How To Create More Natural Light In A Dark Room

8 Ways to Fake Natural Light When You Really Don't Have It

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Good lighting is essential to creating an inviting space—and there's no better light to bask in than sunlight. But what to do when your apartment is lacking in the south-facing window department? Don't worry! There's hope to be had. We did a little digging and discovered a handful of ways to create the illusion of more natural light in your home, from mirrors to houseplants.

Stock Up on Mirrors

Did you know that adding mirrors to the wall across from your natural light-receiving windows will help bounce the light around a room? Take it one step further and opt for furniture and decor pieces with mirrored surfaces like this mirrored accent table at Pottery Barn to maximize the amount of natural light being reflected in your space.

Avoid Dark Tones

Dark tones absorb more heat and light than lighter colored ones. That's why filling an already dim space with darkly colored furnishings and textiles will actually make it seem darker. So before you paint your windowless room a deep shade of gray, consider a lighter hue like bright white or eggshell that will reflect more light around the room.

Gloss Up Your Surfaces

A little gloss goes a long way when faking natural light at home. Add a fresh coat of glossy white to your walls, ceiling, trim, and floors (if possible) to help bounce the light you do have around the room, and invest in decor items with glossy or metallic finishes to give the impression you have more light in your home than you really do.

Employ Artificial Light

Artificial lighting is still essential in any room, especially ones that lack a lot of natural light. Add full-spectrum light bulbs (they're designed to simulate daylight) to the light fixtures in rooms with poor lighting to quickly brighten up your home with some soft but warm artificial light.

Add Greenery

When all else fails, you can always count on houseplants to help you compensate for a lack of natural light in a room. Bring a few low light-tolerant plants, like ferns or spider plants, into a room with little-to-no-natural light to usher in some ethereal vibes and keep the air clean.

Keep the Windows You Do Have Unobstructed

We're all for putting things in front of windows—beds, shelves, chairs—when you're in a tight spot. But if you don't get a lot of natural light to begin with, then it's best to make sure your windows are, for the most part, unobstructed. To let in as much light as you can, you might even consider taking blinds and heavy curtains off of your windows in rooms where you don't need as much privacy. Some people find this move makes a space feel unfinished, but decorating is a compromise. Prioritize natural light if you want to, and it's okay if a plant or two is hanging in your window, since the right plants can help with the lack of light problem as mentioned above.

Be Strategic About Furniture Finishes

Not saying you have to buy all new furniture, but if you do choose to bring a new piece or two into your home, target shiny lacquered, clear glass, and see-through acrylic pieces when possible. Not only do these materials feel visually light, but they also allow sun to stream right through—or off of—them. These kinds of furnishings will keep the overall look of your room sunny and bright, so consider decorative accessories in these finishes as well.

Go Big with Art

A large painting or print can break up blank wall space, and if you're able to frame it, this adds another semi-reflective finish to your walls. Obviously, a piece that is lighter and brighter will help you fake natural light better than something dark. A white frame is probably your best bet, too, especially if you already have white walls.

Caroline Biggs

Contributor

Caroline is a writer living in New York City. When she's not covering art, interiors, and celebrity lifestyles, she's usually buying sneakers, eating cupcakes, or hanging with her rescue bunnies, Daisy and Daffodil.

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