain for daytime use that allows light to pass through, with a heavier curtain layer you can pull across at night, to provide insulation and privacy.
Up Your Lamp Game
As we transition into night, sometimes we find that our lamps are not fully lighting our spaces in the way we’d like. So, up that lamp game! This doesn’t just mean adding more light fixtures to your space, it means carefully choosing lamps that are brighter, have shades that allow the most light passage, and can be placed in locations that allow for the most light reflection (i.e. up against bright walls, on brightly surfaced tables, or in front of mirrors). Be thoughtful in your selection of lights and where you place them.
If your current home lacks natural light exposure and you don’t have an immediate fix for that, the right artificial lighting can make a huge difference during daytime hours as well. Consider using lamps with blue lighting during the day to help stimulate energy that daylight typically does.
More Involved Design Changes
Upgrade To Larger Windows
If you have it within your budget, consider ways that you can create more natural light inside your home, like expanding the size of your windows. Upgrade that tiny window above the sink to a window three times the size, like in the above image.
Replace Solid Doors With Glass Doors
Similarly to replacing windows… If you have windowless entry and exit doors in your house, consider finding replacement doors that have window features, like the above model or this one here. If you want maximum light, go for a full glass door.
Install More Windows Or Glass Doors
Looking for a more drastic transformation through natural light? Consider going a little bigger with your approach by installing doors and windows where there were none before. Do you have unused wall space in which you can install a sliding door or bay window? What about dramatic bi-folding doors like the above? Think outside the box and work with what your home has to offer.
We hope these tips help you find the light. For all of your home renovation needs, CBM Mart is here for you.
