Difference between revisions of "Brighten Up a Room"
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Rooms that have few windows or light fixtures can feel small and dark. Home improvements that light up a room range from slight cosmetic changes to significant remodeling. Learn how to brighten up a room according to your budget. | Rooms that have few windows or light fixtures can feel small and dark. Home improvements that light up a room range from slight cosmetic changes to significant remodeling. Learn how to brighten up a room according to your budget. | ||
| − | [[Category:Using Light for Interior Design]] | + | [[Category: Using Light for Interior Design]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#[[Paint a Small Room|Refresh your paint job]]. Old white walls and dark colored walls can make any space feel small. Spend plenty of time on the prep work, such as cleaning, patching cracks and bordering the space with painter’s tape. | #[[Paint a Small Room|Refresh your paint job]]. Old white walls and dark colored walls can make any space feel small. Spend plenty of time on the prep work, such as cleaning, patching cracks and bordering the space with painter’s tape. | ||
#[[Choose Interior Paint Colors|Choose light colored paint.]] Eggshell, cream and other nearly white colors reflect light and make the space feel larger. If you are painting over a darker color, take extra time to prime or buy a paint that includes primer. | #[[Choose Interior Paint Colors|Choose light colored paint.]] Eggshell, cream and other nearly white colors reflect light and make the space feel larger. If you are painting over a darker color, take extra time to prime or buy a paint that includes primer. | ||
| − | #*Use matte paint or satin finish on the walls. Glossy finishes will create glare. You want the appearance of a light canvas to brighten up the room. <ref> http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/garden/not-much-natural-light-tips-to-make-your-place-look-brighter.html?_r=0</ref> | + | #*Use matte paint or satin finish on the walls. Glossy finishes will create glare. You want the appearance of a light canvas to brighten up the room. <ref name="rf1"> http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/garden/not-much-natural-light-tips-to-make-your-place-look-brighter.html?_r=0</ref> |
#Consider eggshell blue or other light colors for trim or a single wall. If you want to draw attention to a fireplace or one area of the room, consider painting it a light color that compliments your decor. Always use the lightest pastels, since it may look darker covering a large space. | #Consider eggshell blue or other light colors for trim or a single wall. If you want to draw attention to a fireplace or one area of the room, consider painting it a light color that compliments your decor. Always use the lightest pastels, since it may look darker covering a large space. | ||
| − | #[[Wallpaper a Room|Hang reflective wallpaper]] on a single wall. Wallpaper adds style to a room, although it can be difficult to hang properly. Place it on a wall opposite a window to reflect the light. <ref> http://www.channel4.com/4homes/rooms/living-room/design-planning-ideas/colour-schemes-to-brighten-dark-living-rooms-09-09-09/display/image/6-Blendworth-Seabrook-living-room-lg</ref> | + | #[[Wallpaper a Room|Hang reflective wallpaper]] on a single wall. Wallpaper adds style to a room, although it can be difficult to hang properly. Place it on a wall opposite a window to reflect the light. <ref name="rf2"> http://www.channel4.com/4homes/rooms/living-room/design-planning-ideas/colour-schemes-to-brighten-dark-living-rooms-09-09-09/display/image/6-Blendworth-Seabrook-living-room-lg</ref> |
=== Replacing Flooring === | === Replacing Flooring === | ||
#[[Take Out Carpet|Pull up old or dark carpet]]. Unless you have light, stain repellent carpet already, it may look dingy or dark. Consider replacing the carpet with light colored laminate flooring. | #[[Take Out Carpet|Pull up old or dark carpet]]. Unless you have light, stain repellent carpet already, it may look dingy or dark. Consider replacing the carpet with light colored laminate flooring. | ||
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#Consider a window remodel. If you are working with a room with no windows or small windows, price up a small remodeling project to increase the size of the windows. [[Install an Egress Window|An egress window]] in a [[Install Basement Windows|basement]] runs between $3,000 and $6,000 and can turn a small room into a cheery bedroom. | #Consider a window remodel. If you are working with a room with no windows or small windows, price up a small remodeling project to increase the size of the windows. [[Install an Egress Window|An egress window]] in a [[Install Basement Windows|basement]] runs between $3,000 and $6,000 and can turn a small room into a cheery bedroom. | ||
#*Although this is an [[Invest|investment,]] [[Install an Egress Window|putting an egress window]] and built-in closet in a basement room could increase the value of a home. Talk to a local realtor and contractor to see if this bright change is also a good financial decision. | #*Although this is an [[Invest|investment,]] [[Install an Egress Window|putting an egress window]] and built-in closet in a basement room could increase the value of a home. Talk to a local realtor and contractor to see if this bright change is also a good financial decision. | ||
| − | #Don’t rely on[[Install a Light Fixture| overhead lighting.]] If you do, it may be bright during the day, but dark in the evening. Aim the light at the ceiling to make the room feel larger and brighter. <ref | + | #Don’t rely on[[Install a Light Fixture| overhead lighting.]] If you do, it may be bright during the day, but dark in the evening. Aim the light at the ceiling to make the room feel larger and brighter. <ref name="rf1" /> |
#Add ambient or indirect lighting. Lights above cabinets or around a focal point will give the room an extra layer of light. Point ambient lights up, not down, if possible. | #Add ambient or indirect lighting. Lights above cabinets or around a focal point will give the room an extra layer of light. Point ambient lights up, not down, if possible. | ||
