How to Make a Dark Apartment Lighter: 10 Cool Tips

Asked artist-decorator Anastasia Filimonova for several simple and effective tips on how to make an apartment a little brighter.

Anastasia FilimonovaArtist-decoratorCreates interior abstractions, advises on decor selection. She is convinced that art should be present in every home

Choose light furniture

The less substantial the furniture construction, the more spacious and light the room will feel.

Naturally, when choosing furniture, you should consider the overall interior style and personal preferences. However, if you have a dark, poorly lit room, choose light furniture with tall legs. Some items can be replaced with glass ones—for example, a coffee table.

Design: Slava Melnikov

Remove curtains

Yes, really. If the window seems empty and you lack textiles, make two curtains on each side so they can be pushed aside. Better yet, instead of heavy drapes, hang light sheer or light-blocking roller shades.

Design: Faomi

Free up space near the window

If possible, remove everything from the windowsill that blocks sunlight: any accessories, pots, flowers, books.

Design: Ksenia Konovalova

Use mirrors

If you have a free wall, for example, in a hallway or bedroom, you can place a mirror of any suitable shape on it. A mirror reflects light, makes the space brighter, and visually expands it.

Design: Huge Studio

Check the lamp power

Try observing in a friend’s home or café what kind of lighting is used—how many bulbs and fixtures. Thoughtful power and number of lights improve the perception of lighting quality.

For example, for a 20 m² room, you’ll need at least 300 watts of lighting. That’s the minimum, but if your floor is dark and furniture is dark, and there are many dark corners—then you need more power.

Design: Anna Aranovich

Think about lighting scenarios

This way, you can not only increase the level of lighting but also create the right atmosphere.

If you are in the process of renovation and can still plan built-in spotlights, chandeliers, and wall sconces—think about their placement.

For example, in a living room, you can place a warm-toned light fixture above the dining table that beautifully lights your dishes and creates a cozy atmosphere; a wall sconce next to the sofa or a floor lamp nearby if you like to read alone; and built-in spotlights along the perimeter, considering the square meters of the room, to fill the space with bright light when needed.

Design: Huge Studio

Replace bulbs on the balcony

Go to the balcony and see how much light there is. If there’s just one dim bulb hanging there, consider changing the lighting. Good lighting on the balcony can make the room brighter too.

Lay a carpet

If you want to add more light to an existing room and your floor is uneven or dark, I recommend laying a light-colored carpet. It adds softness and texture. There’s a wide selection of carpets in various colors, materials, and sizes in stores. Experiment!

Reduce wall decor

The more items hang on the wall, the less light reflects off it.

If your main goal is more light in the house, don’t hang too many pictures, photos, or frames on the wall. I recommend placing 2–3 items on the wall, for example, a mirror and light abstracts.

Design: Oxana Savchuk and Irina Baklanova

Add accents

There’s no need to give up on deep, dark, and bright shades in choosing furniture and accessories—just make them accents. For example, bright hues visually act as additional light sources.

Artist: Anastasia Filimonova

Photo on cover: design Anna Tarasova