Brighten Up Your Space.
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Are you tired of certain areas in your home feeling dim and dreary? Whether it’s a poorly lit corner or a gloomy hallway, there are several simple yet effective ways to brighten up dark spaces and make your home feel more inviting without having to hire an electrician. Brightening up dark areas of your home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By incorporating these simple DIY lighting techniques, you can transform dull spaces into vibrant, well-lit environments that you’ll love spending time in.
Paint with Light Colors
One of the easiest and most effective ways to brighten up a dark room is by painting it with light colors. Lighter shades such as whites, creams, and pastels have the ability to reflect more light, making the space feel larger and airier. Consider giving your walls a fresh coat of paint in a light hue to instantly lift the atmosphere of the room.
Illuminate with Mirrors
Mirrors are not just for checking your reflection; they can also work wonders in brightening up dark areas of your home. Here are three ways you can use mirrors to maximize light:
- Reflective Surfaces: Adding a mirror to a wall can help bounce light around the room, instantly making it feel brighter and more spacious.
- Strategic Placement: Place a lamp in front of a mirror to amplify its reflective properties and further enhance the brightness of the space.
- Mirrors with Built-in Lights: Invest in mirrors with built-in lights that are dimmable, allowing you to adjust the brightness according to your preferences. Look for options like wall mirror lights, which come in various sizes and styles to suit your space.
On Amazon, check out this cool full length lighted mirror. Use it in your closet for dressing or behind your couch.
Lighting Solutions
When it comes to brightening up your home, there are several distinct yet convenient lighting solutions.
First we will start with the selections that do not require an electrican, wall sconces offer an elegant and space-saving option. You can easily hang them on the wall and plug them into an existing electrical outlet, eliminating the need for complex wiring.
Alternatively, DIY hanging lamps from the ceiling provide another stylish lighting solution. By using a simple eyelet and chain that plugs into your existing electrical outlet, you can add illumination to your space with ease.
If you are not a fan of electrical cables running down your walls, this is a solution. Cord covers, also known as cable hiders, provide a clean and polished look to your space, neatly hiding unsightly cords. With options for self-adhesive backing or the ability to drill and attach them with screws, cord covers offer flexibility and convenience in installation. Furthermore, they’re paintable, enabling seamless integration into your home’s color scheme for a cohesive aesthetic.
The following would require an electician:
On Amazon, check out these awesome bubble crystal wall sconces:
Light dimmers to customize your ambiance. This one is voice controlled by Alexa or Google Home.
Charming Accents: Fairy Lights and Glass Globes
Bring a spellbinding touch to your abode with the playful twinkle of fairy lights nestled inside a hurricane lamp. Or, introduce an element of refined charm with cracked glass globe lamps, which weave an entrancing pattern of light across your space. Both options are perfect for instilling a sense of whimsy and character into your home decor.
On Amazon, there are several to choose from. Here is one example:
- Smart Lighting: Personalize Your Ambiance
Elevate your lighting game with smart technology. A simple “smart plug” or intelligent light bulbs enables you to control lighting with your voice or smartphone, effortlessly adjusting for various occasions—from intimate gatherings to vibrant celebrations. It’s a modern twist on home decor, precisely tailored to your lifestyle.
Amazon Smart Plug works with Alexa to add voice control to any outlet. You plug the “smart plug” into an existing outlet, no electrician needed. Then plug in lamps, fans, etc into the smart plug and turn off and on via voice control. Easy to set up. Check them out on Amazon here:
Smart Bulbs
Note: do not install this on a dimmer switch.
A smart bulb is a light bulb that connects to your Wi-Fi network and can be controlled using your phone or voice commands. You can adjust its brightness, color, and schedule when it turns on and off. To use a smart bulb, screw it into a light fixture, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and control it through a mobile app or voice assistant.
Amazon offers smart bulbs in white only and colored/white all in one bulb. Amazon has step-by-step videos on the product page of how to install.
Amazon Colored & White Bulb Link:
Amazon White Bulb Only Link:
You can schedule everything using your phone app. Plus, if you’re watching TV, you can dim the lights instantly with your phone app. Note that you will need a hub (central control point) in order to use voice control. These bulbs work with Alexa or Google Home. Here is Amazon’s Link to the Alexa Echo Dot.
Instructions to install the bulbs (you can view them ahead of purchase at the Amazon links above.)
Check out this post to get more detailed information on the smart plug and bulb:
Smart Lighting Aids Sleep
Light Up Your TV with Downlights or Backlights
You can add spotlights or downlights to highlight any object in your room, even your TV. (See image on right.) But you can also add some flair to your entertainment setup with TV LED backlights that are really cool. Whether you choose dynamic colors that sync with your favorite shows or soft white for a relaxed atmosphere, these innovative strips enhance your viewing pleasure by balancing screen brightness with ambient light. When making a purchase, seek out lights that can be plugged into your TV’s USB port. This way, when you power off your TV, the lights will also turn off automatically.
You have to see the TV Backlights to beleive it. Check it out on Amazon here:
Nature-Inspired Illumination
Willow lights usually showcase flexible branches embellished with tiny LED bulbs, mimicking the elegance of a willow tree. They are commonly displayed in vases for added charm and ambiance.
On Amazon, check out these ultra cool willow branch lights here:
Vine lights, on the other hand, consist of slender strands intertwined with LED lights, resembling delicate vines weaving through foliage. These lights work by illuminating the LEDs embedded within the branches or vines, creating a soft, ambient glow reminiscent of fireflies dancing in the night. Often powered by batteries or connected to an electrical outlet, these lights offer versatility in placement around the room.
On Amazon, check out the vine lights here:
By implementing these innovative lighting techniques, you can banish darkness from every corner of your home and create spaces that are bright, inviting, and full of warmth. So go ahead, shed some light on those dim areas and watch as your home transforms into a cozy haven of comfort and style.