“Products featured on Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commissions or revenue through the provided links.” When it comes to homes, perfection is a rarity unless starting from scratch. While some unique features like creaky floorboards and original millwork add character, others are less desirable. Finding the ideal space within budget constraints, especially in a tough real estate market, often involves compromises. Lack of windows, common in urban apartments despite being rare in suburban homes, may be a trade-off some are willing to make for the right location or price. Windowless rooms present design challenges and can make a space feel dark and dreary without natural light. Fortunately, there are ways to brighten up such rooms with clever ideas for windowless spaces.In 2019, Alyssa Fiorentino, former senior editor at House Beautiful, tackled this issue when moving to a new apartment in New York City. She discovered effective methods endorsed by designers to make her windowless living room feel inviting and well-lit with minimal effort. Through strategic use of color, artificial lighting, and decor, a windowless room can exude a sunlit ambiance in no time. Keep reading for enlightening tips below.Credit: Additional content by Meghan Shouse and Kate McGregor.Whether you’re searching for your first home or apartment, you’ll likely find something lacking or needing improvement in the space. However, the positives typically outweigh the negatives, leading to a decision to live with the imperfections. This was the case for me and my roommates when we relocated to our second apartment in NYC. Opting for a spacious three-bedroom unit with two bathrooms and an open kitchen in a prime location meant compromising on a living room without windows. The absence of windows poses two main issues: excessive heat in summer with poor ventilation and a perpetually dim interior. Although the skylight in the living room and kitchen helps slightly, it fails to provide adequate natural light throughout both spaces. Enduring a dark and gloomy living room for two years, we finally decided to address the problem after a roommate moved out, taking some furniture pieces with her. However, we were clueless about how to tackle it. That’s when Modsy, now Lennar, came to our rescue.Formerly an online design service, Modsy, now under Lennar, offered a comprehensive solution for space transformation, including 3D room renderings and convenient shopping links. By simply uploading room photos, providing measurements, and completing a style quiz, we received customized design plans within days. Enamored with the rendered vision of our apartment, the next step was to bring it to life. We purchased key items, including a sofa from Modsy’s furniture line, and sourced additional decor from favorite home stores. Though it took a few weeks to complete the room makeover, the end result was well worth the effort. Explore the transformation below.Photo credit: LUCY SCHAEFFER
The room is transformed by the presence of a light-filled sofa and accent cabinet that create the illusion of natural light streaming in. The sofa is from Modsy, the cabinet is from West Elm, the art is from Society6, the coffee table is from World Market, the glass side table is from Overstock, and the pink pillows and lamps are from Marshalls. Additionally, patterned pillows are from John Robshaw. The photo credit goes to Alyssa Fiorentino.
In the previous setup, a dark gray sofa was paired with a light gray ottoman, situated below a cluster of mismatched, small framed art prints. The photo credit for this arrangement goes to Lucy Schaeffer Photography.
A carved wood screen separates the kitchen from the living room, with a turquoise accent chair adding a pop of color. The screen is from World Market, the chair is from Walmart, and the marble side table is from World Market. The photo credit for this setup goes to Alyssa Fiorentino.
Previously, the kitchen and living room were one open space, as shown in the photo credit by Lucy Schaeffer Photography.
A long, white media console takes center stage on one wall, accompanied by a floor lamp for additional lighting and a well-stocked bar cart. The media console is from Ikea, the bar cart is from Overstock, the mirror and lamp are from Target, the plants are from The Sill, the art is from Society6, and the white vases are from Marshalls. The photo credit for this setup goes to Alyssa Fiorentino.
The wall previously hosted a small TV without seating and a square mirror. The transformation was significant, demonstrating six key changes that can brighten a dark room, as explained by Alessandra Wood, the former vice president of style at Modsy.
1. Embrace Light-Colored Furniture: Adding white or light-colored furniture can make a room appear larger and brighter, as demonstrated by the choices made in the redesign.
2. Layer Pops of Color Throughout: Incorporating pops of color adds vibrancy and dimension to the space, creating a lively atmosphere.
3. Add Lots of Lighting: In the absence of natural light, multiple lamps can help brighten the room and provide greater control over the ambiance.
By following these design principles, you can achieve a similar transformation in your space.
Wood suggests turning off the overhead lights to optimize the existing lighting for a serene nighttime ambiance. Hang multiple mirrors strategically to enhance the perceived light in the room. Incorporating low-light plants can add life and brightness to the space. Selecting the right art pieces can also contribute to a vibrant and visually appealing environment. By implementing these suggestions, you can transform your room into a brighter and more inviting space, filled with energy and focal points that captivate the eye. Remember to water your plants correctly and provide them with adequate sunlight for optimal growth. Consider incorporating elements such as mirrors, art, and layered rugs to enhance the overall aesthetic. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok for more inspiring ideas on home decor.
