While there’s nothing quite like a room bathed in sunlight, not every space is fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows.

If you’re envisioning a well-lit nook in your home, all hope is not lost! With a few strategic furniture placements, colour palettes, and cleaning tricks, you can still have the bright space of your dreams.

1. Add light-coloured furnishings 

Photography by Patrick Biller 

Soft hues and light furnishings are your friends when it comes to making a room brighter. Light colours reflect natural light in a room, adding a sense of airiness. 

2. Use mirrors

Strategically placing mirrors around a dark or cramped room is a foolproof design-hack that instantly opens up a space. Hang your mirrors opposite windows or other shiny surfaces—the light will reflect off and automatically double. 

3. Clean your windows

Photography by Alex Lukey

Believe it or not, sometimes all you need is a good window cleaning. Removing built-up dirt and grime will make your windows appear shinier and more clear. 

4. Paint the ceiling 

Colour-drench with your wall colour, or mix it up with a bold colour. Though it may seem counterintuitive, a dark ceiling (especially in a reflective high-gloss sheen) can add depth and contrast to a room, making the walls appear taller. 

5. Forgo heavy curtains

Photography by MJAY

6. Decorate with airy pieces

Photography by Janis Nicolay

Airy decor is an easy way to infuse style into a room without adding extra bulk. Transparent shelving or tables, glass vases, and light pieces are perfect additions. 

7. Choose light flooring 

A light-coloured floor will reflect light—natural or artificial—immediately brightening your space. Go for a pale hardwood or vinyl, or paint your floors white for a classic farmhouse vibe. 
 

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