Sure; installing big, expansive windows and hacking down walls are a surefire way to fill your space with natural sunlight, but these are not the only ways to make your home feel brighter. Take a cue from these tips to easily up the light levels in your space.
Keep the floor white
We all know that painting your ceiling and walls white will make your room appear taller and seem larger respectively. But if you want a truly maximised brightening effect, add a white floor to the whole equation. Some options include utilising white-painted floorboards as well as installing tiles that come in a white finish. And if you worry about the all-white interior feeling too sterile, don’t, for the lines of the boards and tiles will add some character into your space.
Image credit: The Orange Cube
Choose low-level furniture
It stands to reason that the taller and bulkier your furniture is, the more light around your home it will block out. As such, choosing low-slung pieces will instantly make your room feel brighter. Not to mention, it will make your ceiling feel much higher too. For the full effect, opt for pieces that have slim legs, which will further encourage the flow of natural light throughout your interior.
Image credit: KDOT Associates
Favour reflective finishes
From high-gloss paint to high-gloss laminates, reflective surfaces are one of the easiest ways to bounce light around your space. While you can safely use use such laminates on all your built-in fixtures without fear of visually overpowering your space, you’ll need to be mindful where you apply the paint, lest you end up overwhelming your interior with a glossy sheen. A good rule of thumb is to choose only one accent wall to paint, and then a neutral paint to balance it out.
Image credit: Weiken
Opt for soft furnishings
With the ability to create a blackout effect, we understand the need for night curtains in places like the bedroom, where they are essential in creating a conducive space for sleeping. But for other areas of the home, these bulky furnishings do nothing but block out valuable light, in turn making your space dark and gloomy. Instead, opt for day curtains or window shutters, for they provide privacy while still allowing light to filter through at the same time.
Image credit: Minimo & Minimology
Position mirrors strategically
No matter what style you like, mirrors are common decor pieces that can be found throughout your home. Besides allowing you to look at yourself, mirrors have the ability to make a space look larger and brighter because they reflect light. However, that’s not to say that you should mount them on any available surface you can find. Instead, decide on a focal point within the room and angle your mirror towards it to create the illusion of depth.
Image credit: Richfield Integrated
