“Light” and “bright” are words that describe what most home buyers want in a home today. If you are thinking about selling your home, inspect your rooms to see if they pass the test.  In case they don’t, here are some ideas for brightening-up your home.

Here are 9 Ways for a Brighter Home

1. Keep furniture away from windows to avoid blocking light. If possible, move your larger pieces of furniture into the middle of the room.

2. Make sure your windows are clean to allow the maximum amount of light into your room. You will avoid streaking your windows, if you clean them on a cloudy day. Clean your lamp shades and light bulbs, too. Dust and dirt can dull the lamp light which can also work against brightening-up  your home.

3. Use lighter fabrics for sheers, like linen or cotton, which offer privacy but let the light into a room. If you aren’t getting enough privacy with just the sheers, use a heavier patterned drapery treatment which you can open during the day.

4. Get rid of clutter and unnecessary furniture pieces. Plants by the window sill, or knick knacks, and other “stuff” can block natural light leaving the rooms dark and cramped. Edit your furniture pieces and remove knick knacks — you will immediately see the room change into a lighter and a brighter space.

5. Paint a dark room a light paint colour in a satin or eggshell finish. The gloss from the finish as well as the lighter hue will bounce more light into the room and make it appear larger and brighter.

6. Maintain Exterior Spaces – this is important, just like furniture against a window can block light,  so can untrimmed shrubbery and trees. Make sure to keep them manicured to get more natural light to brighten-up your home.

7. Place a mirror next to a window to reflect more light into a room. Not only will the space be brighter, but it will also appear larger.

8. Change Your Front Door. Replace your solid front exterior door for one with glass or frosted glass panels to let in more light to your foyer or entryway. Another option is to install a glass storm door so you can leave your solid front door opened during the day and early evening.

9. Install a skylight. Doing this will not only reduce your lighting bills but will bring additional natural light into a room. Skylights work especially well in dim-lit rooms like bathrooms.  This is the most expensive option, however, if you’re going to stay put for a while before selling your home, it’s definitely worth looking into.

Shedding Some Light on Brightening-Up Your Home by Red Barrinuevo | Redesign for More