Houses are generally more attractive when they are well-lit.
Whether living in or staging a house for sale, this is a huge plus.
It can improve your quality of life and increase your property’s value.
Read on for our top 8 tips on how to lighten a dark house.
1. Install more windows
A lack of windows massively contributes to a dark interior.
Windows installed in walls can be costly. Putting them onto the roof of your house is often a simple alternative.
There’ll be a noticeable difference during all hours the sun is up. And even during evenings, moonlight will make a difference to interior light levels.
Types of windows
There are different types of windows to consider. They can be categorised by build and material.
For example, sash windows are commonly used in period properties (especially Georgian and Victorian ones). The way they open can allow relatively high direct sunlight.
And bay and bow windows can capture even more sunlight because of their increased surface areas. However, they are relatively expensive to install.
2. Repaint the walls
Lighter or darker colours or shades significantly impact rooms’ appearances.
The ideal types of colours for making a room appear lighter are:
- Light and neutral colours like white, off-white, and light gray. These reflect light
- Pastel colours are soft, muted versions of brighter colors, e.g., pale blue, light pink and mint green
- Light and airy neutral colours such as light wood tones (maple, birch, etc.)
A note on colours
Lighter colours reflect light around your room rather than absorbing it (as a darker colour would).
Fluorescent colours reflect even more light. However, they are unlikely to appeal to most people’s taste.
In most cases, lighter colours appeal to the broadest range of tastes.
There are rare exceptions where no change of colour is allowed, such as in some listed buildings or rental properties.
3. Add more mirrors
Mirrors are a great way of spreading light around your room.
This ensures that sunlight isn’t ‘lost’ when the window comes through it. Instead, it reflects over a larger surface area.
Putting them at eye level, opposite a window, is often the best choice.
4. Choose light flooring
It’s not just wall colours that impact the light in your house. Flooring makes a big difference, too.
Brightly coloured rugs and carpets will help to increase light in your house.
Even if you can’t change the colour of your flooring, putting a bright rug on top is something anyone can do.
5. Change your curtains
Your curtains can be a major reason why there isn’t much light in your house.
They can block a large portion of the window if they’re bulky.
Some people remove curtains. Others choose thin drapes that allow light through even when drawn.
But you could go for a thinner design that doesn’t block any part of the window when pulled back.
Light vs. noise issues
It’s worth noting that curtains can help reduce noise in your house.
Noise is also a significant factor in a house’s desirability, so getting the right balance between light and noise.
6. Buy bright artwork
Artwork can add character to your property and simultaneously introduce many bright colours.
These light paints will reflect light bouncing into your room. And it can make an excellent contrast to dark wallpaper.
Just make sure you don’t cover too much of the wall with artwork. Otherwise, this may have the opposite effect!
7. Use electric lighting to your advantage
You can’t always rely on natural lighting to brighten up your home. Electric lighting is also necessary.
Look for any corners of the property that aren’t well-lit – and then perhaps use a lamp to fix this.
You could also install lights hanging from the ceiling rather than freestanding in the corner of your room. And try out stronger bulbs.
8. Declutter!
Lots of clutter prevents light from reaching every corner of the room. It acts as an obstacle and thus darkens your house.
So, you must be careful about the number of appliances, furniture, and decorations in your property.
Decluttering can significantly brighten your house.
Light will reach every corner, and your property will look much better. Give it a try and see the amazing improvement it makes.
