Illuminating corridors that have no windows: useful and ingenious tips from designers
We all want a home that looks beautiful, spacious and bright, welcoming and pleasant both for residents and guests. However, it sometimes happens that there are areas in our homes that are not very well lit. This is especially the case for corridors (which don't typically have windows).
A dark corridor can seem like a sad, drab area and detract from the beauty of one's home. But the good news is that there are many ways in which a dark corridor can be transformed into a lively and bright passageway and you don't need to be a design expert to do this.
If you have a dark corridor in your home, try taking a look at these designers' tips below to make a difference:
Lighting
The first way to improve the luminosity of a dark corridor is to choose the right lighting and try to exploit the light coming from adjacent rooms: leave the adjoining doors open whenever possible or replace the solid doors with glass doors that let natural light filter through. As for extra lighting, add fittings which will complement the classic corridor "chandelier", such as table lamps, wall lamps (scounces) and floor lamps.
Mirrors
Everyone knows that mirrors magnify space and can "bounce" light into even very dark spots. Use large wall or floor mirrors and the sparkle of metal objects to intensify the light available in your dark corridors.
Colors
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Choosing the right color palette for your corridor is essential in determining its brightness. Enhance and reflect the available light with light and lively colors; white is always a good choice if you want to increase brightness, but all light and pastel shades will also work well. Also, try a paint with a metallic finish to reflect more light.
Fake windows
Another way to make your dark corridors or hallways brighter, is to insert a fake window. Choose a wall large enough to accommodate a window frame (you can buy a new one or recycle an old one), hang it up like a painting and back it with an image of your favorite landscape (or dress it with curtains). Complete the installation with a LED lights placed around frame. Once done, it will look just like a real window, lighting up the corridor from the outside.
Artwork and other decorative elements
Make your corridor more interesting by adding artwork and other decorative elements: paintings or photographs on the walls, designer furnishing objects, real or artificial plants - all these elements can help you transform your corridor into a pleasant "gallery of beautiful things", detracting from the lack of luminosity.
Flooring
Finally, don't forget that the corridor's flooring also plays a decisive role in determining the brightness of the area. If you can, go with large, light-colored/patterned tiles or wood for the flooring - this will create a feeling of greater spaciousness and brightness. Additionally, decorative tiles will be eye-catching and add energy.
Alternatively, you could consider adding a light-colored carpet that can will aid illumination.
And you, how did you deal with your dark corridors?
