Hint: It can even make your house look bigger.
There are some elements our homes simply can’t have too much of: space, storage, sunlight. And while you can’t increase the square footage of your home without taking on a major renovation, there are some easy decorating and cleaning tricks that can make your home look brighter. One added bonus of bouncing more sunlight around a room: more light can actually make the space feel bigger.
Exposure to daylight has been linked to improvements in our well-being and mood, and in the home, natural light can make a room lighter and brighter and give the feeling of more space. If you want to flood your home with natural light, these top tips are a great place to start.
OPTIMIZE YOUR MIRROR PLACEMENT
Mirrors reflect, rather than absorb, light. So hanging or propping a large mirror on a wall opposite a window doubles the light streaming in. You can use smaller mirrors to line the backs of bookshelves, or arrange several of them on one wall.
CHOOSE SHINY SURFACES
Similar to mirrors, glossy surfaces can help reflect light in a room. Stainless steel appliances and sleek white cabinets will make a kitchen feel brighter.
LIGHT COLORS
Introduce lighter colors to your walls by banishing statement wallpaper and dark block colors in favor of a soft shade of white paint. Shades of white will make a space feel brighter as it reflects the natural light entering the room.
WASH YOUR WINDOWS
It may sound obvious, but cleaner glass lets in more sunlight. If the sunlight is filtered through years of dust and grime, the room isn’t going to look as bright.
THE RIGHT FLOORING
Flooring can also be transformed into light-friendly reflectors by choosing wooden, ceramic or stone floors with a polished finish, which will reflect much more light than carpets.
INSTALL SKYLIGHTS
Skylights are an amazingly effective way of pulling in natural light. In fact, skylights are often called “windows for the roof.
LIGHTEN UP YOUR WINDOW TREATMENTS
Swap out those heavy curtains for light, airy ones. If privacy is a concern, pair a gauzy white curtain with blinds or a roller shade you can close at night.
GREENERY
Don’t forget the impact that the greenery outside your home can have on the light levels inside. Trim hedges and trees that may be blocking windows, and keep windowsills free of clutter.
LIGHT FURNITURE
Remove dark furniture and accessories in favor of lighter shades wherever you can, particularly if they are blocking light from windows and doors.
There are many benefits to bringing more natural light into your home. For one, utilizing natural light instead of flicking on your light fixtures saves energy, and thus lowers your electricity bill. It also brings out the beauty of fabrics and furniture and gives an instant boost to your mood and your immune system.
Read Also: CLEAR YOUR MIND AND GET RID OF THESE STUFFS IN YOUR HOME
