Creative ways to brighten a space

As Malta’s land is minimal, buildings are being built vertically by real estate developers. It is not unusual to find irregular or long rectangle, multi-storey family homes on the island. These homes are sandwiched between other properties, creating a mismatched street view. The only proper amount of natural light can come from the front. The back and shaft windows are usually blocked by the neighbouring building’s external walls. This became a standard in Maltese buildings, meaning you must settle for one (or, God forbid, two) bedrooms with a small window.

This is a problem for two reasons. First, there’s no way to get fresh air in the room. Second, it’s always dark and dim. There’s a shaft in the middle of the apartment, but that barely provides enough natural light to reach the length of the room. And if it’s raining? Forget about it.

Figuring out how to brighten a dark room is a challenge. Fortunately, there are several ways to decorate your area to transform it into a brighter home.

Multiple light sources

Ideally, you want at least 3 light sources beside any natural light. Maybe a lamp on a desk/chest of drawers, another one or two reading lights next to the bed/sofa. These should be set up in a triangular pattern rather than one line to ensure the whole room is adequately lit. If you lack floor space, brighten the room with overhead lighting. The best if it is recessed, with several lightbulbs rather than one central location. 

Light furniture

Selecting light furniture is a smart way to bring more light into a room. With that, you create the illusion of brightness with light fabrics and finishes.

Also, less is more when it comes to brightening a dark room. A crowded room will automatically look darker and smaller. Do not overcrowd your room!

Keep the walls and ceiling light.

Filling your home with light colours is a great way to give the illusion of more light. Your space doesn’t have to be all white; you can opt for soft greys or beige and add a few colourful pieces here and there.

Use mirrors

They not only reflect light, but they also help make a room appear bigger, creating the illusion of more space. To double the light reflection of an existing window, hang a large mirror directly across from it. 

Choose a light flooring

Flooring is a little more difficult and expensive to change in a home than a paint colour or furniture. But if you have a shell-form property, you still have the opportunity to make the best out of it. 

You may not be able to get more sunlight in a room, but you can brighten it up with a lightly coloured area rug. A large rug is a good idea if you can’t change the flooring. It could help make the room light and bright, especially if your place has dark floors. 

The rug can also make the room feel cosier and warmer since most Maltese homes have tile or marble flooring.