Aside from literally and figuratively brightening your day, ample natural light offers an array of benefits: It reduces your dependency on energy use and visually expands and opens a space. But if you’re inhabiting a sunlight-challenged apartment, particularly a rental unit, you might be wondering what non-lease–breaking alterations you can easily do yourself to combat poor sun exposure.
Read on to learn nine decorative strategies any apartment dweller can apply.
Strategically Place Mirrors
This is a “trick” often employed by designers and decorators: Wall and wall-leaning mirrors are not only a great way to accessorize a living room, bedroom, or entry space, but it’s a tool for reflecting natural light. Not to mention, depending on its size, it can make the space look and feel bigger. Position the mirror (or mirrors) opposite (facing) or adjacent to a window.
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Paint the Walls Light
Lighter hues reflect light while darker colors actually absorb it. It’s the same reason why people tend to wear light colors in the summer season: Dark textiles absorb the sunlight and its accompanying heat. When choosing wall paint for a space you’re trying to brighten up, your best bet is to go with a light palette. But if white and off-white are too bland for you, try pale light grays and pastels.
Choose Light Window Treatments
Like the aforementioned surfaces, light-colored window treatments will help reflect the sunlight filtering in and hitting them. Consider skipping dark or moody drapery, and instead, opting for crisp white curtain panels, Roman shades, blinds, or cellular shades.
Clean the Windows
You’d be surprised at how much of a difference clean windows can make. Built-up dirt, dust, pollen, and other particles—on both the inside and outside of the window can block some of the natural light from filtering in.
For best results, first remove loose dust and dirt using a dry microfiber cloth, and be sure to get the window seals and corners as well. Then, use a glass-specific cleaner or make your own solution of mild soapy water or diluted vinegar. Try not to clean with fluids on windows in direct sunlight as air drying can result in water spots and streaks. Instead, quickly dry off the cleaning solution using a lint-free cloth or squeegee.
Try to clean the interiors once a month and the exteriors once a year. If you live on a high floor but don’t have tilt-sash windows (windows that unlatch to tilt inward for cleaning), consider using a telescoping window cleaner pole, but only if you can do so securely.
Furnish to Reflect
Similar to mirrors, furnishings with polished or shiny finishes can help reflect some of the light. Fortunately, a lot of common furnishings, and perhaps items you already possess, have a combination of these material finishes: think metallic, glass, acrylic, glossy ceramic, and chrome.
You can also try incorporating decorative objects and sculptures with such materials, placing them closer to the windows, but perhaps not right in front.
Clear the Window Area
It’s best to clear the space immediately in front of the windows of bulky and tall furniture and objects, including faux trees and plants. Of course, if you have real greenery in your apartment, that’s another story. But research the specific plants and trees to learn just how much direct or indirect sunlight they need and position them accordingly. You might be able to move some plants safely off and right in front of the window sill but still nearby.
Use Sheer Drapery
Instead of conventional curtains, consider using sheer drapery which, second only to no drapery at all, will filter in the most daylight. If you’re concerned about privacy, you can use a double curtain rod to layer sheers with more opaque curtains and close the latter when needed.
Choose Paints With Sheen
When choosing paint for your walls, go beyond light colors and choose a finish with some sheen, such as satin or semi-gloss. These reflective surfaces are a subtle way to bounce off light.
Lighten the Ceiling
The same wall paint rule applies to the ceiling color. A light-toned ceiling will help reflect light coming through the window back into the room. And, painting the ceiling a few shades lighter than the walls can actually make the room appear loftier.
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