June 11th, 2020 by Sarah Miles

Many of us have now been stuck at home for so long that we’re sick of the sight of the same 4 walls. Brightening up a room by just making a few small changes can make it feel as fresh as a much bigger renovation project; great for those who don’t want to spend a lot or don’t have time to start painting and decorating.

Here are a few ideas for brightening up a room that everyone can easily do:

Declutter

It’s so easy to accumulate lots of ‘stuff’ everywhere: some items we may have deliberately displayed, such as decorative items or books, and some have just been left lying around and they’ve been there so long, we stop really noticing them. Cast your eyes around objectively, as if you were seeing the room for the first time – perhaps imagine you were having guests over or selling the house – and see what objects you really want in there and which ones can be tidied away out of sight. Having a clear-out can be very cathartic and, as Marie Kondo says, only keep the items that ‘spark joy’. Consider furniture as well as objects and if there are pieces you don’t really use, or only use to store things you don’t really need, clear them out of the way. The extra space and clear surfaces will make the room seem bigger and brighter.

Swap Accessories

The decluttering process doesn’t mean you have to throw all your things away. You can ring the changes simply by swapping your decorative items and accessories. If you have the space for storage, it’s a great idea to put some items away somewhere and then periodically swap them around. Just as you would get your Christmas decorations out in November, you can change the whole feel of the room by alternating cushion covers, rugs, knick-knacks or wall décor. This is a great way to create seasonal variation or just stop you getting bored of the same old things.

Rearrange Furniture

Many of us stick to the same old design layout in our rooms and even when we replace an item, such as a sofa, or completely redecorate, we tend to put things back in the same place. Why not change things up by arranging the furniture differently? It can make it feel like a completely different room and even change the way you use it. Try planning it out on paper before you start moving heavy furniture around to see how things can fit.

Shampoo Carpets

While you may be very house-proud and vacuum your carpet regularly, you’d be amazed the difference you can make by cleaning it: it’s like getting a new carpet! Not only will it look fresher and brighter, but it will also feel softer and smell great. You can buy a range of carpet cleaners, including some that are specially formulated for homes with pets or to get rid of stubborn stains. If you do decide to rearrange the furniture, this is a great opportunity to clean the carpet before you put everything back in (and can minimise any obvious signs that furniture has moved such as impressions in the carpet or marks).

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Wash Soft Furnishings

Just as cleaning your carpet can improve the feel of a room, so can washing curtains, cushion covers and even sofa covers, if they can be removed. Always make sure you follow washing instructions to avoid shrinking fabric. Not only will this make your room feel fresher, it’s really great for hygiene reasons as soft furnishings can harbour germs and pathogens.

Improve Airflow

Improving how a room feels is not just about brightening it visually. Something as simple as improving airflow can really make a difference and certainly make your living space feel less stuffy. Rearranging furniture can help air to flow better but creating cross ventilation is really valuable. This involves drawing air into the room and then forcing it out through a different exit. It sounds complex but it’s actually as easy as opening a window, placing a fan near the window (fans work best with the air from open windows and doors) and then another fan near an open door. This natural movement of air will make any room feel cooler and fresher.

Add Fragrance

Continuing the idea that not all space improvements are visual, it’s important to stimulate other senses as well. Adding fragrance can truly set a mood in a room. Obvious strategies include candles, diffusers and wax warmers but some of these other tips can also contribute to this such as the fragrance from a cleaned carpet or freshly laundered curtains and cushions.

Even if you just follow a couple of these ideas, you’ll be amazed how much difference it can make to any room, without having to visit the DIY store!