Let There Be Light
Does your home look dull and gloomy, with clutter lying around and blocking light from your windows? During the colder seasons, it certainly doesn't help if your indoors looks just as dim as the outside. But how can you make your humble abode more open, cozy, and welcoming? Here are 20 easy tips to brighten everything up and let in the light.
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1. Light-Colored Floor
Brightening up your home doesn't just start with the walls and everything above your feet—the colors you choose for your floors matter, too. Dark wood panels or tiles can make your space appear less open and welcoming, so choose floor boards that reflect light back up.
2. Patterned Rugs
Don't just stop at changing your floors; add some rugs around your home, too! White rugs can do the job easily, but we suggest patterned mats for ultimate coziness. You don't have to go crazy and place one in every room, either. Be strategic and apply a minimalistic approach.
3. Pastel Walls
Depending on the paint you choose, the colors of your walls can also change the feel of your home. Choose something rich, like navy, and your space might feel elegant. Choose dark gray and it might match overcast weather—which isn't exactly what you might want to replicate. Instead, pick a wash that's bright and glossy, which will again help with bouncing light back into the space.
4. Decluttering
Decluttering your home can instantly make it feel lighter and brighter because there will be more open space for natural sunlight to hit. If you have any old furniture or boxes lying around, go ahead and toss them out, then make it a regular habit to clean up.
5. Light Furniture
Sometimes, adding light-colored furniture or pairing certain fabrics and pieces together can make a home look more bright and open. Sure, leather sofas might look fancy, but you want to avoid adding anything overly large or clunky that makes your space feel cramped.
6. Add Some Green
When in doubt, add some green. From tiny potted plants on your windowsill to large centerpieces, incorporating natural colors in your home can make your space more airy and inviting. Florals work as well; just be sure to choose ones that match your overall palette.
7. Wash Curtains & Windows
Sometimes, brightening up your home can be as easy as wiping down your windows. Grime and residue can stain the glass and block natural light from coming in, so try to clean them regularly. Your curtains deserve some love, too; ensure you wash them occasionally to avoid dust from piling up.
8. Add Artwork
Adding artwork is another great and simple way to make your home more bright and happy. Whether small or big, pick minimalistic pieces or ones with a light color scheme, and hang them sparsely throughout your home. On the contrary, you can also choose paintings with darker shades that complement the other tones of the room.
9. Layer Lighting
Having just one light source may illuminate one spot of your room, but can leave the rest of the space looking dim. Instead of relying on one central fixture, try layering different types and forms of lighting around your home to create pockets of brightness. You can even try adding light to shelves.
10. Incorporate Wall Mirrors
Mirrors can add a touch of whimsy but also reflect light back into the room. While you shouldn't go overboard adding too many mirrors, adding a few on your walls in different rooms—and in differing sizes—can bring that brightness back into your space.
11. Choose the Correct Bulb
Choosing the right light bulbs can also make all the difference. Rather than only checking for the right size, look for the Kelvin or K rating to pick out variations that are either warmer or cooler, depending on what color tone you're going for. Lumens measure how bright a bulb is, so factor that in as well when you're shopping.
12. Add Some Metallics
Adding touches of silver and gold around your home can also bring some sheen in. Consider choosing furniture pieces with metallic elements, or photo frames, accessories, and other textiles that can give off some of that gorgeous gleam.
13. Accessorize Wisely
Accessories can help you find what style suits you and your home, but it's also important to not go too wild and heavy-handed. When in doubt, stick to pastels or neutrals, and try to stay minimalistic. You can also search photos for inspiration or ask others for their opinion.
14. Keep Furniture Low
Another tip is to pick furniture pieces that stick low to the ground. This will give the illusion of a more open space, and will better allow light to fill the room without items shielding the sun. If you have low ceilings, this will especially help.
15. Mix & Match Textiles
Don't be afraid to mix and match various textures and textiles. Pair velvet with silk for a luxurious feel or wood with glass for an elegant, high-class vibe. You can also try playing around with different patterns instead of other picking solid colors.
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16. Rearrange Bookshelves
If your bookshelves need some cleaning, don't forget to give them some love (and dusting), too. You can rearrange your novels to show off different titles and spines, or face the pages outward to give it a new look. Plus, adding small accessories or fairy lights can bring more attention to the nook.
17. Move Items to the Walls & Ceiling
If you have too many items lying around causing clutter, try shifting them to the walls to open up more space. Pots and pans and utensils can hang from quirky cork boards, and bicycles can hang off ceilings. Add more shelving around your home to move whatever objects you can off the floor.
18. Incorporate Glass Pieces
Just like mirrors, incorporating glass pieces helps to reflect light back in, so try switching up your furniture, shelving, and accessories for these shiny panels. This goes for doors as well—if you can swap out stuffy ones for open French doors, your space will feel more open and bright.
19. Update Your Entryway
Your entryway is the first thing your guests will see when they come into your home, so tidying and sprucing it up is just as important as the rest of your space. Consider adding a wreath to your door or entry lights, and art pieces or mirrors on the walls.
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20. Freshen Up Garden & Landscape
A bright and welcoming home isn't limited to what changes you make on the inside—how you freshen up your outside surroundings matters as well. Make sure you regularly tend to your garden and lawn, and ensure that large shrubs, bushes, and trees aren't obscuring your windows from letting light in.
