One of the most common complaints I hear from people is that their rooms are too dark. They’ve either inherited dark décor from previous owners or have a space that doesn’t get great natural light. If you suffer from either of these ailments all is not lost – whatever your budget is, there are some simple ways to light up your life.
Big budget stuff:
Add a window. Obviously this solution depends on the position of your room, if you’re sandwiched between other rooms this clearly won’t work. Or is there is an outside wall? Can the room structurally take such an alteration? Get a professional in to survey the space.
Light tubes/pipes – great for spaces that may have no direct access to natural light like basements or to increase the amount of light coming into a room. They basically transport/direct light from one place to another. Again this will need to be fitted by a professional.
Medium budget stuff:
Flooring – what does yours look like? A dark coloured thick carpet may be comfy but it won’t be doing much to lighten your room. If you’re a carpet fiend go for a lighter colour to give the impression of bigger floor space. Wood floors? Strip them back to the lightest colour possible, few coats of varnish et voila. Tiles? Choose larger than usual tiles (especially if your room is small) as larger tiles trick the eye with their bigger surface area.
Ceiling. Are your walls coloured? If they are, paint your ceiling a lighter colour as this will break up the different room and clearly increase the light above your head.
Furniture. Not many living rooms can comfortably handle a three piece suite and you may not realise how much space (and light) they’re taking up. Invest in a new smaller suite in appropriate colours and see the difference. Your bed frame could also be sucking up light without you realising it. A wooden framed bed could take a re-paint and make a big difference. Or you could swap your divan for a framed bed.
Lighting. The most obvious thing to do when you need more light, is to go and buy a light – right? Yes and no. Before you go stocking up on lamps and/or brighter bulbs, make sure they’re the right ones. What’s your main function in the room? For example if you read a lot, floor standing lights placed behind or close to your reading ‘seat’ will work wonders and your eyes will thank you.
Small/no budget stuff:
Mirrors are a great and easy way to bring light into your room and bounce it around. Big statement mirrors are great, but if your room can’t take the size, you can go for two or three smaller ones strategically placed. Mirrored pieces will also help spread the light – such as coffee and side tables, console and dressing tables. Just be careful not to turn your room into giant disco ball with too many reflective surfaces.
Windows. Your existing window treatment could be blocking out the natural light you’re getting. Big heavy curtains can look great but if you’re starved of light how about swapping them for blinds that take up less space in the room and let in more light when they’re not in use.
Well – I think that’s enough for you to be getting on with…
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