No one likes a dark, gloomy home. However, since you can’t change factors like the design and location of your house, you’ll have to get creative in making the rooms brighter. If you want to make your home more appealing but you don’t have thousands of dollars to spend, read on for some simple, low-cost ideas.

1. Incorporate Lots of White

Using white on your walls and ceilings is a great way to scatter light around your space. Since white doesn’t absorb any color, it bounces lots of light back to other surfaces. You can also use white on other elements in your room such as furniture, curtains, bedding, and picture frames.

2. Place Light on Your Walls

It’s obvious that adding more lights to a room will make it brighter. However, the placement of those lights will determine if you get the effect you want. Even if you have ceiling lights, you should consider adding sconces to light the walls. You can also add ceiling pot lights close to the walls, so they cast light downward. If you have beautiful brick details or expertly crafted cabinets, this can help to highlight them. Undercabinet lights can also add a nice glow and offset the shadows which cabinets can cause. Another option is to place lights strategically to highlight a piece of art.

3. Use Black for Contrast

You may think that black will make your room more gloomy but dark touches can actually help to make light areas pop.  If you already have lightly colored features but you feel like something is missing, this may be the solution. Look for ways to incorporate small amounts of black into linear elements like tall standing lamps, thin picture frames or chairs.

4. Use Neon Signs

Neon signs aren’t just for bars and nightclubs. These bright, illuminated signs can add an unexpected lighting element to your home. You can get soft lights to make your room more calming or bold statement colors for a fun touch. These signs are easily customized so they can help you to show off your personality check some custom design through this link: https://www.neonsignsdepot.com/custom/custom-neon-signs/. Neon signs can be used in pretty much any part of your home including bedrooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, and nurseries. You can use these signs as artwork, a source of light on a dark wall or as a whimsical touch when you’re having guests over.

5. Install Cooler Lightbulbs

Warm lights can create an intimate atmosphere and some people prefer this. However, if you want a fresher look, get brighter bulbs with a cooler tone. They will help the room to look bluer rather than yellow. If you don’t have a lot of money but you’re tired of the way your room looks, this is an affordable option which can make a big difference.

6. Let the Natural Light In

Sometimes, simply rearranging your rooms can brighten things up. If you have furniture or large plants blocking a window or another light source, move them. It is best to place large items opposite your windows. If you have heavy drapes, you should also consider getting some lighter curtains which allow the light to flow through. Hanging some sheer curtains in light colors can give you an instant boost of sunlight.

7. Give Your Furniture a Makeover

If your furniture is dark, your room may appear darker, especially if it is small. If you can’t afford to buy new furniture just yet, cover the pieces you already have. Re-upholstering your couch or making new covers using a light-colored fabric can create that much-desired change. You can also paint tables, bookshelves or other pieces in white, beige or cream to give them a fresh look.

8. Place Some Mirrors Around the Room

Mirrors can do a lot for your home décor. They can make your room appear larger and reflect any light which is coming into the room. If you place them across from light sources, they will be especially impactful. Check out local markets or second-hand stores to find a variety of affordable mirrors. If you find one you love but the frame doesn’t quite match your décor, you can easily paint it or add decorations to make it complement your walls and other elements.

9. Purchase Inexpensive Indoor Plants

Plants are an easy way to make a room seem brighter and airier. You can use them in conjunction with some of the other solutions mentioned here. Even if you don’t think you have a green thumb, there are some plants which thrive under virtually any conditions. For example, succulents do well in dark, dry locations so this makes them perfect for rooms which don’t get a lot of natural light. You can also try snake plants, pothos, and English Ivy. These are hardy plants which can give the illusion of openness while adding beauty.

10. Create Negative Space

It may be tempting to display all the items you own but you shouldn’t get carried away with decorating. If it seems like your room is closing in on you, clear it out. Creating empty space between and around items can really brighten things up and make the room appear more open. Best of all, it won’t cost you anything.

Summing Up

A bright living space can work wonders for both the aesthetics of your home and your mood. If you’ve moved into a home which is not as welcoming and open as you would like, you don’t have to live with it forever. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still get the look you desire. Try these ten easy tricks to make your home more comfortable for you and your family.

Lara Douglas is a young woman who loves interior designing and home decor. She is passionate about new trends and fashion-forward home décor ideas. She regularly posts at Neon Signs Depot.