Bring in Natural Light When Designing a Room
Quick Tips for Brightening Up a Dark Space
Aug 17, 2009
Before hiring a contractor to install a new window or skylight in a gloomy room, first try these less expensive fixes.
Tame Trees and Hedges
It may seem counterintuitive to begin outside, but window-obstructing landscaping can prevent sunlight from illuminating an interior space. While some may go as far as uprooting an entire tree to bring in light, it is always best to start small. Begin by first walking the perimeter of the home to assess what foliage might be removed. Trim any low-hanging branches along with dense, light-blocking vine growth that has overtaken a tree. Also, make sure windows are free of hedge overgrowth so that sun rays have every possible opportunity to make it inside a room.
Clean Windows and Light Fixtures
A thin layer of grime on a window can block a surprising amount of sunlight. Clean windows and screens thoroughly both inside and out for maximum clarity. Also, make sure light bulbs and fixtures in the room are completely dust-free. A dust-covered overhead fixture can emit a fraction of the light from one that is immaculately clean.
Add Reflectivity
Mirrors are key to directing light into dark spaces. Try facing a large leaning mirror, or pier mirror, towards the brightest spot in the room such as a window or a doorway that leads to a sunnier room. This will channel light into the darkest part of the room. A strategically placed mirror can also double the wattage of a lamp. Simply set a lamp or hang a chandelier in front of a mirror and a room will receive twice as much light from a single source. Remember, just like windows, mirrors should be kept perfectly clean for maximum reflectivity.
Paint in Brightness
It’s true. White paint does wonders for a dark space. But consider going beyond a room’s walls when painting it. Dark, light-absorbing wood floors become reflectors of light when coated in white or light gray paint. (For those uncomfortable painting their floors, try adding a light-colored rug instead.) Using high gloss paint is another easy way to bounce light around a room. A simple trick is painting the ceiling in a high gloss, which will magnify the light of a chandelier, sconce or lamp.
Swap Dark, Heavy Furnishings for Light
Similar to paint, furnishings upholstered in deep colors such as maroon, navy or brown will absorb light. Consider outfitting a darker room in a lighter color spectrum such as whites, light grays, blues or beiges. This can instantly raise the light factor in a space. The overall effect, especially with strategically placed mirrors and lamps, will be a bright spot in the house.
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