How to Fake Natural Light When Your Home Doesn't Have a Lot of Windows

Natural light can help make a home look brighter and cozier without the harsh fluorescent light. Unfortunately, not all of us have big windows that let in that precious sunlight. The solution is these tips that can recreate the effect of natural light in your space, even if it doesn’t actually get a lot of sun!

Paint the room in light hues

There’s nothing better at making any room look brighter and airier than painting the walls in light tones! According to Apartment Therapy, hues like white or eggshell can actually help reflect light, compared to dark colors, which tend to absorb light.

Get light wood floors

Just like walls, when floors are light-colored, sunshine can bounce easily, making a room look much brighter.

Avoid dark, heavy window treatments

If you want your room to reflect light more easily, nixing those dark curtains is one thing you might want to consider. Again, these window treatments will only absorb light and make the room look gloomy. Instead, opt for curtains in light colors and fabrics, which will allow sunlight to spread throughout the space.

Hang up mirrors

Mirrors, especially when placed across a window that receives light or even a light fixture, can really make light bounce around a room. Aside from mirrors, you can also try investing in furniture and décor pieces that have mirrored or reflective surfaces, such as mirrored tables and clear acrylic furniture.

Add artificial lighting

According to The Spruce, when it comes to brightening dark rooms, lampshades can actually be a great idea since they help diffuse light across the space. That being said, it is also important to be careful about which shades you choose. Shades that are made of light materials are great choices because they allow light to filter through easily.

Decorate with plants

Plants are not just great for making a space look prettier; they can also help make a dark room look much brighter! If you are in a room that doesn’t receive much light, however, make sure to go for plant varieties that can tolerate low light.

Keep furniture away from the windows

If you do have a couple of windows in the room, make sure there aren't any pieces standing in their way! Apartment Therapy says that when windows are blocked by big furniture, the light that’s coming into the room is blocked and lots of shadows are cast across the space. These can prevent you from making it look like your room has more light than it actually does. Move those pieces so that they’re not blocking your windows and let the sunshine come in freely!