Light is the definition of life. Scientists and home décor experts strongly recommend making special measures to brighten up your home using natural sunlight or artificial lighting. Whether you’re looking to brighten your basement or breathe life into your bedroom, the ambiance of a space directly affects the mood of the people who enter it. Keep your home feeling light and bright with these room brightening tips.

1. Assess the space. Before you begin with decorating your room, take a good look at it. What works in the space? What doesn’t work? Where are the dark areas and how can you make them brighter without making the room feel congested? Be aware of any unused corners or wall space that can be filled with light fixtures. Take note of any windows as well. Are your existing window treatments hindering the natural light? Can you replace them with lighter sheer curtains that will allow more light in? Once you have an inventory of the space you have to work with, you can begin filling it with light.
2. Relocate your windows. One of the most important aspects of brightening up a dark room is the correct placement of windows. If you have room in your budget to have new windows installed, a professional designer can help you choose the placement that will get you the most natural light on a daily basis. Properly placed windows can even help cut back on home energy costs. You’ll spend less money buying and using electrical fixtures!
3. Find balance with window treatments. The proper use of light and dark shades in a room is vital in creating a balance between natural and artificial light. Mix and match a combination of dark or printed shades with sheer curtains so that you’re always in control of the natural light that comes in. The easiest way to do this is by using two curtain rods and installing them in staggered layers. This allows you to always have the option of using the dark shades, light shades, or a combination of both. If you only want to use one layer of curtains, bring light in by incorporating airy hues throughout your bedding accessories, artwork, or lampshades to create a balance.
4. Decorate your walls. If your home design lacks the option for a ton of natural light, you can still brighten a space by dressing up your walls. Buy colorful paintings or wall hangings with bright backgrounds and color patterns to breathe life into even the darkest of spaces. Home décor experts strongly recommend cheerful and jovial images in paintings, abstract artwork, or animal printed wall hangings to make your walls more bright and trendy.

For more home decorating advice, reach out to Mimi Wilson, an experienced Northern Virginia interior decorator.