How to Brighten Up Your Home this Winter
As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, we all want to have a warm, cosy home to go back to. There are few things more satisfying than walking through the door, kicking off your shoes, and sinking into a big, comfy chair, with a fire lit and a cup of tea to hand.
However, it can be hard to let enough light in when the days and nights are dark and gloomy. Although low lighting can be soothing, helping you to switch off at the end of the day, nobody wants their house to be dim and dismal. You have to find a way to strike the right balance between the two. If you need some help, here are a few of my favourite tips for lighting up your home this winter…
Make the Most of Your Windows
One of the gloomiest things about sitting at home during the winter is the lack of natural light. Although artificial fittings can be nice and bright, they don’t possess quite the same quality as the illumination that spills in from outside, so it’s important to try and maximise this. Although heavy curtains are great for trapping heat in your home, try to choose a light palette for your fabrics. If you have the budget, you might even want to consider replacing your current windows with something larger and grander, such as sash windows. With the right accessories, these can be opened just a fraction on milder days to let in some much needed fresh air and sunshine.
Invest in Lamps and Additional Sources of Light
As simple as it sounds, you might also want to consider investing in some additional light sources. If your home is prone to being dark and gloomy, then light up those shadowy corners with lamps, and choose some brighter lights for your overhead fixtures. It can also be a nice idea to get your hands on a collection of scented candles, as these are a great way to create a warm glow, and they’re fantastic for helping the whole family to unwind at the end of a long day.
Hang Mirrors
Thirdly and finally, visit your local DIY store, charity shops, or eBay to see if you can get your hands on some mirrors. Not only will these help to enlarge your home and improve your interior, but they’ll also be a great way of brightening things up. Hang them on every available surface, and you’ll soon find that the amount of light in your home is doubled or even tripled. The best place to site them is either opposite or directly behind lamps or light fittings, so that their glow is reflected back into your property.
Light up your home this winter with these handy tips and tricks.
