Living in a dark apartment can be frustrating and draining, especially if you crave natural light or a bright, airy atmosphere. However, with some creativity and effort, it’s possible to transform a dimly lit space into a cheerful and inviting home. From adding plants and mirrors to changing your lighting and color scheme, there are many simple and affordable ways to brighten up a dark apartment. So whether you need ideas for your apartment in Germantown, MD or an apartment in Fremont, CA, read on for 14 bright ideas.
Different lighting makes all the difference in a dark apartment
Lighting is essential to creating a bright and welcoming living space in an apartment. Adequate lighting highlights the apartment’s features, makes sense of spaciousness, and improves the overall ambiance.
1. Opt for LED light bulbs
“If you want to brighten up a dreary rental apartment – light it up with good LED lighting and a smart home hub,” says Round Table Builders, a design-builder and general construction company. “Most rental apartments have poor lighting, and by using LED smart bulbs or light strips, perhaps behind your TV, you can brighten your world, even color it when the mood strikes. When you move, it can all go with you to your next home.”
2. Replace your bulbs for a higher wattage
SMDA, a design company, shares, “It can feel like there is nothing you can do to brighten a space when you are renting an apartment, but there are actually many options that are easy and effective. Start by looking at any existing light fixtures. It may seem surprising, but giving them a good clean can make a big difference. You can also replace the bulbs for higher wattage or the shades for ones that will let more light through. Add a plug-in or battery-operated lamp if there is no existing light fixture. Portable floor and table lamps add wonderful light and warmth to spaces.”
3. Place light sources around eye level
“Stark overhead lighting can often wash out a small apartment. Opt for lamps and other light sources at eye level or below to add more depth to your living space,” suggests Stinky Candle Company. “Candles can be a fun way to play with light and shadow, and unique scents like Fresh Linens or Colombian Coffee make any apartment cozier.”
The right décor and accessories can brighten your dark apartment
The décor is essential in brightening a space by adding a splash of color, texture, and personality to an otherwise dull room. Adding a variety of decorative elements such as artwork, throw pillows, area rugs, curtains, and decorative objects can help to transform a room’s ambiance and make it feel more lively and inviting.
4. Printable art can bring your style into your space
Gilded Stork, a DIY design company, suggests adding art to your space. “Often, when renting, you can be hesitant to invest financially in decorating it. Free printable art is easy to infuse your style into your home. Printable art can easily be swapped out and changed to keep up with your current tastes and latest trends.”
5. Try to use natural wood into your décor
“The use of natural wood helps provide a warm contrast to cold, hard surfaces in the kitchen,” says Rustic Craft Designs. “Natural wood cutting boards on stone countertops provide function and simple beauty.”
6. Adding colorful photos can enhance any dark apartment
Rita Fulginiti and Steven Bercovitch from Photo Pro Boca, a professional digital imaging company share, “If you are looking to change the décor of any room in your home, a bright, colorful photo would be perfect. It’s a low effort to hang, and it leaves minimal damage. It’s also easy to change, which can fit your ideas.”
7. Pay attention to the scale of your furniture
“As a residential interior designer specializing in designing interiors that inspire new ways of experiencing home and life, those who rent should think similarly to attract quality renters who are looking for the same,” says Amy Krause Design. “Proper scale of furniture – heavy or large furniture for the space can feel dark and crowded. If the walls are dark, go lighter with furniture and vice versa.”
8. Choose a few accent furniture pieces
DoMA Home Furnishings shares, “The easiest way to brighten up an apartment is to decorate the room using mirrors, thin floor and table lamps that have a light-colored shade. When shopping for furniture, look for smaller, more modular, light-colored pieces with low profiles. Instead of a large, bulky sectional, opt for a smaller sofa and pair it with two chairs.”
9. Certain furniture will give an illusion of a bigger and brighter room
“Choose light furniture in color and scale,” says Chf Home Furnishings. “A common mistake in a small or darker space is choosing heavy overstuffed/ chunky pieces of furniture which immediately shrinks the room and overwhelms it, making it feel darker. Opt for clean, sleek lines in a lighter or neutral color palette. Sofas and chairs with a solid light color and wooden legs work best to lighten up the darker space.”
10. Mirrors will make any space brighter
“Spring is on the horizon, meaning it’s officially time to let the light shine and brighten up your abode,” says Finally Home Furnishings. “Use gorgeous mirrored furniture designs to multiply and reflect light, natural or otherwise. Jump on the bright color trend and infuse colors and patterns that spark joy in your heart.”
Believe or not, candles can brighten even the darkest places
Candles are a popular and versatile decorative item that can add warmth and light to any space, making it feel brighter and more inviting. Candles can create a relaxing atmosphere that can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
11. Use aesthetic soy candles
Stroud’s Simply Southern, a hand-poured soy candle company, says, “A great way to brighten up a dark apartment is to add aesthetic soy candles with refreshing scents, especially white wood dough bowl candles. These candles add natural lighting, warmth, texture, and décor that brightens up your rental space. They also fill your home with fragrance to make it smell like home.”
12. Add a signature scent to your apartment
“Adding a signature scent to any home or space is an instant mood lifter and our go-to for brightening a dark space,” shares P.F. Candle Co.” For scents that make you smile, we recommend florals, a mood booster.”
Seattle Candle Company agrees, “A super-easy way to brighten up and bring change to your space is to switch up the scent profile. Do you usually opt for a particular type of scent? Change the mood of the space by branching into a new scent family-woody, amber, floral or fresh scents can bring big change when they aren’t what you’re used to.”
13. Use candles to elevate your mood, as well as your space
“Brighten your apartment with all senses for the full effect,” says Dio Candle Company. “Aside from selecting tactile furniture and lighting fixtures that will accent your space visually and physically, don’t forget about your olfactory experience. A scented candle can transform any space and elevate the occupant’s emotions for an all-encompassing mood and vibe.”
14. Place candles next to mirrors
Wisconsin Candle Company shares, “Candles offer a glow that’s bothcozy and atmospheric. Place layered candles next to mirrors, on a windowsill, or against a white wall for maximum glow. A candle in a glass container will also burn brighter, as the light inside will be refracted. So warm and cheerful.”
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