How to Brighten a Dark Interior (and Why It’s Important)

Let there be light! Figuring out how to brighten a gloomy dark space can pose a challenge in our homes. Especially in older builds, or homes void of large windows that allow natural sunlight to filter in. But fear not, there are many ways to decorate your home to transform it into a light, airy and brighter abode. 

A fundamental part of interior design styles is lighting, and many times it’s last on a person’s list. Finding the perfect balance can transform a cold and informal room into a warm, soft and tranquil space. 

More homes suffer from a lack of proper lighting than over-illumination. Poor lighting in your home, especially harsh electronic screen lighting, can cause visual issues such as fatigue, eye strain and even impact our mental health and sleep. As we age, our eyes’ ability to detect contrast decreases, so proper lighting becomes even more important to us. Notice the difference between the bright blue light of your television screen, to the warming glow of a candle. It’s a clear guess which one is more beneficial to our health.

Raised off the ground furniture  

When it comes to furniture, couches, coffee tables and chairs that leave space underneath can help light to travel around a room more efficiently.  

Ambient light options 

If you’re looking to add more light to a room without overdoing the luminosity, consider, artificial candles, and ambient light sources such as table and/or floor lamps as a decorative option. They add the perfect amount of warmth to a room creating an almost therapeutic feel.  Warm and yellow light will be perfect for your home. They help to create a sense of cozy intimacy and effortlessly transform even the most industrial of spaces, plus they are perfect for those seeking to brighten a space on a budget. We’re always guiding clients away from any type of white light - always always go for the warmer glow when purchasing a light bulb!

Lamps are underrated. Lamps not only bring a beautiful glow to the corner of a room, but they are also beautiful decorative objects, even when turned off. Add a custom shade to top it off, and you have a unique work of art, right on your side table!

Walls and ceilings lights 

Try illuminating the walls and ceilings instead of aiming your lights every which way. When you light up the walls and ceilings, you infuse every corner of the room. If you plan on installing ceiling lights, always add a few to the very edges to shine light down the walls. 

When we talk about sconces, most of the time clients think of bathroom lights. But there’s so much more to sconces. How about sconces over a bed instead of lamps? Or a picture light in the hallway to illuminate a favorite painting?

Mirrors 

But lighting isn’t the only element to consider when seeking to brighten up your space. Mirrors also work wonders. Especially those placed by light sources. Use mirrors to expand visual space and reflect pre-existing light.

White Walls 

Embrace white walls. It is an easy and cost-effective way to lighten a room. White, as a color, reflects light and creates the illusion of space. If you feel that white is a bit bland or boring for you, consider your choice of textiles to add some diversity to the room. Don’t forget, there are infinite options for different white paint colors. In addition, consider ceiling trims or drapes to switch up the look and create some personality. 

Deep clean your windows 

An obvious, but often missed tip is to deep clean your windows. You will be surprised at the difference it makes. Dirty and dusty windows, or windows that are covered externally, limit visibility and change the energy of a room. Much like trying to see the world through a dirty and smudged pair of glasses. Wipe down your windows, inside and out, and immediately enjoy the fresh clean feeling that comes along with it. Not to mention you will also be cleaning off potentially harmful mold and mildew spores that cling to window frames such as black mold.

Opt for beautiful sheer drapes to adorn your freshly cleaned windows!

Greenery 

A final tip to bring more life into a gloomy dark space is to bring in the greenery. Paired with fresh white walls, potted plants look clean and inviting. Be sure to choose plants that thrive in minimal light. 

Lightening your home may look and feel challenging but with so many ways to improve, it can become an exciting design adventure. 

Need more help to brighten up and decorate your space? Contact us today!