How to create light in a dark room
+15
My living room is dark. There is only one small window which looks out on to the brick of my neighbors house. My front door is solid wood with only a peep hole to look out. My question is: How can I create light or the illusion of day light?
P.S. I rent
P.S. I rent
8 answers
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I would use a lot of mirrors, if you could put one directly across from the window it would reflect the light. You will definitely need to use a lot of lamps and light colored rugs. Good Luck!!!!!
Carole Bisby
on Jan 18, 2016
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Totally agree on using mirrors and lamps. Light colors for pillows and throws, too.
MN Mom
on Jan 18, 2016
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Had the same problem at a former home. We installed solar tubes and it was amazing how just two of those lit the room up. The nice thing is they don't heat the room up in the summer and are small. They look like small light fixtures in the ceiling.
Mary
on Jan 18, 2016
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The landlord may not be too keen on solar tubes. If you are allowed to paint, go as light as you possibly can. One thing you can think about is building a valance box above your window and several feet wider. Hang light or white panels on each side of the window to the floor. Then buy some white rope lights or white christmas lights and string them up behind the valance so all you see is the down glow. This looks particularly nice with white sheers. The mirror idea is another great one to spread light. Use low floor lights, behind a plant for example shining up into the plant or place white christmas lights in a big floor plant. It might get you better help if we had a picture. Hope some of these ideas help. Don't let building a valance scare you, you can make one out of foamboard or cardboard and cover it. There was a great example on here very recently, look it up. Good luck.
Lori
on Jan 18, 2016
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Change out the lightbulbs to LED and look for daylight LEDs for recessed lighting or floodlights that you may have. LEDs are so bright and really help. You need to have different types of lamps and lighting - look for a light you can hang as a chandelier if possible, uplighting with lights that put a glow up to the ceiling, and lamps on tables on each side of couch, in the corner on a table, etc. that way you can light up the room. Mirrors are great as people suggested but they should reflect something pretty like a painting or the garden outdoors. good luck
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Jan 18, 2016
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Use only light colors for everything...walls, furniture, throw pillows with only small accents of a dark shade if you are drawn to that. I'd also use as many lamps as the room will take and mirrors. Leave the window uncovered or just hang a valence, or if you want to block out the bricks use very light sheer curtains. Depending on your style, you might also add some battery operated light strands here and there.
Sandy
on Jan 18, 2016
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I think what I will do is change my decor, I have one small wall dedicated to my photography, all in black frames. I will buy white frames, white curtains and put away all my dark nick knacks and hang a few more mirrors. My room is due for a fresh paint job. What colors does everyone suggest?
Lisa Mackinnon
on Jan 20, 2016
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LEDs can go in existing lamps! Even recessed lighting. If your're lamps take traditional light bulbs thennie you are good. LET'S replace halogen and fluorescent too
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Jan 20, 2016
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