The phrase "natural lighting" is used quite frequently, but it can refer to a great deal more than simply the amount of sunlight that enters a room. It is a method of architectural design that involves making the most of the available natural light sources in order to reduce the amount of reliance on artificial lighting, which in turn results in the conservation of energy.

Unfortunately, not all of us can have windows that reach from floor to ceiling, and some spaces are better at bringing in natural light than others. But there are a lot of different ways to imitate natural lighting, so you can create a cozy and warm atmosphere in your apartment regardless of which way your apartment faces or how few windows you have in your living room. The good news is that you do not need to install a skylight to do it; some straightforward advice and recommendations can make a significant difference in a very short amount of time.

1. Transform any and all windows into the primary points of interest in each room.
To make the most of the light you have available, all that is required here is a little bit of rearrangement. It is possible to create the illusion that there is more natural light in a room than there actually is by positioning a window so that it is the first thing that the eye sees when entering the space. Champagne, a muralist, gives the main window of her living room in this Hollywood rental a new coat of yellow paint and decorates it with a matching chaise so that the space appears to have more natural light than it actually does.

2. Keep the design of your lamp shades uncomplicated.
Even though we adore a custom-patterned lampshade just as much as the next design aficionado, we have to admit that it's not exactly the option to go with in situations where there is not enough natural light. As can be seen in the bedroom of this house in Idaho, using lampshades that are a bright white color will make your lighting more efficient while also giving the room a sense of openness. Instead of ironing your fabric in the living room, why not use that heirloom armchair?

3. Accumulate a good supply of mirrors.
This is a trick that interior designers love to use to make a space look bigger and brighter at the same time. Putting mirrors on the wall opposite the windows that let in natural light is a great way to increase the amount of light that is reflected throughout the room. Choose furniture and decorative pieces with mirrored surfaces, such as this mirrored accent table from Pottery Barn, to increase the amount of natural light that is reflected within your space. This can be accomplished by taking the previous step one step further.

4. Stay away from dark tones.
If you fill a room that is already dim with moody furnishings and textiles, the room will seem even darker than it already is. This is because dark tones absorb more light and heat than lighter-colored ones. Consider painting a room that does not have any windows in a light, airy color such as bright white or eggshell, which will cause more light to be reflected and will make the room feel more inviting.

5. Give your surfaces a reflective sheen.
When it comes to creating the illusion of natural light inside the home, just a touch of gloss goes a long way. If it is at all possible, give your walls, ceiling, trim, and floors a new coat of lacquered paint. This will help the light that is already in the room to be spread out more evenly. Investing in home decor items that have a glossy or metallic finish is another option for creating the illusion that there is more natural light in your space than there actually is.

6. Make use of man-made light sources.
Artificial lighting is still necessary in every room, but it is especially important in rooms that do not have a lot of natural lighting. In dimly lit rooms, replace the outdoor lighting bulbs in the light fixtures with full-spectrum light bulbs because they are designed to mimic natural light. This is a quick and easy tip that will provide your home with a comfortable and inviting glow from artificial light.

7. Include some plant life.
You can always count on houseplants to help you compensate for the lack of natural outdoor lighting in a room, even when all other options have been exhausted. In a space that receives very little to no natural light, the addition of a few plants that thrive in low light, such as ferns or spider plants, can help create a more ethereal atmosphere while also keeping the air clean. Win-win situation.

8. Do not block any of the windows that you currently have.
When space is at a premium, we strongly recommend positioning furniture such as beds, shelves, and chairs in front of windows. But if you don't get a lot of natural light to begin with, it's best to make sure that your windows are, for the most part, unobstructed. This will let the most amount of outdoor lighting into the room. You may even want to think about removing the blinds and heavy curtains from the windows in the rooms of your home where you do not require as much privacy. Hanging a plant in your window can help make the window look more elegant, and, as was mentioned earlier, the right plant can help alleviate the problem of insufficient light.

9. When choosing the finish for your furniture, be strategic.
When looking for your next piece of furniture, focus on finding pieces that have a lacquered finish, clear glass, or acrylic that is see-through. Not only do these materials give the impression of lightness to the naked eye, but they also permit sunlight to pass right through or reflect off of them. Your room will maintain its sunny and bright overall appearance with the help of these kinds of furnishings, and decorative accessories in these finishes will also be of assistance to you in this endeavor.

10. Make your art a statement.
A large painting or print is a great way to break up the monotony of an otherwise blank wall, and if you are able to frame it, you can add another semi-reflective finish to your walls as well. Something that is lighter and brighter will obviously assist you in simulating natural outdoor lighting better than something that is darker would. Additionally, a white frame is likely your best option, particularly if you already have white walls in your home.