My apartment is small and dark. What can I do to make it seem lighter and brighter without spending a fortune or having a problem with my landlord?

In a City where space and light are at a premium, many people come home to an apartment that feels like a cave. While short of moving to a brighter place, there are a few interior tricks that can give the feeling of sun and height and make your apartment feel “happier.”

1. De-clutter your space. The “busier” that your space is, the darker and smaller it seems. Store things that you don’t use often or are out of season. Get rid of items that you don’t want, need, or enjoy.

2. Light colored walls and furnishings make a room brighter. If you can’t afford lighter furniture, invest in throws, cushions, and curtains that will provide light colors.

3. Invest in lighting. Relying on the single overhead light is a sure fire way to make your apartment feel dark and cramped. Find up lighting, this gives a sense of height to your room. Floor lamps keep corners from being dark and encroaching.

4. Position mirrors to reflect light back into the room. A mirror opposite a window will double the natural light in the apartment. If you don’t have much natural light, position a mirror behind table lamps to shine light back into the room.

5. Floaty curtains create movement and light. Heavy curtains in a small room can seem over powering. Try hanging your curtains right below the ceiling to give the feeling of large windows and high ceilings.

6. Use artwork to lift a room and your mood. Small rooms can be let down by depressing or dark pieces. Try bright pieces with light frames to give your room height.

originally posted Nov. 11, 2006