Natural light is one of the best features for making any interior look and feel inviting and spacious. However, when you don’t have much daylight to play with, this can be challenging to achieve – but it’s not impossible! If your apartment appears dark or cramped and you’re looking for some simple ways to elevate it, these tips and tricks will help to optimize your natural light and refresh your interior. Let’s dig in.

Use Plenty of Mirrors

Instead of hanging up artwork or photographs, try to stick with mirrors. These are one of the most used tricks used in the interior design world to enhance and optimize natural light as much as possible. 

• Place mirrors adjacent to any windows or even close to artificial light sources so they can reflect and disperse the light throughout your apartment. 
• A word of warning: ensure blasts of daylight don’t reflect off the mirrors, as this can blind occupants or even damage some items in your home. 
• Be strategic about placement and know which directions your windows face. A north-facing window is generally easier to place a mirror near compared to a south-facing one. 
• Use floor mirrors, wall mounted pieces, and don’t be afraid to go thrifting to find one-of-a-kind pieces that are well-loved and sturdy.

Stick with a Neutral Colour Palette

If your home is already quite dim, avoid using dark colours since they naturally absorb light. Neutrals and lighter colours will reflect light and improve the brightness and spaciousness throughout your apartment. Bright white, alabaster, eggshell or even vibrant tones are ideal to use for interiors that are limited on light or square footage. 

To balance the placement of bright tones on your walls and in your decor, carry that through to the floor. Opting for a white or light-coloured carpet will go a long way toward brightening your space. Light naturally shines on the floor, and a neutral tone can bring the eyes up and make the space feel bigger.

Consider a Few LED Lights

Even if your apartment has wall-facing windows, you can be strategic with artificial lights and still create a design that appears open and attractive. Consider layering your lights by using a main light fixture, along with lamps in any dim corners. Also, use full-spectrum light bulbs for those extra dark spaces that could really benefit from simulated daylight. We recommend mixing full spectrum lights with softer ones so you can vary the degree and warmth of your lighting throughout the day and evening.

Get Some Houseplants

Prior to the pandemic, houseplants were already a budding obsession, and it’s not hard to see why. Aside from improving indoor air quality, plants make excellent décor pieces because they are naturally beautiful, colourful, and add plenty of vibrancy to any interior space. They’re also an ideal feature that can substitute and compensate for low-light spaces. Pothos, ferns, snake plants, and spider plants are some of the most popular options for dim spaces that are the easiest to keep alive. 

Choose Blinds Instead of Curtains

When your apartment is already quite dark, it’s best to forgo the use of curtains. Even when they’re tied back, they will still restrict the amount that can filter inside. Instead, stick with blinds or pulldowns that can offer privacy when needed without blocking any sunshine.

Stick with Glass or Glossy Finishes

If you need to add new furnishings to your place, choose items that have a higher light reflective value. This includes clear glass surfaces or transparent pieces. If you prefer wood furniture, stick with finishes that are glossy.

Keep Things Clean

Frequently cleaning your windows will ensure there isn’t an accumulation of dust and debris blocking any light trying to come inside. That goes the same for your mirrors. And any other surfaces that help reflect light, such as glass or glossy wood. Keeping all these dust-free will allow light to shine and brighten the space easily.

Go Minimal

Less really is more when it comes to decorating darker spaces. For low-light interiors, it’s best to only add the bare essentials that you need, use, and love. This will prevent your place from appearing cluttered and cramped. Having fewer items will open up the floor space while maximizing the light throughout your home. 

Consider multi-purpose furniture that has storage to keep clutter to a minimum or planning for a storage bookcase that keeps everything in its place. Always measure your space before adding furniture to ensure it fits seamlessly without blocking any natural light from coming in. 

Even in the dimmest interiors, there are many simple tricks that can easily optimize natural light and brighten up your space. If you’re planning to move and want to find a new place that offers ample daylight and the amenities you need, browse our listings today