Sellers Advice: Bringing in More Natural Light

Decorating a dark interior is a big design challenge. The absence of natural light can make a house look like a cave, which is the last thing you want buyers to see. What’s more, a dark home doesn’t have a cheery, inviting atmosphere that makes people want to linger. If some of your sellers have homes which don’t get a lot of natural light, tell them to use these tips. A few alterations and additions can brighten up even the darkest of spaces. Here’s what your sellers should do.

Consider the Right Paint Color

The paint color a homeowner chooses will determine how bright or how dark a room will be. Sellers should steer clear of dark and bold tones which only emphasize the lack of natural light. Instead, they should opt for neutrals and pastels which reflect a room’s natural light and make spaces look bigger and brighter. White is a great option, but some people find it plain. Homeowners who don’t love white paint can paint rooms ivory and cream. Pastel hues like lilac, butter, and mint are also perfect for creating a soft, bright look.

Another way to light up a room is by painting the ceiling white. A dark ceiling or one with dark wood beams can affect the entire room. Sellers should buy one or two cans of white paint and give their ceilings a new lease of life. White paint does not absorb light but reflects it.

Decorate with Reflective Mirrors

Mirrors and other shiny surfaces have the ability to add light to rooms. While neutral wall paint can make rooms brighter, reflective surfaces can intensify the effect. Mirrors come in a myriad of styles, shapes, and sizes and can fit in any space. Advise sellers to make the most of mirrors by placing them opposite lighting fixtures or lamps to bounce light off the surfaces. As well, they can use furniture pieces with glossy or mirrored finishes to reflect more light. When buying paint for rooms, they should pick semi-gloss finish because it reflects light better than satin or flat. It also stays intact in areas with a lot of traffic.

Install Skylights or Solar Tubes

To add gentle, natural light to dark rooms, homeowners should install tubular skylights. These harness the sun’s light and reflect it into a home infusing it with pure, bright light. Sunlight – Mother Nature’s free gift – is physiologically and psychologically better for humans than fluorescent or incandescent lighting. In addition, it is free and illuminates a home without using electricity hence saving homeowners money – something potential buyers will love. Tubular skylights are compact, easy to install, and are ideal for both large and small areas like hallways, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and closets. Unlike skylights, they spread light over wider areas.

Choose Light Window Treatments

Most dark rooms do not have a lot of natural light coming in. It is therefore important for homeowners to make the most of the little light there is. They should get rid of blinds and dark shades which keep light out. These often absorb precious natural light and removing them will instantly transform dark rooms. The window treatments should be replaced with light and airy ones which let in natural light. For instance, homeowners can use white or cream-colored linen curtains which usher in light but also offer privacy. Those who love blinds should buy cloth blinds made from light fabrics. Plastic and wooden blinds should be avoided at all costs.

There is no such thing as a dark room, even caves can be brightened. There are many tricks home sellers can utilize to brighten up their homes. The best part is that they don’t cost a pretty penny.