15 Simple Ways to Lighten a Room For Cheap

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If you’ve got a room that feels a little too dark, don’t worry! There are plenty of easy, budget-friendly ways to bring more light into your space.

Of course, you could go ahead and extend your window, repaint the whole room in a light color or even install floor to ceiling windows. But that cost money. Plus, some of us are limited in what changes we can actually do in our homes. For example, if you’re renting, you may not be allowed to repaint and obviously adding in windows is even more on a different level.

In this post, I wanted to share 15 simple ideas to make your space feel lighter without having to turn your home into a construction site. These are easy-to-implement tips that won’t break the bank and will make a difference.

1. Place a Mirror Facing the Windows

One of the easiest tricks to brighten a dark room is to place a mirror directly across from a window. By doing this, you’re bouncing natural light around the room which makes the entire space feel brighter and more open.

Mirrors reflect not only light but also views, which can make your room appear larger too. If you’ve got a small or dimly lit room, this simple addition can make a world of difference. Plus, it’s an affordable option: you don’t need an expensive mirror to see the effects.

If you’re short on space, you can get hanging mirrors. You can hang them onto a wall or even better, simply hang the mirror on a door. That saves a ton of room too!

2. Add Light-Colored Curtains

If your curtains are dark or heavy, they could be blocking out more light than you realize. Swapping them for lighter, sheer curtains allows more sunlight to filter through, brightening the entire room.

Light-colored curtains, like white, cream, or even pale gray, soften the space and let natural light do the hard work. This is an especially great tip for smaller rooms or spaces that don’t get a lot of direct sunlight.

3. Paint the Ceiling White

Believe it or not, the color of your ceiling can have a big impact on how light a room feels. When I was young, our basement ceiling was covered of wooden colored shiplap. Let me tell you it was NOT ideal lol.

Painting the ceiling white is one of the simplest and most effective ways to make the space feel more open and bright. White reflects light instead of absorbing it, making the entire room feel taller and airier. If your ceiling is currently a darker shade or a bold color, this small change can really brighten things up.

4. Incorporate Lighter Rugs

If you’ve got dark flooring, adding a lighter-colored rug can make a huge difference. A light rug not only brightens the space but also creates a contrast that makes the room feel more expansive.

Whether it’s in your living room, bedroom, or hallway, a neutral or pastel rug can instantly lighten the overall feel of the room.

5. Use Floor Lamps

Lighting is key when you’re trying to brighten a room, and floor lamps are a great option. If your space doesn’t get much natural light, or if your overhead lighting isn’t enough, adding a few floor lamps can really help. P

lace them in corners or near dark spots in the room to spread light more evenly. The taller the lamp, the more light it’ll cast around the room, helping to create a brighter, more open feel.

6. String Lights

For a soft, cozy glow, string lights are an easy and inexpensive way to brighten up a space. Hang them around a window, drape them over a shelf, or even line them along the wall for a little extra light without it being too harsh.

String lights give off a warm glow that’s perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere, while still making the room feel lighter. They’re great for bedrooms, living rooms, or even a home office if you’re looking for a softer light source.

7. Add a Mirror to a Dark Bedroom Closet

If your bedroom closet feels like a dark corner of the room, consider adding a mirror to the closet door. Not only does this reflect light back into the room, but it also creates the illusion of more space.

You can buy sticky mirros and simply stick them onto the doors! If your room doesn’t have a lot of windows, this simple trick can help maximize the light you do have. Plus, mirrors are always a handy addition to a bedroom closet.

8. Paint Dark Shiplap Lighter

Dark shiplap can make a room feel cozy, but if you’re aiming for a brighter space, consider painting it a lighter color. A fresh coat of white or light gray paint will instantly lift the room and make it feel more open.

Shiplap has a rustic charm, and when painted lighter, it can still maintain that cozy vibe without making the room feel too dark or cramped.

9. Add Reflective Decor

Adding reflective decor, like glass vases or metallic accents, is an easy way to bounce light around the room. These items catch the light and help to distribute it, making the room feel brighter without any major changes.

Whether it’s a glass vase, a shiny lamp base, or even metallic picture frames, reflective decor can enhance the light in your space and add a bit of style at the same time.

10. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

If your kitchen or bathroom feels dark, under-cabinet lighting is a quick fix that can make a big difference. Affordable LED strips can be placed under cabinets to brighten up countertops and workspaces.

This type of lighting not only adds function but also gives the room a fresh, modern feel. It’s an easy DIY project that brings much-needed light to areas that often get overlooked.

11. Use White Furniture Covers

If your furniture is dark or bold in color, covering it with white or light-colored slipcovers can instantly brighten up the room. Light furniture reflects more light than dark, so this simple change can make your space feel bigger and more open.

White furniture covers are also practical, as they can be easily washed and switched out, giving you the flexibility to keep things fresh throughout the year.

12. Hang Art with Light Colors

Adding artwork to your walls is a great way to personalize your space, but choosing pieces with light, bright colors can also help lighten the room. Paintings or prints that feature whites, pastels, or bright tones can reflect light and make the room feel more open. If you already have artwork on your walls, try switching out a few pieces for lighter ones to see the difference it makes.

13. Change Lampshades

Dark or heavy lampshades can block light, making your room feel dimmer than it needs to be. Swapping them out for lighter-colored shades can help diffuse light more evenly throughout the room.

Whether it’s a white, cream, or light gray shade, this small change will allow more light to shine through and create a brighter atmosphere. It’s a quick, affordable fix that can make a big difference in how light your space feels.

14. Make Use of Natural Window Light

If you have a small window in a dark room, don’t cover it up! Instead, let the natural light flow in by keeping window treatments light and minimal. If privacy is a concern, you can always use sheer curtains that allow light to filter through while still giving you coverage.

Maximizing natural light is one of the easiest ways to brighten a room, so make sure you’re making the most of any windows you have.

15. Use Lighter Throw Pillows

Swapping out dark throw pillows for light-colored ones is a quick and easy way to brighten up your room. Whether you choose white, beige, or pastel colors, lighter throw pillows can help reflect light and make your space feel more open. It’s a simple update that adds comfort while also contributing to a lighter, brighter look.