How to Get More Sunlight in Dark Rooms

Add windows

One of the factors that goes into a property’s worth is how much natural light it receives. Natural light affects our mood and makes the room appear more open and spacious. Plenty of windows also means that you have a nicer view. A dark and dingy house will come with a lower price tag over a light and bright house where everything else is considered equal.

It may seem that there’s not much that you can do. However, with some construction work and smart decorating, you can make a significant difference and let light in.

Add windows

Add windows

This is perhaps the most complicated way to do add light, but it certainly gets the job done. If the home is really difficult to decorate and you can’t add light via another means, only then consider adding windows. This isn’t only about the amount of light coming in; it’s also about where the windows you have are facing. South and western facing windows won’t do you much good.

This is a major construction job and you need to get the professional to do it. It will take a while and you might need to close down a part of your home.

Use mirrors

Use mirrors

One of the oldest tricks in the book is to use mirrors to enhance the effect natural light brings to your home. It isn’t enough to place a lot of mirrors around the property – careful placement makes all the difference. Place the mirror on the wall opposite the window or opposite to it. The mirror will mimic the window and reflect the light inward.

You can accomplish a similar effect with other decorative shimmering surfaces. That will allow you to make the rooms your own and decorate around the problem you’re dealing with.

Add skylights

Adding skylights

If you want to increase the amount of natural light in a strategic way that will allow you to make different use of the walls (hanging artworks or decorating them), adding skylights is the way to go. The most important part of a skylight installation is choosing the location that will provide you with the most sunlight and be practical in terms of construction.

The first thing to discuss with your contractor is the slope that best fits your roof and the location of your home overall. The installation is done from the inside so you might need to clear the room for a few days.

Use light tones when decorating

Use light tones

Using lighter tones when decorating could also make the room appear brighter and enhance the sunlight that you get already. This is especially noticeable if the large surfaces are painted with these colours. Start with the floors and use light wood or carpets to make the surface smooth and earthy.

The same goes for the furniture overall – use light and gentle colours and the room will appear to be better lit. This doesn’t mean that you’re limiting your decorating choices. You can accomplish a lot just by adding a few items to contrast the overall beige tones.

Be transparent

You can also enhance lighting effects by having transparent objects around the home, which is similar to the mirror solution mentioned above. Start with larger objects, such as indoor doors. Make them completely transparent or add a large window to each one.

Use large transparent decorating items, such as vases or big lamps. They become the focal point of the room and reflect the natural light that reaches them. This also means that the room will have a different atmosphere as the sun sets, which provides a lot of decorating possibilities.

Using windows, skylights, and clever decoration could help make the room appear brighter even if it doesn’t have enough sunlight. This also creates a unique aesthetic that could become the hallmark of your home.

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