Guest Post: 5 Ways to Improve Lighting in Your Apartment

Hello everyone! I have another awesome guest post for you from BRE Properties.
It can be hard to find apartments with decent lighting, and you may not even think about it until you move in. As the sun sets on your first night you may realize there’s no overhead lighting. What is that light switch connected to anyway? From apartments in Sacramento to condos in Florida; there are many poorly lit rental properties with perplexed renters who are figuratively and literately in the dark. Don’t worry! There are plenty of easy ways to improve the lighting in your apartment.
1. Consider replacing (or asking the landlord to replace) old lighting fixtures. Apartments will often have old light fixtures that look like they were installed 50 years ago. The light bulbs they require are hard to find and they don’t provide much light. Your landlord may be willing to replace the light fixture with a newer one, especially if they cover utilities and you agree to use energy efficient light bulbs. Even if you have to replace the fixture yourself, it may be cheaper than other options (and will improve the look of your apartment).
2. Assess window coverings. It’s not easy to find apartments with good natural lighting, but you definitely want to maximize the light the apartment does receive. Dark, heavy curtains will not help your cause. Go for shear or light colored wall coverings. If the windows are covered with blinds or shutters, it is easy to keep them open during the day or have the louvers tilted towards the ceiling for a bit of privacy. This will direct the sunlight up; naturally lighting the whole room.
3. Utilize floor lamps. Speaking of directing the light up, when the sun goes down a torchiere floor lamp is the perfect way to brighten it up again. Floor lamps are great because they add a bit of décor to the room while providing lots of indirect light.
4. Solve the mystery of the light switch and outlets. You may find apartments that do not have overhead lighting, but the light switch by the door may control one of the outlets. This is perfect for desk and floor lamps. If the landlord didn’t clue you in, you may have to test multiple outlets before you figure out which one is controlled by the switch, but once you find it your lighting woes may disappear.
5. Add reflective surfaces. Once you’ve done everything you can to add light in a room, it’s time to bounce it around. Mirrors, glossy floors and walls, and metallic finishes will reflect the light making the whole room appear brighter. If you have a room that is particularly challenging to light, avoid dark paint, furniture and décor or you’ll just exacerbate the problem.