Anyone who’s ever rented an apartment is familiar with the beige carpeting to match the beige walls, and the one window in the front and back of the place. Meanwhile, homebuyers on a budget may feel like they are renting if they can’t yet afford to renovate and haven’t heard back from that home makeover reality television show. But there are ways to bring in more light without bringing in the sledgehammer. Here’s how:
Throw in Some Paint
This is a big start, especially if you’ve just arrived and haven’t moved in any furniture yet. For renters, be sure to chip off a part of the paint so you can get the same color again when it’s time to repaint the place at the end of the lease. Bring home a couple of sample colors and test out the colors to see how they look during the day and evening.
Figure out what kind of theme you want in the room, and go for a lighter color. For example, if you’re into neutrals, you may look into whites. If you want a darker or cool tone, you may opt for light grays. If you love color, consider pastels for a beautiful backdrop for the rest of the rainbow. The debate between gloss vs matte walls is endless; however, if you do some test colors, you can choose for yourself before it’s too late.
Throw in a light rug
Starting at the foundation, this is also easier if you’re just moving into a new place. Chances are, if you’re renting, the floors are also dark. A rug can also add personality and make the space look bigger than it actually is. If you have pets or children, you can opt for a lighter colored rug instead of a white or very light rug.
Buy and Position Your Furniture Accordingly
If you are buying new furniture, keep in mind your style and a lighter color palette to compliment that. Keep in mind of different tones to play with your wall and floor colors, as too much white can make a room stark. Big furniture and lots of it can create more shadows, making a space darker. Clear or shiny furniture can also make the space feel bigger.
If you already have your furniture, you can play with the placement and see if you can re-stain wood or upcycle your furniture to match your place. Putting furniture towards the light allows you to comfortably soak in as much sunshine as possible.
Maximize Your Windows
Look to see how much light you can truly optimize by cleaning your windows before figuring out what to do with them. Are they a lost cause? If so, maybe you can even ditch the vertical blinds or throw in a window treatment. If you want some coverage and a way to make the room seem bigger, try hanging long white curtains at the very top of the ceiling for maximum height. Just be sure to whip out your measure first.
“Lighten” Up the Place
Any renter knows that overhead lighting is even worse than the lack of windows. Plug-in lighting allows you to pick your placements and the type of lighting that you want: Warm, cool, dim, or bright. Nowadays, there are so many different types of lights for different moods. From table lamps, floor lamps, and fairy lights, the options are endless. There are even alarm clocks that give the illusion of a natural sunrise, perfect for daylight savings time! You can also throw in candles for extra light, in addition to coziness and scent.
Add in Your Finishing Touches
When it comes to accessorizing your room, mirrors and reflective surfaces are your best friends. (Big) mirrors really add to your space and can create a centerpiece. Light mirrors can be hung on command strips and big mirrors can merely be angled against the wall for support. Accents (like vases, pencil holders, and even staplers) can come in an array of glossy finishes.
When it comes to art, less is more. Having a bright centerpiece, instead of a lot of little pieces, can make the space seem bigger. When the walls have more space, they can reflect more light.
Greenery can also live up a space. There are real house plants that don’t require a lot of light! Just be sure to do your research before making a trip to the nursery. Read more on how you can keep your plants alive here.
With a bit of creativity and inspiration, any space can be transformed into a home. Let us know your tips in the comments below!
