Tips to brighten up a room – Entre nous – Al-Ahram Weekly — Ahram Online

Tips to brighten up a room

Many homes have spaces that do not get as much light as we would like them to.   And while a dark room in the house may be good for relaxation, spending too much time in darker areas can have a negative impact on your mental well-being, with effects including low mood or difficulty remembering.

Besides experimenting with lighting ideas, you can lighten up a space with no natural light by using mirrors to bounce the light around the space or play with clever furniture placement and paint techniques to create the effect of a bright room.

Rooms tend in order to be dark for several reasons. They may be internal rooms with few or no windows, or they may become north-facing or even be blocked by external features such as trees.   Finding the particular perfect level of lighting for any room can be challenging. Here are some expert ideas to brighten up any kind of dark space while also creating a beautiful space.

Position mirrors:  

To use mirrors to their full potential, place them near or opposite the light source to reflect as much light as possible. You can also place all of them near home windows for a similar effect. Mirrors reveal the light and create the illusion associated with a brighter space. Placing table lamps or a floor lamp next to a mirror can possess a similar effect.

Consider lighter curtains:

In a dark area, heavy drapes can contribute to the dull look even when open.   So, opt for light, breezy curtains on both sides of your windows. For blackout curtains, a very light gray, ivory, or even beige is a great choice.

Use paint:

Bright white paint is the best solution to distribute light in a dark room or in order to create the particular illusion of an airy space. White walls send light bouncing around the space, reflecting back onto other surfaces and making the space look bigger than it is. You may also consider adding ornamental trims to the particular ceiling for added texture, or color one side of the space in a different colour to add diversity.

Pick light flooring:

Opt with regard to a neutral light-toned carpet, as white, ivory, yellow or some warmer combination can help distribute gentle around the room. To help expand the visual space, make sure the rug will be of larger size. A light wood floor such because maple or birch may also help to increase the light in the space. Painting the particular floor the lighter colour can furthermore help bounce the sunshine around your area, and painting the floor associated with a north-facing room inside a subtle off-white tone can also help fill it along with warmth.  

Use bright artwork:

Using artwork in a dark area can add a few areas of color and pattern without overwhelming the area, while frames and high-gloss finishes can also add the reflective element and allow light to travel further within the space. Carefully chosen artwork can also invite warmth into the room through serotonin-boosting oranges and reds and prevent darker areas from becoming too cool.  

Mix playful patterns:

Wallpapers in light colours with an airy feel may give the illusion of space. A gentle use of gold or even silver will add shimmer as the particular natural or artificial lighting hits them, creating little pockets associated with glamorous glow. Metallic elements can be incorporated through the use of a fully metallic paper or even through metallic patterns for a more toned-down look.  

Consider your furniture:

Stuffing an already dim room with oversized furniture will cast more shadows, leading in order to an even-darker feeling room. Set the maximum height for your furnishings and make sure that each piece falls below it. Get rid of excess stuff, making the space appear lighter plus brighter.   If a person have to use darker furniture, consider keeping everything else in the space white and fresh to assist create contrast.

Add illumination:

The most obvious way of producing a dark room brighter is in order to add lights. Change the lights to the brightest-possible option. Layer a mix of ambient, accent, and task light within the space to create a good even, welcoming glow without adding to the dark areas. Layer it correctly in order to ensure a balanced space that does not become overly lit. Think about adding lighting fixtures that will brighten the particular space plus add a glow. Make use of long strings of fairy lights, the group associated with large candles, orb lights, or other ambient lights. Not only will they offer just the right touch of luminosity, but they will also add tremendous charm and a therapeutic feel.

*A version of this article appears in print in the  25 August, 2022 edition of  Al-Ahram Weekly.

Short link: