As the days grow longer and the sun sits higher in the sky, now is the perfect time to harness the natural light in your home. Whether you’re looking to brighten dark corners, make smaller spaces feel bigger, or simply refresh your environment for the warmer months ahead, small styling shifts can make a big difference.
Here’s how to welcome in more light and bring a sense of warmth, openness and ease into your home this season.
1. Start with Your Windows
Clean windows might not sound exciting, but they are the easiest way to maximise natural light. Over time, dust and grime can reduce the amount of sunlight that filters through.
Quick tip: Clean both the inside and outside of your windows and remove any heavy curtains or blinds that block light during the day. Consider swapping them for sheer curtains or light-filtering panels that still offer privacy while letting sunshine through.
2. Use Mirrors to Reflect Light
Mirrors are a stylist’s secret weapon for brightening a room. When placed opposite or adjacent to windows, they bounce light around the space and create a sense of depth and openness.
Try this: A large mirror in a hallway, entryway or behind a dining table can open up the space and enhance natural light. If you prefer something subtle, mirrored trays or furniture with a reflective finish can add just the right touch.
3. Choose Lighter Colours and Finishes
Dark furniture and walls tend to absorb light, while lighter tones reflect it. If you’re thinking about a mini refresh, consider updating soft furnishings or décor in light neutrals, soft pastels or warm whites.
Styling tip: Swap out darker cushion covers, rugs or bed linen for lighter tones that lift the mood and the brightness of the room.
4. Keep Surfaces Clear and Simple
Clutter can weigh a room down and block light from flowing freely. A minimalist approach to shelving, benchtops and coffee tables allows sunlight to travel further into the space.
Simple changes: Clear away items that aren’t used daily, use baskets to tidy essentials, and keep display surfaces clean and open.
5. Let Light Flow Through Your Layout
Sometimes it’s not about how much light you have, but how it moves through your home. Blocking natural pathways with large furniture or bulky décor can stop the light from reaching other areas.
Layout tip: Try rearranging furniture to avoid blocking windows or entryways. Glass or open shelving, translucent partitions or furniture with raised legs can help light filter through the space more easily.
6. Add Glass or Gloss Accents
You don’t need to renovate to make light a feature. Incorporating glass, acrylic or glossy surfaces can help reflect light and add a sense of spaciousness.
Ideas to try: A glass coffee table, high-gloss vases, light-toned photo frames or a reflective splashback in the kitchen can all subtly enhance the brightness of a space.
Key Takeaway
Creating a lighter, brighter home is easier than you think. By making a few small, thoughtful changes, you can embrace the longer days and let natural light elevate the mood and energy of your space. Whether you rent or own, these simple styling ideas will help your home feel more open, fresh and ready for the season ahead.
Looking for more ways to bring warmth and light into your home?
Explore more seasonal lifestyle tips from the team at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and make every day feel a little brighter.
Disclaimer: The opinions posted within this blog are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, others employed by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate or the organisations with which the network is affiliated. The author takes full responsibility for his opinions and does not hold Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate or any third party responsible for anything in the posted content. The author freely admits that his views may not be the same as those of his colleagues, or third parties associated with the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate network.