Do your mornings look something like this? You roll out of bed after hitting the snooze button perhaps way too many times in an attempt to sneak in more Zzz’s, yawn, and before you’ve even properly wiped the sleep from your puffy eyes, you hit the brew button on the coffeepot and start staggering around to get ready for work. You’re not alone. What if you were to wake up to the warm feeling of sunshine across your face that gets you right out of bed, all powered up and ready to start the day? Yes, we definitely don’t give enough credit to natural light and how much it benefits our health. It’s much more than just a nice plus to casting a homey glow in our cubicles or making our meal photos Instagram-worthy. If you need to bring more light into your Orlando apartment, here are six tips to make it happen.
1. Keep the windows clean
Your situation may not allow you to install those floor-to-ceiling windows you’ve always wanted, especially if you are renting an apartment. However, you can clean the ones you do have. Sure, this suggestion may seem apparent. But, sometimes, it is the most obvious solutions that are the best.
Dirty windows aren’t just unsightly. Layers of grime that accumulate on your windows reduce the amount of light getting into your living area, making it feel dingy and somewhat uncomfortable. If you wish to bring more light into your Orlando apartment, you want your light source to be sparkling! Washing your windows thoroughly – both inside and out – will ensure that maximum sunlight filters through the window glass and into your home. Do this at least once a month, even if your glass doesn’t appear to be that dirty, so you never miss out on the brilliant rays.
2. Add more mirrors and shiny objects
Put a mirror on a wall, and you’ll make the room appear bigger. But, hang one across from your window, and watch as the reach of your natural light doubles – or even triples. Yes, strategic placement of mirrors and other reflective surfaces can do wonders for any drab room, helping the sunlight extend into (almost) any corner of it. Kind of like that Parisian guy who built a giant periscope with two angled mirrors to give himself a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower.
As for you, mesdames and messieurs, you can use:
- Decorative wall mirrors
- Furniture pieces with glass, chrome, or mirrored accents
- Metallic light fixtures and faucets
- Decorative nickel cabinet pulls
- Silver photo frames
- Metallic finishes
- Other “reflective” surfaces
For maximum effect, put these on the east- and west-facing walls because the sun focuses on each for half the day. What’s more, you can try to track how beams of light move around your apartment and focus on those pathways. Adding reflective surfaces in these spots will help you catch and disperse sunlight throughout your home.
3. Think “light” with your color palette as well
Colors can either reflect or absorb light. When light strikes a darker surface, the dark tones will absorb most of the energy, leaving a dark blue painted room with many windows looking drab and gloomy. With the white light, it is entirely different. Unlike dark hues, it contains all the wavelengths of the visible spectrum, meaning basically that the wavelengths are always reflected and never absorbed. This makes white the most reflective color, acting like a mirror that bounces light around the room.
Wall paint
So, remember this theory before you decide to paint your windowless room a deep hue of gray. Instead, choose lighter colors that will lighten up your Orlando apartment. Think off-white or eggshell for a warmer effect or bright yellows or pastels that make a room appear sunny or lively. Do you recall our mirrors-and-shiny-objects theory? No, you don’t need to start building a giant periscope (phew!). You can just choose a wall paint that has a satin or glossy finish. Unlike matte, these reflect light, creating a mirror-like effect that will instantly brighten up any room.
If you live in a rental, make sure to discuss painting the walls with your landlord or property manager. While some rental owners do allow this, you shouldn’t take any chances when it comes to getting your security deposit back.
Furniture
This theory also applies to furniture. So, if you live in a rental, and you can’t make any drastic alterations such as painting your walls, a few light-toned furniture pieces and accessories will do. Then, try angling the pieces towards the light to fill up your room with more luminosity.
On a different note, minimalism can create an impression of light, breezy, and well-ventilated interiors. So, limiting the accent furniture, minimizing the décor, and sticking to only essentials also works magic for any dim-lit apartment. Plus, it’s never been easier to move, especially long-distance. While quality Florida movers can help you settle in in no time, the fewer items you have, the less you’ve got to worry about packing and shelling out big bucks on the relocation.
4. Employ artificial light
No matter if you have one or ten windows in your apartment, they still shouldn’t be your only light source. Bring more light into your Orlando apartment with artificial light that will boost, rather than take over, the natural light coming into your space. Pay special attention to areas that light from the windows can’t reach, such as corridors, awkward corners, or nooks. Also, consider installing dimmer switches for greater control over how a space is lit, allowing you to gradually alter light levels according to the way natural light in your home changes throughout the day.
5. Keep your light source unobstructed
Of course, the light levels inside your living space also hinge on what blocks it from the outside. Unfortunately, we can’t move those high-rise buildings that block natural light from reaching your home. But if there are any trees, bushes, or climbing plants outside your windows or balcony doors, there is an easy fix for that. Time to do some trimming! On a similar note, the wrong placement of furniture against your windows may be obstructing the light as well. Ideally, your windows should be fully visible from every standing or sitting point in the living area. So, when arranging your furniture, make sure nothing obstructs light from entering through your window.
6. Add greenery
When all else fails, you can always rely on some fresh greens to bring more light into your Orlando apartment. Bring a few indoor plants that thrive in low-light conditions indoors to usher in some ethereal vibes and detox the air in your living spaces. Some options are lucky bamboo, spider plant, golden pothos, snake plant, and a peace lily.
Meta description: How our living spaces are lit has a great impact on our mood, health, and wellbeing. Here are some tips to bring more light into your Orlando apartment.