#[[Install a Chandelier|Hang a chandelier]] in the center of the room. Choose a glass or crystal-looking chandelier to reflect more light from the windows. | #[[Install a Chandelier|Hang a chandelier]] in the center of the room. Choose a glass or crystal-looking chandelier to reflect more light from the windows. | ||
=== Picking Furniture === | === Picking Furniture === | ||
#[[Reupholster a Couch|Upholster furniture]] or buy furniture that is light-colored. Cream, tan and light blue can add a beachy brightness to any room. Dark furniture, such as black, dark grey and brown leather will draw the eye away from your light walls and décor. | #[[Reupholster a Couch|Upholster furniture]] or buy furniture that is light-colored. Cream, tan and light blue can add a beachy brightness to any room. Dark furniture, such as black, dark grey and brown leather will draw the eye away from your light walls and décor. | ||
| − | #[[Move Heavy Furniture|Place large pieces of furniture,]] such as chests and bookshelves on walls that are perpendicular to your windows. Use the parallel walls for mirrors, light-colored upholstered furniture and wallpaper. This will promote daylight to flow into the room. <ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/garden/not-much-natural-light-tips-to-make-your-place-look-brighter.html?_r=0</ref> | + | #[[Move Heavy Furniture|Place large pieces of furniture,]] such as chests and bookshelves on walls that are perpendicular to your windows. Use the parallel walls for mirrors, light-colored upholstered furniture and wallpaper. This will promote daylight to flow into the room. <ref name="rf3">http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/garden/not-much-natural-light-tips-to-make-your-place-look-brighter.html?_r=0</ref> |
=== Choosing Decorations === | === Choosing Decorations === | ||
#[[Hang a Mirror|Add mirrors]]. Here are some creative ways to make a room feel larger, brighter and more stylish with mirrors. | #[[Hang a Mirror|Add mirrors]]. Here are some creative ways to make a room feel larger, brighter and more stylish with mirrors. | ||
#*Find [[Antique Mirrors|antique mirrors]] and hang them close together. It will look like an art installation and reflect light around the room. | #*Find [[Antique Mirrors|antique mirrors]] and hang them close together. It will look like an art installation and reflect light around the room. | ||
#*Use a long and skinny mirror on a large wall to make a room look wider. Place it across from a large window to reflect more light from the outside into your room. | #*Use a long and skinny mirror on a large wall to make a room look wider. Place it across from a large window to reflect more light from the outside into your room. | ||
| − | #*Take small square mirrors and tile a wall where you wish there was a window. It will give the illusion that you have an extra window. <ref> http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-ways-to-use-mirrors-to-make-113181</ref> | + | #*Take small square mirrors and tile a wall where you wish there was a window. It will give the illusion that you have an extra window. <ref name="rf4"> http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-ways-to-use-mirrors-to-make-113181</ref> |
#*Set up floor length mirrors in hallways or nooks. | #*Set up floor length mirrors in hallways or nooks. | ||
| − | #[[Make a Glass Bottle Centerpiece|Include glass décor.]] A glass or mirrored coffee table, wall hanging or vase may increase the open feeling of the room while attracting more light. Opt to replace knobs on your furniture with glass knobs.<ref> http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/5-cheap-ways-to-brighten-up-a-room.htm</ref> | + | #[[Make a Glass Bottle Centerpiece|Include glass décor.]] A glass or mirrored coffee table, wall hanging or vase may increase the open feeling of the room while attracting more light. Opt to replace knobs on your furniture with glass knobs.<ref name="rf5"> http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/5-cheap-ways-to-brighten-up-a-room.htm</ref> |
#Remove excess décor. [[Create a Minimalist Home|Take the minimalist approach]] toward decorating, in any room you want to feel airy and light. Remove knick-knacks, bookshelves and collections in favor of 1 or 2 vases and statement pieces. | #Remove excess décor. [[Create a Minimalist Home|Take the minimalist approach]] toward decorating, in any room you want to feel airy and light. Remove knick-knacks, bookshelves and collections in favor of 1 or 2 vases and statement pieces. | ||
| − | #*Consider removing end tables, file cabinets, TV stands and ottomans, if they just end up collecting clutter. You can hang electronics directly on the walls. <ref> https://brightnest.com/posts/less-is-more-furniture-you-don-t-really-need</ref> | + | #*Consider removing end tables, file cabinets, TV stands and ottomans, if they just end up collecting clutter. You can hang electronics directly on the walls. <ref name="rf6"> https://brightnest.com/posts/less-is-more-furniture-you-don-t-really-need</ref> |
#[[Hang Curtains|Pick sheer curtains,]] rather than heavy ones. If you need extra privacy, put in light cellular blinds behind the curtains. Sheer materials that drape down will allow more light into the room than thick or dark panels. | #[[Hang Curtains|Pick sheer curtains,]] rather than heavy ones. If you need extra privacy, put in light cellular blinds behind the curtains. Sheer materials that drape down will allow more light into the room than thick or dark panels. | ||
#*If you have very few windows in the room, consider keeping them unfurnished to let in more light. | #*If you have very few windows in the room, consider keeping them unfurnished to let in more light. | ||
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
| − | *Try [[Clean Windows|washing your windows]]. Films on the inside and outside of windows can make the room look darker. You may not notice it right away, because the effect is gradual. <ref> https://brightnest.com/todos/brighten-up-a-room</ref> | + | *Try [[Clean Windows|washing your windows]]. Films on the inside and outside of windows can make the room look darker. You may not notice it right away, because the effect is gradual. <ref name="rf7"> https://brightnest.com/todos/brighten-up-a-room</ref> |
* Try paint your room in pastel colors like light pink, light blue, etc. Think 90's style. | * Try paint your room in pastel colors like light pink, light blue, etc. Think 90's style. | ||
