Some of us are blessed with south facing gardens, or a home with massive windows. Maybe, even a geographic location that means double figure hours of sunshine every day. However, for many of us, a north-facing garden and poky little windows have to suffice. This can mean that we feel like we are at risk of developing rickets because there is little natural light. Well, not really, but you get the idea.
Instead, we have to rely on artificial light. Instead of strip lighting or ramping up your electricity bill, you need to focus on these nifty hacks! The following tips can be used to maximize the amount of natural light in your humble abode.
Mirrors
A good mirror goes a long way in maintaining the illusion of mammoth amounts of natural light in your pad. If your living room is constantly shady but does have a window, put a mirror up opposite the glazing. This way, you can bounce the light that you do have across the room. Couple this with some white or light-hued sheen emulsion! You will be surprised at just how much brighter your room can look.
In the bedrooms, consider a 2 mirror wardrobe, either fitted or freestanding, to reflect the available light in your sleeping quarters. Mirrors don’t just enhance the amount of light in your room. They can also make your living spaces appear more prominent.
Softer Lighting
The strip lighting of old is inefficient and costly. Instead, try to source lighting that complements the existing natural light. Energy-efficient LED lighting can be space-saving as they fit into your ceiling. You can also use warm white energy-efficient bulbs in lamps. This is good if you prefer a more ambient hue, rather than a larger cascading light.
For a more vintage style, an Edison bulb can add interest and a touch of uniqueness to your room. Lighting really comes into its own in the summer evenings when the nights are duskier for longer. Natural light can often be a little too dim, so LED energy-efficient lights are perfect.
Light Walls
If you have deep damson purple walls or heavy matt wallpaper, you might need to rethink your home decor. Swap the damask for some shiny geometric patterns! These act in the same way as your mirrors by reflecting the light across the room.
Consider painting your walls white. This is the optimum color for light maximization, although some people may find this too clinical. White walls only look like this when accompanied by a minimalist finish.
Keep your family photographs up, or have fun whipping up some cool artwork! Other compliments for your white walls are some achingly on-trend retro furniture, leather sofas, and laminate flooring. The extra shiny surface will bounce light across your room even further.
Having a darker home may make you want to move. However, you really don’t have to. There are plenty of ways to make your home appear brighter without making your windows bigger. If you have the money, you might even want to whip in a skylight to allow more light to flood your living spaces. Simply follow this guide and you can help make your home bright.