Lighten a Dark Room

June's Expert - K. Stone of Adore Your Décor™

K. Stone, one of LoveToKnow's own interior design writers, is our expert this month. She's an experienced interior decorator, even running her own design business for the past three years, and is definitely up to any design challenge you can send her! Check out her website http://www.adoreyourdecor.com

Question

My bedroom window only gets the minimum amount of sunlight during the day. What are some simple and inexpensive ways I can brighten my room?

How to Lighten and Brighten your Room

We can all use a little more sunshine in our lives! Here are some easy, affordable ways to brighten a room with a small window, or even no windows at all.

• Outside factors - Start by cleaning your window both inside and outside. You’d be surprised how grime on window glass can limit your light. Also, cut back any trees or shrubs that may be hindering your daylight.

• Window treatments - For a room where privacy is not an issue, you can leave the windows bare. Since your room is a bedroom, you’ll want some privacy. Select a sheer or lace fabric which will allow a lot of light to shine through but provide some privacy at night. Another fun option is window film that looks like stained or decorative glass. Find a great selection at http://artscape-inc.com and http://www.gilafilms.com.

• Mirrors - Try mounting a mirror on the wall directly opposite your window. The mirror should be the same size or larger than the window. This simple step will immediately double the light your room gets during the day.

• Paint - Another easy and affordable element to keep in mind is paint. Use a light color that will reflect light back into the room such as white, cream, or yellow. Avoid dark colors or muddy earth tones because they absorb the light in a room. Another paint tip is to use a semi-gloss, high-gloss, or metallic finish to make the room glow when light is applied. Don’t forget the ceiling!

• Solar tubes - While more expensive than the ideas above, a solar tube or tubular skylight might be a good solution for your bedroom. Solar tubes can usually be installed for about $500, and they will greatly increase the sunshine factor. Check out http://www.solatube.com/residential.php for details.

• Lighting - Of course, you can always add more lighting fixtures to your room. Halogen bulbs burn the brightest, but they do put off a lot of heat in the process. If your budget permits, try adding recessed lighting or track lighting all around the perimeter of your bedroom. Make sure to include a dimmer switch or knob, so you can customize the light level. For inexpensive track lighting that installs in minutes, look at LitesNow from Westinghouse: http://www.westinghouselighting.com/litesnow/index.html.

• Country French Style Basics
• Designing for Small Spaces
• Common Themes for Teenage Bedrooms
• Basics of Color Design
• Asian Style Interior Design

• Ask An Expert - June
• Window Treatment for Short Windows
• Country French Kitchen Decor
• Craftsman Style Light Fixtures
• Built in Living Room Storage Solutions

• Bathroom Galleries