You’ve found the perfect apartment, it ticks all the boxes. It’s in a great location, decent price but there’s one room that doesn’t get any natural light. It could be the bathroom or the spare room you want to use as a study/guest room. But you just can’t stand being in there because the light is so poor. Here’s how to improve a room that doesn’t get any natural light.
No or poor artificial lighting or natural light can completely drain the warmth and personality out of a room. Whether it’s a single, glaring overhead fixture, an overwhelmingly cool colour temperature, or just a general lack of illumination, bad lighting can make your apartment feel awful.
You don’t need to live under the tyranny of bad light. With a few strategic tweaks and clever design hacks, you can transform your space into a beautifully lit sanctuary. And the best part? Most of these solutions are renter-friendly!
Rectifying Poor Artificial Light: Your Guide to a Brighter, Cosier Apartment
The key to good lighting is creating layers. Similarly, a room needs different types of light to achieve depth, warmth, and functionality.
Here’s how to banish the bad and embrace the beautiful:
1. Address the Overhead Offender
Often, the biggest culprit is a single, central ceiling light. While they offer general illumination, they can cast harsh shadows and feel cold.
- Dimmers are Your Best Friend (if allowed): Installing a dimmer switch on your overhead fixture is a game-changer. It allows you to adjust the intensity of the light, perfect for setting different moods.
- Swap Out the Bulb: Even if you can’t install a dimmer, changing the bulb can make a huge difference.
- Colour Temperature is Key: Look for bulbs in the “warm white” or “soft white”.
- Lumens Matter: This indicates brightness. Too few, and your room is dim; too many, and it’s blinding. A good starting point for a living room is around 1500-2500 lumens, depending on the room size.
- Consider a Different Fixture: If the existing fixture is truly awful, replace it with something more aesthetically pleasing and light-diffusing (like a drum shade fixture) can elevate the entire room. If you’re renting, just remember to store the original for when you move out!
2. Introduce Task Lighting: Where You Need It, When You Need It
Task lighting is crucial for specific activities like reading, cooking, or working.
- Floor Lamps: A tall floor lamp next to your sofa or reading chair provides focused light without taking up valuable table space. Look for ones with adjustable heads or multiple bulbs.
- Table Lamps: Place these on side tables, nightstands, or even a console table to provide ambient light and a warm glow.
- Under-Cabinet Lighting: In the kitchen, LED strip lights installed under your upper cabinets illuminate your countertops, making food prep much easier and safer. These are often peel-and-stick and renter-friendly!
- Desk Lamps: Essential for any home office setup, ensuring you have adequate light for paperwork or computer work.
3. Embrace Accent Lighting: The Mood Setter
Accent lighting adds depth, highlights features, and creates a cozy atmosphere.
- Wall Sconces (Non-Hardwired): Many battery-operated or plug-in wall sconces are available now, offering a sophisticated look without needing an electrician. Perfect for adding a soft glow to a hallway or beside a bed.
- String Lights: Don’t just save these for Christmas! Warm white string lights draped along a bookshelf, around a mirror, or even across a bare wall can create a magical, inviting ambiance.
- Picture Lights: Highlight your favourite artwork with small, focused picture lights. Again, battery-operated options are available.
- Candles (with caution!): For a truly warm and inviting glow, nothing beats candles. Just be mindful of fire safety and never leave them unattended. LED flameless candles offer a safe alternative with a similar effect.
4. Maximise Natural Light (Even if Limited)
For interior designers natural light is always king!
- Keep Windows Clear: Avoid heavy, dark curtains. Opt for sheer curtains or blinds that allow light to filter in while still offering privacy.
- Redirect the eye: Use the walls for art that you love so that you have an immediate focal point and distraction to the space. If you have another focal point, the natural light, or lack thereof will be less noticeable.
5. The Power of Bulb Shopping (A Quick Recap)
When you’re out buying bulbs, keep these three things in mind:
- Colour Temperature:
- 2700K – 3000K (Warm White/Soft White): Best for living areas, bedrooms, and creating a cozy feel.
- 3500K – 4000K (Neutral White/Cool White): Good for kitchens, bathrooms, or home offices where you need more focused light. Avoid in main living areas unless specifically desired for task.
- 5000K+ (Daylight): Closest to natural daylight, great for tasks requiring high visibility (e.g., crafts, makeup application) but can feel harsh in general living spaces.
- Brightness (Lumens – lm): More lumens = brighter light. Check packaging for recommendations based on room size.
- Energy Efficiency (LED): Always opt for LED bulbs. They last longer, use less energy, and save you money in the long run.
Use these tips to improve a room that doesn’t get any light. Don’t let poor lighting dim your apartment living experience. By layering different types of light and being mindful of bulb choices, you can transform any harsh, uninviting space into a warm, welcoming home. So go forth, embrace the light, and enjoy your beautifully illuminated apartment!
