How to Add Lighting to Open Up a Room

Small rooms that are poorly decorated will look dark and unappealing. Use light to make a room feel open and large. In addition to light sources, you can make a room lighter and more open by using light wall paint, even going as far as using high gloss paint to reflect light. Tall skinny furniture with long legs will also make a room feel more open because the light travels under and around the furniture. Keep a room uncluttered and organized for the best results.

Mirrors
Window sheers
Recessed spotlights or track lighting
Uplighters

Instructions

- 1
  Reflect light using mirrors to make the room look larger. Hang mirrors on walls, prop mirrors up against the wall or install mirrored tiles to help reflect the light. Position the mirrors so they are opposite a light source, such as a main lamp or window.
- 2
  Cover windows with sheers or leave them open to allow the light in. Use as much natural light as possible to help the room look larger. Use a valance at the top of the window to add texture to the room without blocking the light.
- 3
  Install recessed spotlights in the ceiling if possible. Alternatively, use track lighting. Low light fixtures that hang into the room make the room look smaller and the ceiling lower. Make sure the lighting illuminates all four corners of the room.
- 4
  Choose uplighters for lamps and extra lighting. These lights aim light up toward the ceiling and provide a soft, indirect light. Uplighters fill in the light in corners and behind furniture, which gives the appearance of a larger room.

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Lighting