As we lose daylight due to the onset of winter and the start of daylight savings, here is a reminder of my quick tips to bring light back into your spaces:
- Hang a mirror to reflect light from your brightest window. Opposites work well, or try hanging in a dark area to reflect some light and view.
- Place a lamp (if possible) in front of a wall or floor mirror. A floor lamp works as well as a table lamp on a dresser. The idea is to maximize the light in a dark space.
- Add an up-light in a corner of a room. For under $10 you can get a free-standing light unit that - when you add an automatic timer - goes on JUST when you need it. Behind a great piece of furniture the light will accent the details,and behind a plant will throw lovely shadows.
- Place floor or table lamps in dark spaces and use plug-in timers or light sensors (www.lutron.com) to turn on and off at dusk and dawn. Using compact fluorescent or LED bulbs you'll have light, energy savings, and might use those rooms more often!
- Re-arrange furniture so reading chairs sit closer to windows. Not as easy for some...so try to place furniture in seating groups where each seat has a lamp beside it.
- Add candlelight at your focal point whether it is a fireplace, A/V unit or other furniture. The new flame less candles are great for nearly any application and 'burn' many hours of flickering light on a wafer thin battery, Some are waxy with realistic wicks, and others have a setting (usually those with 2 AA batteries) that allow you to turn them on for 6 hours EVERY 24 hour cycle. LOVE those in wall candelabras, on stairways, and in rooms where fabrics, children and pets can't be harmed!
- Hang a lighted wall sconce for accent light. Flame less tea light candles are a safe option although a votive or tea light nestled into a glass holder is OK when watched.
- Add LED lighting in niches, curios and other unusual places. Rope, strips, pucks and other styles are often available as plug-and-go. Low energy usage, long life and a GREAT look.
