Everyone seems to have at least one space in their home that is dark and gloomy. Not only can the darkness be dangerous as it can mask tripping hazards, but dark rooms can also affect the mood of everyone in the home. One study found that dark rooms are likely to negatively affect the well-being of an individual. Lift up spirits and brighten the home with these easy tips.

Consider Painting with Lighter Colors 
Dark rooms in the home benefit from a lighter coat of paint. Many people mistakenly believe that using a bright white color of paint will be their best option. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. White reflects light; if there isn’t enough natural or artificial light in the room already, it won’t brighten the room. Instead, warm-toned neutral paints that are more saturated are the best paint options when adding light to the home. Try lavender, light blue, sunny yellow, soft gray, bright orange or light pink to add color and light to the home.

Use Floor and Table Lamps 
Though ceiling lights and track lighting will add permanent light to a room or home, these may be expensive options if an electrician is needed to re-wire the rooms. Instead, opt for floor and table lamps that are less expensive and easy to move should the room be re-arranged. Arrange the lamps so that they provide optimal light to those in the home. For example, instead of sticking a floor lamp in a dark corner, opt for a table lamp by the couch for reading and relaxing. Lamps also allow you to personalize and creatively make any room your own.

Add and Upgrade Windows 
Natural light through windows and doors add both light and beauty to a home. Many people cover their windows with curtains to keep out the hot or cold outdoor temperatures, which blocks the natural light. Upgrading windows with energy efficient models will allow natural light to shine through without the outdoor temperatures affecting the inside of the home. If your home lacks natural light, speaking with a contractor about adding windows in strategic places could be a good option for you. Additionally, if you’ve been covering your windows or doors due to scratches, cracks, or some sort of imperfection, consider investing in replacement windows. Replacing the old with new can bring new life and light to your space.

Use Mirrors 
Mirrors can not only make a room look larger, but they can also enhance the natural and artificial light to brighten a room. To use a mirror more effectively, place it directly adjacent from the open window or floor lamp. This will allow the light to bounce off of the mirror and brighten the entire room.

When winter begins, many people notice that their home becomes darker and darker. Don’t avoid certain rooms in the home because of the darkness. Use these simple ideas to add more light to the home and brighten the family’s mood today.