Add More Light!

Though dim lights might create a great atmosphere for a lounge, being in the dark at home can be quite depressing. There are so many options in lighting that can brighten up any room in your home. If you don't know where to get started, Tips by Lighting.com has a great selection of articles that can help guide you to finding the right lighting options for any room in the house. Though an obvious solution to a dark room is to add more lighting, a lot of people don't realize that everything in that particularly dark room effects the brightness. eHow's Brighten Up a Living Room has some great steps to create a light and airy room that will have everyone feel relaxed.

1. Extra lighting. The most obvious answer to brightening up a room. Add table and floor lamps. If you think you have plenty of lamps already, you might want to buy a higher voltage bulb. Thinking of something more permanent? Consider adding ceiling lights, the height will allow for a larger surface area affected.
2. Paint. The colors of the walls can greatly affect the mood and brightness of a room. If you don't want to paint all your walls, consider painting an accent wall. It's a great economic way to liven your room.
3. Windows. Heavy and dark curtains and draperies are good at what they do: blocking out all light behind it; even when opened shadows from it can create a darker setting than it really is. Replace these with sheer or lighter-weight fabric curtains that will allow natural light to seep through.
4. Walls. Decorate your walls with your favorite pieces of art work (or ask your kids to paint a few masterpieces!), frame them and hang them up. Colorful artwork will open up your room that will create a vibrant atmosphere.
5. Floors. It's important to think about lighting from every part of the room. If your floors are wooden, get an area rug that will bring some attention down to the ground.
6. Furniture. If you think your sofas, love seats and chairs are getting tired, consider reupholstering them or buying new slipcovers. Place decorations, coffee tables or even colorful pillows to adorn and compliment these pieces, and give a punch of color to your room.