Achieving an energizing, bright vibe in your home is not difficult. From swapping out your antiquated Persian rugs for more modern, white options, to bringing more mirrors into your space, there are plenty of ways to add light to your home décor—and create a welcoming space along the way. Add light to your home interior with fresh details that stand on their own, but still work together to create a bright, airy space meant for relaxing and gathering with family and friends.
If you want your home to be bright, cheerful, welcoming, and inviting, follow these tips to open up your space and let a little sunshine in along the way.
Swap Out Your Rugs
Need a reason to cover the not-so-nice flooring that came with your newest apartment? A brightly colored contemporary rug or a rug with a unique pattern should do the trick. Opt for an opulent white choice with lots of texture to reflect light around the space while still keeping a cozy vibe, or get creative with brightly colored prints that create a standout statement in your space. Bring in the light with natural-colored rugs in earthen fibers like jute and rattan, too—they’ll have a brightening effect but are easier to keep clean than carpet or other pilly rugs.
Change Your Fabrics
Sometimes the simplest changes are the most effective. Swapping out dark, heavy fabrics in your favorite home décor accessories and replacing them with light, bright pieces is a great way to bring light into an otherwise dark room. Look for spring pillow covers with bright colors or patterns, blankets, and other accessories in light, calming hues like whites, ivories, or on-trend pastels, and don’t be afraid to mix and match them to create a soothing backdrop for your space. If you don’t want to swap out all the darker furniture or flooring elements in your home, these lighter accents are a great tool for balancing your space.
Bring in Mirrors
Lighting is key for brightening up an otherwise dark space, and luckily, mirrors work brilliantly to bounce light around your room and create the illusion of a larger space. To make the most of this age-old trick, place a mirror on the wall closest to your biggest window to reflect all of the sun’s natural rays. Don’t be afraid to go big here—an oversized mirror will reflect the most light, and create a stunning centerpiece for your space, too. The bigger the mirror, the brighter and larger your room will feel.
Opt for mirrors with gold or metallic frames for an on-trend, whimsical look that will help reflect light back elsewhere in your room.
Repaint Your Walls
Choosing light-reflecting paint in a variety of bright hues is perhaps the easiest way to lighten up a room and let a little sunshine in. White may be considered the go-to – after all, it will be sure to reflect the most light – but other soft colors can work just as well if you’re looking to brighten up a darker space. Opt for on-trend colors like Sherwin-Williams’ White Sand, or get creative with bright hues like their Living Well Collection favorite Daydream.
Can’t find a paint color you love? Wallpaper is also a great option for covering dark walls and letting more light into your home or space. Look for light-colored sheets with metallic accents for maximum shine.
Update Furniture Finishes
It’s the little details that make a house a home. And when it comes to brightening a space, the little things can make a big difference. Swap out dark-colored furniture for updated options in bright hues or natural fabrics. Avoid placing dark furniture (or otherwise bulky pieces) near windows, as they’re likely to block a lot of light. Instead, opt for smaller options in your layout, or avoid it altogether with see-through furniture made from stylish materials like wicker or rattan.
Looking for a weekend DIY? Grab a can of paint and set to work refinishing some outdated furniture pieces. You’ll be amazed at how much it can revitalize your space.
Re-Imagine Your Window Treatments
Choosing different types of window treatments can also have a great effect on the amount of light in your space or room. Instead of opting for heavy curtains that will block most of the light, choose a light or sheer fabric and make sure that it can completely retract so as not to deter any sunshine during the day. Lace, light-filtering options, and even sheer choices are all appropriate options to give you privacy but still keep your space bright, warm, and welcoming. If you’re not sure what curtains best suit your space, give me a call and learn about our custom window treatment services!
Brighten up your home by reimagining the little things – and let a little light in along the way.
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Article written by: Carolyn Mitchell
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