Having a dark apartment is quite a challenge. On the one hand, it is very cozy, which is nice, but on the other hand, you simply want more daylight, especially during the day. And unfortunately, you can’t just conjure that up. But luckily, there are a few tips and tricks that can help brighten your dark apartment. Let’s get started!
How to Brighten a Dark Apartment
1. If Possible, Change Your Wall Color
Well, you’ve probably already decorated and painted your apartment. That’s why this tip is only for those who have the opportunity (and desire) to implement it. The fact is that a dark apartment only looks even more dreary and, well, darker, if the wall color is just as dark.
The first thought would probably be to paint the walls white. However, I find that this gives off pure hospital vibes, and I don’t think anyone seriously wants that.
Instead of white, think of warmer but light colors, such as off-white, neutral colors, light gray, or pastel shades. These colors are perfect for making your apartment look bigger and brighter without making it look sterile.
2. Go For Light Surfaces
Just like with walls, light-colored surfaces are just as important for making your dark apartment appear brighter. I don’t know exactly what will work for you, but I’ve jotted down a few ideas that you could implement:
- Kitchen countertop: Of course, you don’t have to replace the entire countertop. But you could cover it with self-adhesive foil. These are available in marble, concrete, wood, and many other looks. (Also very budget-friendly!)
- Backsplash: Just like with the kitchen countertop, you can easily cover it with light-colored film. This will even make your kitchen reflect the light that comes in.
- Furniture: Yes, who would have thought? But the fact is that dark furniture makes your home look even darker. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t have any dark furniture at all. Just don’t make it the main feature, but rather use it as a statement piece or accent.
- Throw pillows: I would say this is more realistic than the furniture. With pillows, you only need to buy new covers in beautiful, light but warm colors, as I mentioned in the first point.
- Throw blankets: Bright white throw blankets, for example, are also ideal if you already have dark furniture. They brighten everything up completely without you having to buy new furniture. It’s as if they lightly cover up the dark spots.
These are just a few ideas, and everything except the furniture is easy to implement and not that expensive.
3. Metallic Accents
Whether it’s furniture or decorative pieces, if they’re metallic, they’re a great choice. That’s because they reflect light, and in dark apartments, we really need every ray of light we can get. You could use candle holders, lamps, vases, picture frames, or trays in gold, silver, or brass, for example.
It’s best to choose just one, because gold, silver, and brass would be too much and create a restless effect. And don’t use too many metallic pieces per room, otherwise it will look cluttered.
Especially if you have wooden furniture or neutral furniture, for example, metallic accents are a good addition and don’t compete with other materials.
4. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
But don’t just hang them on any random wall. The goal is to reflect as much light as possible. That’s why it’s important to hang the mirror opposite a window. A mini mirror won’t do much here, so it’s better to choose a large mirror.
This would also be a great opportunity to incorporate metallic accents, because if the frame is metallic, you have another way to reflect light.
5. The Right Light Bulbs
Since natural light is rather limited in dark apartments, you have to help it along. The best way to do this is with light fixtures that you can equip with smart bulbs. The advantage of these is that you can adjust the color temperature as you wish.
For example, during the day, you can set the light to look like natural daylight and then use warmer light in the evening to create a cozy atmosphere. This is truly such a quick fix.
At the end of the day, you have to work with what you have or help out where you can, because unfortunately, you can’t buy natural light, BUT you can buy light bulbs. So poetic, I know,
6. If You Have No Overhead Lighting, Do This
If you don’t have any overhead lighting, you’ll need a few more light sources. It won’t work any other way.
For example, you could have a floor lamp in the corner. Then, a table lamp on the dresser or nightstand. And an additional accent lamp on the shelf and windowsill. (Don’t forget the candles, they make a big difference too!).
The good thing is that this way you cover several heights at once, and the light is distributed evenly throughout the room.
For the floor lamp, you can choose one that casts light upward, as this is the best way to replace overhead lighting. If you have a light-colored ceiling, your room will immediately appear brighter.
No matter what you decide, adjustable lighting is the best option; that’s simply a fact.
7. Light Curtains
Every apartment needs curtains to protect itself from creepy neighbors. But there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Choose light colors and a light, semi-transparent fabric, such as voile or linen. The good thing about these is that they let daylight through even when the sun isn’t really shining.
2. Hang the curtains close to the ceiling and not directly above the windows. This helps your apartment look bigger than it is and gives the room height.
3. I try to keep the curtains open during the day so that enough light can come in. But it’s difficult to see me, so that’s possible. It really depends on your apartment, how close you are to your neighbors, and what you do. It makes a difference whether you’re just lying on the couch, sitting at your desk, or running around the apartment and dancing.
4. During the day, light, bright curtains are an advantage. However, it’s important to combine these with blackout curtains so that you can sleep well at night and not be woken up by light.
That was quite a bit of information about curtains, but they are an important part of an apartment (and they can actually brighten a dark apartment!).
8. Don’t Clutter Your Floor
The more space there is on the floor, the more light can have an effect. If you have too much furniture, everything just looks cluttered and darker. This actually blocks the light.
That’s why it’s better to use a few large pieces of furniture rather than lots of small ones. I would also try to use low furniture along the walls so that the center of the room remains open. This immediately makes the room appear brighter, airier, and larger.
Another tip that is easier to implement and costs nothing is to keep furniture away from windows. After all, how is light supposed to enter the room if everything is blocked?
It is just as important to keep doors clear. This makes the room appear much more open.
9. Use Light Rugs
It’s not easy to change the floor, especially in a rental apartment. But luckily, there are carpets. Because if you have a dark floor and lay a light-colored carpet over it, the dark floor is automatically hidden. And your space will appear much brighter as a result.
Especially if you have dark furniture, a very light-colored rug is the ideal solution for making your apartment brighter without having to buy new furniture right away.
A jute rug could be just as good a choice, as it is very light in color. Or a salt and pepper rug, which goes with just about any interior style and is timeless and neutral in color.
10. Bring in Life
My last tip would be to decorate with plants. It’s important not to overdo it, though; you don’t want your apartment to look like a botanical garden. Assess your apartment and start with one or two plants to see how it looks.
If it’s not enough, you can always get more. The good thing about plants is that they automatically bring life into the room. And at the same time, light and brightness.
Whether in a corner, on the windowsill, or on bookshelves, they will literally brighten your dark apartment in no time.
To Wrap It Up
Now we’ve already reached the end of the post, and I hope, of course, that the tips have helped you and that you can and will apply some of them. Because, actually, it can be really easy to brighten a dark apartment, as we’ve also seen now.
From my own experience, I can say that a dark apartment can often really bring you down. You simply miss the daylight and brightness during the day. But on the other hand, you should still try (and I mean you have to) to make the best of it and just appreciate that you have a roof over your head. No matter whether it’s dark or light.
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