Decorating & Design
These 15 Things Will Brighten Up Your Space
Updated on October 7, 2020
The days are getting shorter and when sunlight is at a premium, it’s no surprise we want to maximize the brightness in our homes. If your space is starved for some essential vitamin D, try these tips that will make your rooms lighter and brighter.
1. Metallics
These fun stools are like a ray of sunshine in this kitchen. Shiny finishes reflect the available light, and look effervescent and luxe.
2. White Furnishings
When instant brightening is required, white furnishings are the visual equivalent of adding bleach to a pile of laundry and hanging it in the sun. Fresh and crisp, white upholstery has the added bonus of looking incredibly luxe.
3. Reflective Floors
Natural stone, particularly these stunning, large slabs of Statuario Venato marble, have a finish and color that subtly amplifies the light.
4. Low-Slung Furniture
There’s a lot to be said for keeping a low profile. Furnishings that don’t have high backs won’t obscure a window, and they also make the whole room look more spacious. The fluid seating provided by benches is a smart choice for parties as well.
5. Mirrored Furniture
Mirrored tables are the supersized version of a princess-cut diamond, brilliant at refracting sunlight (and the artificial variety), to brighten rooms.
6. White Walls
Take a page from Scandi design. White walls are the simplest solution when brightness is required, stat. A fresh coat of paint can make a small room feel not only brighter, but larger.
7. Sheer Drapes
Some window dressing is an absolute necessity for privacy, but when that’s not an issue, a sheer is a pretty way to filter the sun without exposing every detail. For an updated take on the classic sheer, try pretty candy-stripe pastel versions like these.
8. Light Hardwood Floors
The design pendulum is always swinging on floor finishes, from the rage for chocolate-y wenge to pale, silvery barnboard grey. A blond wood floor is a classic that makes white walls seem gallery like and the whole space feel airy.
9. Mirrors
It’s an easy way to add depth, and sparkle, in small rooms. Hanging a large mirror is a quick way to brighten a room, but consider insetting mirrors into paneling or painting the frame to match the wall, for a seamless and even grander effect.
10. Black-Framed Windows
Regardless of the weather, black-framed windows emphasize what’s through the glass, drawing more attention to the sunlight.
11. Lucite
Here’s one material that can literally do a disappearing act. A chic Lucite table is lightweight and practically invisible so light flows through it, just like magic.
12. Open-Concept Space
Removing a wall opens up a world of possibilities in a dark interior. Walls in the main floor of the bungalow belonging to actor Yannick Bisson were removed and an addition was built to make a large, open-concept space that sheds lots of light on the kitchen and dining area.
13. Layered Lighting
Pendants, sconces, task lights, bring ’em all on to improve brightness. This bedroom is blessed with loads of natural light, but benefits from a stunning crystal drop pendant, and articulated wall sconces that can easily be adjusted.
14. White Mats
It’s a win-win: framing art in white matting gives a piece breathing room, and it has an expansive effect on a wall.
15. Hidden Shades
Discrete automatic shades squeeze out every available inch of natural light and tuck out of the way so there is nothing between the sunshine and the interior of this glorious bedroom, until night falls.
House & Home April 2013
Katherine Newman