New York City can sometimes be an interior design nightmare. A place of towering buildings and narrow streets, many NYC apartments are left in the dark. But don’t worry—if your apartment feels a little dim, there are plenty of ways to brighten dark NYC apartments without needing a major renovation.
In this final part of our series on NYC apartment design, we’ll share six solutions to bring more light into your space:
To Brighten Up Dark NYC Apartments Choose Sheer Curtains
Thick, heavy curtains may block out unwanted noise, but they also prevent valuable natural light from entering your apartment. The key to brightening up dark NYC apartments is opting for sheer curtains or light-filtering blinds. These allow sunlight to pour into your space while still maintaining your privacy.
White or neutral-colored sheer curtains are ideal, as they reflect light rather than absorb it. With the right window treatments, you can create a bright and airy space even if your apartment faces a narrow street or shaded alley.
Use Mirrors to Amplify Natural Light
Mirrors are your best friend and a kind of jill-of-all-trades in the design world. So it’s no surprise they work great for increasing the amount of light in a dark apartment.
By strategically placing mirrors opposite windows or in areas that catch sunlight, you can reflect and amplify the light throughout the room. Large mirrors work especially well in living rooms and bedrooms, creating a sense of openness while bouncing light around the space.
If you have a small or narrow room, mirrors not only enhance the brightness but also make the room feel larger and more spacious.
Brighten Dark NYC Apartments with Light-Colored Decor
Your choice of decor can have a big impact on how light or dark a space feels. To brighten dark NYC apartments, go for light-colored furniture, rugs, and accents.
White, beige, or pastel tones help reflect any available natural light, making your space feel more open and airy. If you’re looking to add some contrast, consider metallic accents like brass, chrome, or mirrored objects, which help reflect light and add a touch of personality to your decor.
Maximize Natural Light with Glass or Glossy Surfaces
Speaking of reflecting light, using glass or glossy surfaces is a great way to make a dark space feel brighter and bounce light around the room. In the kitchen, you can opt for a glass backsplash or shiny countertops that catch and reflect natural light. These surfaces work together to create the illusion of a well-lit environment, even in apartments with limited window exposure.
Bonus tip: Reflective paint is a powerful tool for enhancing natural light in any room. Maybe there’s a little golden gleam in your future?
Add Indoor Plants that Thrive in Low Light
Even if your apartment lacks direct sunlight, you can still enjoy the greenery of indoor plants. Choose plants that thrive in low-light conditions, such as snake plants, pothos, or peace lilies. They’ll brighten up your decor and add a fresh, natural element to your space. Indoor plants create a feeling of vitality, helping you bring a little of the outdoors inside—even when natural light is hard to come by.
Keep Furniture from Obstructing Windows to Let Natural Light Flow Freely
To make the most of natural light in your apartment, avoid placing large furniture directly in front of windows. Bulky pieces like sofas or shelves can block valuable light and create shadows that make your space feel darker.
Instead, opt for low-profile furniture near windows, such as benches or slim side tables, to keep the area open and allow light to pass through. Keeping your windows unobstructed will brighten the room and enhance the feeling of spaciousness.
Lack of natural light doesn’t have to mean permanent darkness in your NYC apartment. By choosing sheer curtains, using mirrors to amplify light, and incorporating light-colored decor and reflective surfaces, you can create a brighter, more inviting home.
Ready to transform your space? Our design team can help you find the perfect solutions to brighten dark NYC apartments. Book a complimentary consultation, and let’s bring more light into your life!
