How to make my house ‘light’

[CravingTheSun]

Hi, we live in rented property and have recently moved here.

Unfortunately, it is dark. I knew it was going to be a bit dark when we came to view, but that was back in October. Since then, the landlady has had a big tree planted right outside our window, which has recently bloomed and it’s blocking out light in the afternoon. There is also another one about to bloom behind it. So it’ll only get worse.

Luckily we are only here for 18 months. But, are there any hacks/tricks that I can do inside to make it a bit more airy and bright.

It is a very old converted coach house with high ceilings. The walls are painted a light warm off white. We couldn’t re-paint to pure white, before anyone suggests.

We have floor to ceiling windows on the front of the house on two the floors. Unfortunately those are the only windows in the whole house (it’s a one bed). So only one side of the house let’s in natural light, if that makes sense.

I’ve covered the sofa with a white throw to make it brighter. I am also considering a light rug. We have a couple of large mirrors. Any other suggestions appreciated!

May sound obvious, but lights?

@jellyfishinatent oh yes, hadn’t thought of that 😂

Jokes aside, we do have loads of little lights around, which does help in the afternoon and evening but sometimes just draws attention to it being a bit dark. I’m just missing the natural light coming in!

I feel for you, our 2 floor flat is half in the basement. We get bright light through one side for a few hours during the day and certain times of the year. The rest of the time it is quite dark!

Other than mirrors, light furnishings and white walls you have already mentioned, I'm not sure what else to suggest! If it makes you feel any better, I noticed the darkness a lot when we first moved here but now I don't notice it at all- so you may get used to it!

We have some nice fairy lights around a large plant and some more in a glass vase on the bookshelf, which adds pockets of light without feeling like everything is artificially lit

Ok, this is my two pennies worth! Keep the windows you do have scrupulously clean both inside and out, I'm always amazed at how much difference this can make. You've got large mirrors, which is great, but make sure you think about where you place them. You're trying to 'bounce' light into the house, so perpendicular to the windows will work well. With a dark space I always think its great to go just that bit bigger with mirrors than you think you'll get away with. They rarely look wrong in a room, and it allows you to maximise what little light you do have; prop them up against a wall if you think they'll be too big to hang.

When I had a dark living room previously I aimed for a 'bright cosy' style; I kept everything a pale neutral, worked in lots of texture with natural materials (wood, wool throws, linen curtains) and then had lots of mood lighting with lamps, uplighters, candles etc. It seemed to work well with restrictions of the room but also maximise the little light I did have.
Finally make sure any window dressings don't obscure the windows at all, if you've got blinds or curtains make sure they're completely clear of the window when they're open. If you've got voiles make sure they're as sheer as can be.