As much as I love to share with you all the ideas I have about covering your windows, I am always asked how to make living spaces look bigger and lighter. Of course, we want to keep out heat and sunlight and create an energy efficient home with stylish windows where we need custom window treatments, but most of us still want the feeling of spaciousness and openness. That lovely airy feeling uplifts our spirits and can be achieved in a few ingenious ways. Here are 6 incredibly easy ideas to open up a tiny room or any spot that cramps your style or if the dark and gloomy spirits are invading your place.
Nice White Makes Light
Spare white or cream walls magically open up a room and really do make a spot look larger. Pale blue or very light green create a similar effect but white has the most impact. Make sure the white is not a sterile bright, flashy hue, but opt for a “whiter shade of pale”- remember that Procul Haram song from the 60’s? Just stay away from dark colors and busy patterns on the walls. White and off-white window treatments will only increase the feeling of expansive space and magnify an open feeling. We have at least 250 shades of white in our Blindsgalore Collection, so we know that white enhances cheer.
More With The Floors
Floors and walls should match as the eye visually takes in the whole scene and is translated to your brain, visually creating a bigger and more open area. By using the same colors on the walls and the floor, a seamless line is accomplished with this easy color trickery. Surround the area in a pale palette.
Mighty Heights
Another window trickery design idea is to hang curtains or drapery panels all the way to the ceiling, even if you are faking a window. Let the draperies pool on the floor to puddle for extra length. Go for the floor to ceiling look with stretching the view upwards. Stack books vertically on top of each other or choose vertical bookshelves that take up less room and visually heighten the room. Drawing the eye to the sky makes a room look majestic.
Clearer With Mirrors
Banking a wall or two with a collage of mirrors or one magnificent mirror is an age-old décor idea that is easy to give the illusion of space by reflecting light, brightening up a room and fooling the eye to move outwards. Reflective surfaces love to shed shine as do cabinets or coffee tables with mirrored surfaces. Don’t think you have to go and spend a lot of money on new mirrors. Check vintage shops, re-sale stores and your local discount decor stops. “Flea market chic” makes up some of my favorite and unique design treasures.
Sheer Is Dear
Light and breezy sheer shades are the ultimate window treatment to deliver an airy feeling, gracefully covering your windows in the sheerest of fabric with gentle folds. Sheer shades are now affordable, trendy and modern. Don’t pass up these elegant shades to transform a dark room that needs a bright new look.
Lights Make Bright
Most homes never have enough general or ambient fixed lighting. Every home needs additional lighting to get you out of a dark and constricting area. Go for lots of extra brightening as there are so many choices with pendants, sconces and coffee table or desk lamps to adjust for a dull space. Wisely select the type of bulb for either a soft and warm light or a bright and cool light to instantly amp up the dimness which can suffuse a room with bad vibes. A properly lit room will also give visual depth.
“Sparking joy” can be attained in many ways. Brighten up your home today with any of these illuminating ideas. You’re welcome!
