How to Brighten Up a Dark Space
There are plenty of scenarios in which you might prefer to spend time in a dark room -- maybe you’re meditating, trying to get some shut-eye, or developing photographs the old-fashioned way. Of course, there are plenty of drawbacks to dark interiors as well. For one thing, dark spaces lack visibility, which can be a major safety hazard. Additionally, dark, gloomy spaces can take a toll on one’s mental health. So, while some situations call for a shadier environment, there are far more reasons to illuminate an interior. Let’s go over some effective ways to brighten up a dark space.
The Best Ways to Brighten a Room
Invest in New Lighting
The most obvious solution here is to replace any old and/or failing light fixtures or bulbs with newer, brighter varieties. The three main types of lights are incandescent, fluorescent, and LED. While all three lighting options can emit enough energy to brighten up your dark spaces, note that they differ in energy efficiency. Incandescent bulbs are the least efficient of the three, requiring more energy (watts) to achieve the same brightness level as their counterparts and burning out quicker. Conversely, LED lights use a fraction of this energy to emit the same level of brightness as incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer as well. Whatever your choice, the number of bulbs you place in your space (as well as the way you angle and configure them) will affect how bright it ends up being.
Let in More Natural Light
Artificial light sources go a long way toward brightening a dark room, but don’t forget about the most powerful source of light that shines for several hours a day: the sun. During the day, take advantage of the sunlight by letting it in through windows. If your dark space doesn’t feature windows (or they’re very small), you might consider installing new energy-efficient windows to let more natural light in while the sun is shining.
Install Mirrors
You can further brighten up your interior by installing mirrors in strategic locations. Doing so will allow more light to reflect inside your space, which has the added benefit of making your room look and feel larger than it is. You don’t want to go overboard with mirrors, of course, as too many can lead to confusion and actually increase the risk of trips, falls, and impact (plus, not everyone enjoys seeing their reflection all the time).
Clean Your Room
Don’t underestimate the degree to which dirt, dust, and debris can darken your interior spaces. The filthier a room is, the less reflective it becomes as small particles obstruct the light. One way to brighten up a dark space, then, is to keep it clean. In industrial settings, regular power washing removes dirt, grime, mold, and other contaminants that otherwise obstruct the natural reflective properties of metallic equipment and other surfaces. Likewise, pressure washing a house exterior can transform its appearance, lightening its color. Even something as simple as scrubbing your walls can make them brighter and more reflective.
Lighten Up with a New Coat of Paint
The way a room is painted has a major impact on its overall level of darkness or brightness. Simply put, if you choose darker colors for your interior painting project, your room will be darker, and vice versa. One of the best ways to brighten up a dark space, then, is to apply a fresh coat of paint that’s of a lighter hue than before. Pure white paint will offer the brightest option, but you don’t have to go that far if you prefer other colors for your space. The finish you choose also plays a role in determining a room’s brightness. Glossier finishes will reflect more light and brighten up a room while flatter finishes will absorb light and darken it. Research and sample a variety of paint colors and finishes before making your final decision, keeping in mind that the room’s lighting will also have an effect on the paint job’s overall appearance.
Refresh Your Floors
Lastly, don’t forget about your floors. Just like your walls, the color and finish of your floors can transform a room’s appearance and visibility to no small degree. In this way, industrial and commercial facilities stand to benefit from installing polyurea concrete floor paint or similar coatings (not to mention these coatings also increase floor durability and longevity). You might also consider polishing your concrete floors for a smooth, reflective surface that greatly increases workplace visibility and, as a result, reduces energy costs associated with lighting.
Let There Be Light
Whether at home or at work, bright interiors can increase safety, boost your mood, and cut down on energy costs. There’s nothing wrong with maintaining some darker spaces as needed, but if you’re looking to brighten up a specific area, any and all of these tips will help do the trick. Anderson Painting can help you improve the visibility of your home or business with our painting, flooring, and power washing capabilities. To learn more about us and all we do, call today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!
