Even though I live in a fairly well-light space, there are still corners of my home aching for better lighting in a way that can’t be satisfied with the creepy overheads currently in place. To find creative lighting solutions that aren’t eyesores, I turned to Natalie Rebuck, interior designer and architect at Re:Design Architects in Brooklyn and Southold, New York, for guidance.
Whether you live in a basement unit or simply have a particular zone in your home that is begging for more light, you may benefit from the clever and aesthetically pleasing lighting tricks that Rebuck uses when faced with the challenge of brightening a dark space.
Keep reading to peruse Rebuck’s go-to items — and a few editors’ picks as well — for adding light to a dark space.
Everly Quinn Javonda wrought iron wallchiere
A disco ball
Article Leap black table lamp
A floor lamp with attached tray
If you're a floor lamp person, Rebuck suggested an arcing, structured option. This one from Amazon comes in nine color combination, though we're partial to the gold base and neutral shade. The on/off foot switch and rotatable lamp head are convenient features that we love in a practical item like this.
For a splurgey pick, the Article Zebu Linen Floor Lamp is elegant and featured a double shade.
EcoSmart white strip light
Anthropologie Demeter Dressing Mirror
If you want to invest in a statement floor mirror, this beauty from Anthropologie will add charm, light and style to your space for years to come. The hand-crafted design and antique brass finish make this a unique and timeless piece.
World Market Talia Wood Arched Leaning Full Length Mirror
Similarly, this wood leaning mirror brings a natural touch to your space, but at a lower price point. Prop it up against a wall or hang it near your entryway for last looks while also helping to gleam light throughout the space. It's warm, architectural, trendy and timeless all at once.
Spoonflower peel-and-stick wallpaper
West Elm Streamline rounded edge floor mirror
AllModern Champ asymmetrical metal floor mirror
West Elm Desert Sun floor mirror
Beckham 1 Plug-in Swing Arm Sconce
You can't go wrong with classic swinging arm sconces, Rebuck said. Available in five glossy and matte metal finishes, this plug-in sconce has a jointed arm that can be adjusted at three places. The cone shades diffuse light beautifully and reviewers note that they're easy to install.
Interior Designer Tips On Lighting Dark Spaces
Rebuck told me that LED light strips in a sleek acrylic channel can be installed under cabinets or shelves to help illuminate dark spaces that otherwise might not get much light. “They help create bright focal points that can help the space seem brighter overall,” she said.
And while it might seem obvious, she pointed out that well-placed table lamps and sconces will also make a huge difference in how a room’s brightness is perceived. “I prefer to use fixtures that allow for light to escape from both the top and the bottom, to diffuse the light throughout the room,” she said. Lamps and wall lights with extended arms can also help to focus the light on specific places, which allows you to brighten up more areas and push light further into spaces that need it.
According to Rebuck, choosing wall paint with warm undertones or even bright wallpaper can also dramatically change how you experience the light. If you’re looking to stick to a budget, “I recommend painting an accent wall or applying a peel-and-stick wallpaper to add a pop of sunshine to the room,” she said. And of course, “using creatively placed mirrors throughout a room can help to reflect the light and add a sense of depth to the space that will help trick your eye into perceiving more illumination.”