In the gray days of winter, light and warmth can feel hard to come by. Beat the gloom with strategic use of mirrors + lighting to help your home retain its glow. Turn up the ambiance with these pro tips for a more light-filled home this season.
Mirrors
- Harness natural daylight by placing a mirror opposite (or beside) a window
- If natural light is hard to come by (like in an entry or hallway), place a mirror near a lamp for a similar, amplifying effect
- Large furniture can visually weigh a room down; hanging a mirror above a dresser, table or sectional will lift the eye up — helping a space feel larger and more dynamic
- Short on space? Consider hanging a beautiful mirror in place of wall art (such as over a fireplace mantel) for the added brightening benefits
- More is more; the larger the mirror, the brighter a space will feel
Lighting
- No matter the room size, layer a mixture of light sources at varying levels to create a functional and comfortable space
- In a particular room, start with primary lighting — most likely overhead, such as chandeliers, flush mounts or recessed lights — then incorporate secondary sources like floor or table lamps, sconces or task lighting
- Illuminate walls or ceilings with sconces or floor lamps to increase overall brightness by causing light to reflect off surfaces
- Opt for white or light-colored lampshades to diffuse light and cast a softer glow that mimics natural light
Consider Your Space
Take a look around the rooms of your home — especially the spaces you use the most — and ask yourself if you realistically have enough light to get the most out of your space. Would you utilize a sitting area more if you could read there at night? Could your entryway be more inviting with a brighter welcome of light? Consider your space, then give us a call or visit our showrooms for beautiful finds to brighten up your home.