We could all stand to have a brighter living space. Letting the light in—whether it’s of the natural or fabricated variety—can work wonders on your psyche, whether it’s banishing depression, thanks to Vitamin D, or contributing to an overall more open and welcoming space. But the truth is: you can buy all the lamps in the world and your home still might not feel as bright as you’d like it to.
So, what should you do when you’re trying to give your space a literal glow-up? Whether it’s taking the time to arrange your furniture to amp up natural lighting or switching up your paint and wood options to make your rooms feel a little less dreary, you have options. Try these 20 easy tricks and make your home look brighter than it ever has. And for more general tips on sprucing up your home, don’t miss 30 Ways to Make Your Home Way More Awesome.
1 Rearrange your furniture.
How long has it been since you did some rearranging in your home? Before you start moving things, first, create a new floor plan that’s focused around the windows—you know: the part of your house that’s going to give you the best natural brightness. If you keep those spaces open and airy and avoid blocking them with bulky furniture, your home will instantly look more cheery. And while you’re in the process of rearranging, for help with knowing which furniture pieces you might just want to toss, don’t miss the 30 Ways Your Home Is Hopelessly Outdated.