With several long winter months ahead, everyone will be spending a lot more time indoors. And if your home is dark, dingy, and devoid of natural light, this might seem like a depressing prospect. An abundance of sunlight has proven benefits for your mental health, but with daylight hours at a minimum, many people will find it difficult to cope.
If your home lacks the quantity of natural light you’d prefer, there are fortunately ways to bring more light into your home and experience all the benefits it brings. Here are four tried-and-tested methods to brighten up your living space.
Rearrange
The simplest way to incorporate more natural light into your home is to reconfigure its layout. Make the most of all the windows you have by giving them a good clean until they are spotless, and ensuring there are no obstacles obstructing the view. Remove any blinds and heavy curtains that restrict sunlight. You could even consider repositioning furniture to make your windows or french doors a focal point, so you and your family can all enjoy the outdoors while you are sitting down together in the evening.
Add artificial light
If there are few entry points for natural light in your home, then you will struggle to make it less dark naturally. But one highly effective way to brighten up any room is to add more artificial light sources. You can get lamps with full-spectrum light bulbs that accurately simulate natural light to make your home environment feel lighter and more positive. If the darkness of winter really brings you down, there are SAD lamps available for people with seasonal affective disorder, which are proven to boost mood and improve energy. If you prefer your lighting to have a more extravagant appeal, why not visit https://www.sognidicristallo.com/en/murano-glass-chandeliers/murano-chandeliers.html and purchase a Murano glass chandelier? Make sure you pay special attention to dark corners of your home that allow minimal light, such as corridors, alcoves, and awkward corners.
Change the color scheme
Somber furniture and walls painted with dark colors can make a room seem dark and depressing in winter. Consider changing up your color scheme to incorporate brighter, more uplifting tones. Soft shades of light not only make a room less somber, but actually reflect the light and make any space considerably brighter. Give your walls a good paint and switch out your dark furniture for whites and pastels.
Add reflective surfaces
Mirrors are one of the most effective ways to create the illusion of bright light, while making a room seem larger and more spacious than it really is. Add some mirrors and mirrored accessories to make the most of the available light and create a more uplifting mood in your home. Glossy surfaces also have the same effect, so consider changing up your kitchen cabinets and worktops for brighter alternatives.
No matter how dark your home is, there are plenty of ways you can add more natural light. By following these four tips, you will be better equipped to get through the darkness of winter and experience all the mental health benefits that sunlight can bring.
