Operation Room Brightening
Operation Room Brightening
Can you maximize the light inside a dark room to make the most of those unloved spaces in winter? The answer is yes. Here are some smart tips to get you started while working on a budget.
Written by Liz Bayardelle, PhD | See Comments | Updated 08/12/2021
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Operation Room Brightening
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The ideal home needs a fair balance of rooms facing north, south, east, and west. South-facing rooms are sought-after during the colder months of the year. Yet, in summer, homeowners much prefer north- and east-facing rooms that are cooler during the day. However, as soon as the summer season is over, these rooms tend to lose their appeal. They receive little sun exposure during the day, which makes them feel dark and unwelcoming. Can you maximize the light inside a dark room to make the most of those unloved spaces in winter? The answer is yes. Here are some smart tips to get you started while working on a budget.
Transform the Ceiling
A low-ceiling room can block a lot of natural light as soon as the sun rises in the sky. Thankfully, many older properties added a fake lower ceiling that can be easily removed and moved up. Gaining some vertical space will also let more light come through the room.
What if you can't lift the ceiling? If you can't gain additional space within the room, you might be able to create a reflective area with the ceiling. Older ceilings tend to accumulate stains and dirt over time, which stops the light. It can be beneficial to consider professional ceiling repair to remove stains and smooth the surface. With a fresh coat of bright paint, you can use the ceiling as a surface that will reflect the light throughout the room.
Keep the Room Clean
Nobody likes to use dark rooms. As a result, they tend to get messy rapidly. Making a habit of keeping your lesser-used areas clean will prevent many issues in the long term. Indeed, as dust and clutter accumulate, dark rooms can feel less welcoming. While they may not be technically dark, they are perceived as being less bright and comfortable.
Move the Furniture
Granted, you can't make room for an additional window. But perhaps, the window orientation isn't the problem. Even a north-facing window will let natural light in. However, furniture placement within the room could be blocking the natural light and air passage. As a result, the room feels dark, stuffy, and overall crammed. It's worth considering new layouts that could create a new path for natural sunlight. In a dark room, homeowners often choose to move furniture against the walls except for the window-bearing wall, which leaves the center of the room free. Using a minimalist design for north-facing rooms can also maximize light passage and brightness.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
You can't add a new window. But you can add a mirror that will reflect the light and prolong its passage in the room. Smart mirror placement can ensure that even a north-facing window will bathe the room with light. Interior designers recommend placing a mirror near the source of light, such as on the wall adjacent to the window or across it. This can not only create the illusion of a double window but also bring the light further. As a rule of thumb, the larger the mirror, the best it is to maximize light. But a mirror collage using a small reflective surface can also be effective in a narrow space.
Change the Color Palette
Your choice of color can also act as a reflector for the light. White is a popular choice, but it doesn't always work in a dark space. Indeed, white is only effective if there is enough light in the room to make it work. Lavender is a surprisingly effective color for dark rooms as it adds brightness when using a pale shade. It is also a stylish addition that can complement grey, white and wood-colored furniture. A bright and sunny yellow will elevate the space by mimicking sunlight. Paired with white tones for your furniture and focal points, yellow can turn a dark room into a sunny environment. For a sophisticated look and feel, light gray can be a fantastic choice that brightens the room while bringing a neutral and modern decor.
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About the Author
Liz Bayardelle, PhD
Founder | Contributor
Liz (or Dr. Mommy, as her toddler started calling her after learning what a PhD was) is the happily sleep-deprived mom of a toddler (and professional raccoon noise impersonator), a sparkle-clad kidnado, a teenage stepdaughter, 200 cumulative pounds of dog, and herd of dustbunnies (if daily vacuuming doesn't occur). During nights and naptimes, she uses her PhD in business psychology as an author, speaker, and consultant. She also serves as an executive and principal for three companies, two of which she co-founded with her very patient (and equally exhausted) husband.