5 Ways to Brighten Your Home This Winter

Winter has arrived again and brought darker, colder days with it.  Those gloomy days may make your home, and its surroundings feel drab as well. Before you let winter get the best of you, try some of these easy home improvement tips for brightening up your home.

1. Declutter and Redecorate
   A cluttered home gives an oppressive and unwelcome vibe. Begin by removing any unused furniture since an open space appears not only cleaner but brighter and happier. Rearrange the furniture, so it highlights your windows, lighting, and mirrors.  Avoid placing furniture near windows or the door wall. Consider adding some reflective mirrors because they will let in even more sunlight.
2. Let More Natural Light In
   Improving your windows is the number one way to brighten up your home. Sometimes, that's as easy as washing them and removing the winter grime that's blocking the sunlight. Clean them at least once a month during the winter to keep this up. Consider removing the window screen as well, since it also blocks the sun.  Change your drapes to white or sheer ones, and open them first thing in the morning to let the sunlight in.
3. Change Your Lightbulbs
   The right lighting impacts your home's vibe, but it's an easy home improvement fix. Nowadays, light bulbs come in a plethora of colors to enhance the feel and look of a room. Certain shades and tones may work better in different rooms or even different fixtures. Consider using cool bulbs that mimic sunlight to brighten your home during the day, but placing softer bulbs in lamps for an evening rosy glow.
4. Lighten Up Your Color Palette
   Darker rooms absorb light. With that in mind, consider painting your walls white or cream and pops of color to brighten it up. You can leave one wall a brighter color like blue.  Also, adding white or cream slipcovers over your couches the room seem lighter and gives it a brighter feel. Again, supplementing it with some colorful throw blankets and pillows gives it a pop of saturation.  Gold and pink throw pillows brighten up a room and add a comfortable yet stylish décor.
5. Let Hardwood Floors Shine
   If you still lack some natural light, consider removing your area rugs for the next few months.  The light that peaks through the windows reflects of your beautiful hardwood floors and onto your walls. If it's too cold without a rug, at least downsize to a smaller cream or white area rug.

These are just a few of many ways to brighten your home during the cold, dreary winter.  What are your favorite home improvement tips to brighten up your home?

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