Making a room seem lighter with interior design is a great way to create a more open and airy atmosphere. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily transform a dreary, dark space into a bright and welcoming one. Here’s what you need to know.
- Choose light colours for the walls, ceiling, and flooring. Light-coloured walls, ceilings, and flooring can have a significant effect on how open a room can feel. Go for pale shades of blue or grey on the walls, a shade of white on the ceiling, and light-coloured floorings, such as cream carpet or light wood.
- Use natural light. Sunlight can really make a room feel brighter and more inviting. Make sure your windows are clean and free from heavy curtains or blinds, potentially going with net curtains from a supplier like Woodyatt Curtains. If possible, try to get larger windows or even a skylight, to let in as much light as possible.
- Add mirrors. Mirrors reflect light and space, and you can easily create an effect that increases how light the room feels. You can either go with one big mirror, or hang multiple, smaller mirrors.
- Buy light-coloured furniture. Dark colours, including furniture, can make a room feel smaller and more cramped. Go with light-coloured furniture, such as a white or pale wood bed frame, or a light-coloured dresser. If you already have nice, dark furniture, consider painting it a lighter colour.
- Choose light-coloured bedding and window coverings. Light-coloured bedding and window coverings can make a room feel brighter and more open. Opt for white or pale-coloured sheets, duvet covers, and curtains. Try to avoid heavy, dark fabrics such as velvet or brocade, as while they’re lovely in some spaces, they can also make a room feel much darker and more enclosed.
- Add a touch of greenery. Houseplants can make a room feel brighter and softer, while also purifying the air. Choose plants that are known for their ability to purify the air, such as snake plants or peace lilies, both of which are also very tame. Not only do they bring in natural elements but also help make your environment more conducive to habitation!
- Use layered lighting and task lighting. It’s obvious that a clever approach to lighting can make a space feel much lighter. If it’s a place where you study, read, or work, install task lighting, such as a desk lamp or other directional lighting, and layered lighting, like table lamps, to help create a welcoming and functional environment.
- Avoid heavy patterns. Heavy patterns on walls, bedding, or furniture can make a room feel darker and more enclosed. Instead, go for simpler, geometric patterns, or even just solid colours – they can easily make a room feel lighter, and more enjoyable to spend time in.
Obviously, there are a lot of clever design tricks that you can use, to make a space feel bright and open. By using light colours, on the walls, ceiling, and flooring, bringing in natural light, adding a touch of greenery, and experimenting with different design elements, you can easily transform an otherwise slightly dark and oppressive room into a surprisingly light and functional space.