‘Throwing light on the subject’ does more than just reveal the truth of something.
[find-an-apartment]When it comes to your apartment, the right light can illuminate your good taste and create the mood of the space you want to live in.
Read on for ways to banish shadowy recesses and squinty spaces with the best lighting choices for your apartment home.
Natural light
To figure out the natural light you have, turn off all the lights in your apartment and walk through it — in daylight, of course. Pay close attention to which windows let sunlight in. To increase your available light naturally, be sure not to block any of these windows with heavy draperies or shades.
Venetian-style blinds can actually help you direct the sunlight where you’d like it to fall. Redirecting the sunlight to the ceiling, for instance, moves light further into a room. Placing a mirror across from bright windows will also help amplify sunlight, as well. Besides funneling sunlight where you want it, blinds are also great for maintaining privacy.
More on mirrors: Use Illusion to Open Up a Small Apartment Space
Echoing the sunlight
Supplementing the sunlight with the right lamp is a great way to extend what you get naturally. A torchiere floor lamp placed in the back part of a room that receives some daylight can seamlessly fill in where the natural light falls off.
You might look for a lamp with a natural motif, one that reminds you of the sun outside. Any lamp with a floral motif incorporated will be a great device to brighten your room and your mood.
Finding the right lighting style
Is your apartment decor modern? Romantic? Coastal? Artistic?
Whatever your favorite flair, your lighting can help reinforce it. Track lighting is a great addition to a loft or other urban space, as are metallic lamps. Fabric shades can be cozy, elegant or streamlined, depending on their color or shape. Choose the vibe you wish to create in your apartment home, and pick lamps to complement your style.
Read more: Popular Apartment Decorating Styles
Lighten with color
Another effective way to create a bright space is to paint walls in light colors — with your landlord’s approval, of course. White brightens instantly, as do light shades of yellow, pink or green.
Lighter shades for linens help brighten an apartment space, as well. And don’t underestimate the difference that light-stained furniture will make to enlighten a room.
Read more: Add Color to Your Space Without the Commitment of Painting
Don’t be afraid of the dark
One caveat in the effort to banish shadows from your apartment is that, in some cases, dim light can be your friend. If you have a wall of photographs, for instance, or a piece of fine art, you’ll want to protect those items from direct sunlight to maintain their quality.
You might also have a space devoted to a quiet pursuit, such as a favorite place to read or an office desk with powerful lighting of its own. In such cases, darkened corners can enforce a sense of cozy focus. A little bit of ambient light, in the form of a small, decorative table lamp, is all you need to supplement lighting in these cases.
Paying attention to your apartment lighting can make the difference between a dim, run-of-the-mill home, and one that pops with clear, clean illumination or an atmospheric glow. Take control of your apartment space by choosing the best lighting for your decor and taste. Let your style shine!
Photo credit: Shutterstock / StockLite