The simple decluttering trick experts recommend to maximise natural light in winter
As the days get shorter, our homes can feel a lot darker, and there's one solution you might not have considered
Decluttering is typically a task you save for spring cleaning; however, doing it earlier can make a world of difference in your home, especially once winter arrives with its gloomier weather and shorter days.
If you're already looking for ways to keep the sadness and gloominess away this winter, you might consider an interior refresh. And while there's plenty of happy paint colours to try, decluttering is a simple, no-nonsense fix.
So don't put off trying the latest decluttering methods until spring, because of the seasonal clock changes, there's no better time than now. Not only does decluttering help free up space in your home, but experts also point out the ways it can help brighten a dark room – which
“The first thing I look at in a dark room is what is blocking the light, not what colour to paint it. Heavy curtains, furniture pushed too close to windows, tall pieces near the glass, or dark rugs can all make a room feel dim before you even get to the walls,” explains Tasha Frie, Head Interior Designer at Sims, an interior design and remodelling service.
While we're big fans of the maximalist decor trend, Tish does point out that crowded surfaces and furniture filling every corner can make a room feel darker.
“Keep window areas as open as possible and avoid placing bulky furniture where it cuts across the path of daylight. Even moving a chair or cabinet away from a window can change how the room feels. Clutter also makes a room feel darker," says Tasha.
If you regularly declutter your home, you'll probably be aware of how much of an impact it can have on your space. When our environments are messy and overwhelming, it quickly affects how we feel when we're in them.
"When every surface is full, and every corner has something in it, the eye has nowhere to rest. A room can feel brighter just by clearing the window area, lifting things off the floor, and giving the main surfaces a little breathing room,” suggests Tasha.
You don't need to go full minimalist, but removing unnecessary clutter will make all the difference during darker months, brightening up your space both literally and figuratively.
You can try all the lighting trends out there, but if your natural light is being blocked, your home will keep feeling stuffy and dim.
If, even after decluttering, you still want to take a serious stance against SAD this year, interior designers recommend doing the following for an upbeat winter.
