Ideas for Bright Decorating

Window Coverings

• One of the ways to get a bright, airy room is to choose sheer window coverings. Light will shine in all hours of the day, whether you have the curtains drawn or open. Choose lightly colored window coverings as well. A sheer lime green or white curtain makes the room cheery, as opposed to darker colors that make the room feel neutral. Place some plants in front of the window as a reminder to keep the curtains back so the sun can shine in.

Lighting

• Sometimes an overhead light isn't sufficient to give you the bright lighting you desire in your home. Invest in some decorative floor lamps to compliment the overhead light. Choose locations that are particularly dark in your room. Turn on the overhead light and examine the room. Set down the floor lamp in any areas you think could use a little more illumination. Replace the lampshades with ones that have a light, cheery color instead of dark ones. A lighter lampshade casts brighter light, which will compliment your bright decor.

Mirror Decorations

• Mirrors and picture frames reflect both natural and artificial light, distributing it throughout a room. Even a few glass frames can drastically change the look of a room. Purchase some tasteful picture and mirror frames to hang in your room. Larger frames can even make your room seem larger. Choose frames with bright colors, such as honey or neon instead of deep colors like mahogany. Place the pictures in locations that receive plenty of light.

Light Furniture

• Furniture takes up a lot of space in a room and draws a lot of attention. If you want your room to seem bright, purchase some light-colored furniture. Honey or white wood works well. Cream-colored fabrics will also have the desired effect. Throw a bright rug over an old, dull carpet to hide it. Throw pillows and blankets can also cover up some of the darker pieces of furniture, adding to the bright atmosphere and obscuring the darkness.