There are several ways to use interior decorating techniques to bring more light into your home. Many people think paint is the only way to do this, but furniture choices and lighting are equally important. If you are a long-time reader, you won’t be surprised if I say that a good decluttering before designing any room will make your home feel more spacious.
Choosing Paint
Choose light colours such as white and off-white because they reflect the most light. They will make the room appear larger and brighter. Pastel shades and cool tones like soft blues, greens, and pinks can add a hint of colour while still brightening the space.
It is also important to consider paint finishes. For example, semi-gloss or glossy paints reflect more light than matte finishes, helping to bounce light around the room and make it feel airier. However, glossy finishes on walls can reveal even minor imperfections. I advise painting walls with a matte finish and choosing furniture with a gloss finish rather than using gloss paint on the walls. Satin finishes offer a middle ground. They provide a slight sheen that helps reflect light while being more forgiving of imperfections than higher gloss finishes.
Painting the ceiling a lighter colour than the walls or the same light colour can create the illusion of height and openness. Similarly, using a lighter shade for trim and mouldings can make the walls seem brighter.
Sticking to one colour family in varying lighter shades (monochromatic scheme) can create a cohesive, airy feel throughout the room. For instance, even though white-on-white can be a tricky look to achieve, it might be the best choice for your space. Some of my favourite whites are ones that many designers use – and that’s because they work. These paint colours include Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White, Simply White and Chantilly Lace. Consider choosing Oxford White for the trim if you use any of these wall colours.
Choose Furniture Carefully
Your choice of furniture can significantly contribute to making a room feel lighter and more open. Here are a few ways to use furniture to bring more light into your home.
Firstly, when you have more furniture in a room, it will feel smaller, so consider multi-functional furniture. For example, you might select a bench-type ottoman with storage or a sofa bed with storage, such as the Reva Sofabed from EQ3.
Next, opt for light-coloured furniture such as white, beige, light gray, or pastel shades. Light-coloured wood finishes, such as white oak or European white beech, reflect more light and make the space feel open and airy.
Multiple wood tones in darker finishes can significantly dampen the feeling of light in your space. Instead, choose furniture made of glass, acrylic, or other translucent materials to give a room a lighter feel and create a less cluttered look.
It’s essential to use appropriately scaled furniture for the room. Oversized furniture can dominate a space and make it feel smaller and darker, while appropriately sized pieces can enhance the sense of openness. Additionally, bulky or heavily ornamented furniture can make a space feel cramped and darker.
Instead, look for minimalist pieces with slim, clean lines and simple designs. Consider selecting furniture with exposed legs or an open base. These items allow light to flow underneath, creating a sense of space and making the room appear lighter.
Lighting
Lighting is the most important element of all. Unfortunately, it is often ignored or left until the end of a renovation when there is not much money left in the budget. I suggest starting a renovation project by updating the lighting plan first and then working on the other elements. Here are some tips to help you bring more light into your home.
Choose Bulbs Accordingly
Lumens measure brightness. Thus, light bulbs with higher lumens mean brighter light. The colour temperature is measured in Kelvins. Lower colour temperatures (2000K-3000K) mean the light will appear warm and yellowish. On the other hand, 5000K bulbs look bluish and tend to be bright and harsh. I prefer 3500K most of the time.
Think about how you will use your space and choose your light bulbs accordingly. Bulbs with lower lumens and temperatures create a warm, cozy ambiance. In contrast, bulbs with higher lumens and temperatures are a great option for a bright, well-lit work area.
When installing light fixtures, be sure to install a dimmer switch to control the amount of light. Another good option, especially for small spaces, is to install “smart lightbulbs” that connect to a “smart home” system. You can change the brightness (lumens) and colour (temperature) of the lights using a smartphone app. You can also automate the changes. For example, you can have the bedroom lights gradually get brighter as you wake up in the morning and slowly dim before you go to bed.
Layer Your Lighting
Ambient Lighting: To provide overall illumination for the room, start with a strong ambient light source, such as a ceiling fixture, recessed lighting, or a large chandelier.
Task Lighting: Add task lighting for areas where focused light is needed. For instance, add a desk lamp to your work area and reading lamps next to your sofas and chairs. Ideally, place lamps or space-saving wall-mounted lights in your bedroom on either side of the bed. Under-cabinet lights in the kitchen help illuminate workspaces and reduce shadows on countertops.
Accent Lighting: Use accent lighting to highlight architectural features, artwork, or decorative objects. For instance, wall sconces, picture lights, or LED strip lights add depth and interest while contributing to the overall brightness. I love these picture lights from Kuzco and this swivel wall sconce from Kichler.
Light Fixtures and Placement
The types of fixtures you choose will depend on their placement in the space. Here are the basic types of lighting to think about.
Reflective Fixtures: Use light fixtures with reflective surfaces or translucent shades to amplify the light and distribute it more evenly throughout the room. Clear or “seedy” glass fixtures (like this one from ZLite) are a personal favourite.
Ceiling Fixtures: Install flush or semi-flush ceiling lights in rooms with lower ceilings to maximize vertical space and avoid dark corners. Use pendant lights or chandeliers in rooms with higher ceilings to provide ample light and visual interest. This chandelier from ZLite is one of my latest obsessions.
Lamps: Incorporate floor and table lamps to fill in darker areas and add layers of lighting. Adjustable floor lamps can direct light where it’s needed most.
Remember, the combination of paint, furniture choices, light fixtures and bulbs can bring more light into your home. As always, I recommend that you take the time to create a cohesive design plan for your space incorporating these elements before launching into your redecorating or renovation project.