How to Make a Small, Dark Room Appear Bright and Open
Living in New York definitely has it’s pros and cons, and one of the cons is definitely the chance that you’ll be living in an apartment with little to no natural light. After all, windows are incredibly coveted, and you’re sure to pay the price for ones that aren’t blocked by a skyscraper next door. However, if you don’t have the money to pay for a fantastic apartment (like the one pictured above) with gorgeous, streaming sunshine, there are a few other ways to ensure you’re home isn’t the dank, dungeon you’re terrified of ending up in.
1.) Paint your walls light colors. If you never excelled in your 7th grade science class, don’t worry, here’s a quick lesson in how light works: light colors reflect light, dark colors absorb it. So if you’re wanting there to be more light throughout your home, consider a lighter color that is sure to keep the light moving about the room. Stark white may come off a bit to “asylum” like, so even a pale yellow, cream, or a “barely there” lavender will keep the room feeling open.
2.) Add lights throughout. What tends to happen in many of these apartments, is there is one main source of light, leaving the corners of your room looking sad, dark, and if I may…a bit creepy. Make sure to add light in these little spaces in your home. Adding some floor and table lamps or some track lights (not the stark museum ones) can really brighten up a room. Even a corner night-light can make a huge difference.
3.) Hang mirrors. Mirrors are often one of the most underused items in a small home. They not only bounce light around the room, but they also give the illusion that there is more space. And what’s even better, a mirror can fit into any interior design motif. They can be edgy, graphic, hip, romantic, vintage or modern. Hang a large mirror or go for a “collected” collage of smaller mirrors. Feel free to be creative!
4.) Choose the right accessories. Just as mirrors will help bounce light around a room, so will other reflective surfaces. Think crystal chandeliers or metallic lamps. In addition, understand what takes up “visual weight” in a room. A thick, dark, wooden side table will seem to weigh down the room, while a light and airy glass and metal table will almost seem invisible to the eye, creating the illusion of more space.
5.) Add plants. Bringing in a little of the outdoors makes any room automatically seem more fresh. Even a small box of herbs on the kitchen counter will be sure to keep your room feeling a bit more upbeat. Just be sure you’re not bringing home something like a bouquet of oriental lilies, and they can become incredibly overwhelming in a small space.
