Most of us have a couple of rooms in our homes that get less light than we'd like. You may find that you gravitate toward the pleasing sunny spots, while avoiding spaces that feel gloomier. Heavy curtains, dark carpets and the wrong paint color can all take their toll on the impression of light in a space. If you'd like to get more use out of your living areas in the daytime, take time to consider what improvements could be made. These 10 inspirational tips should help you to see the light. Six Decorating Duos to Consider Now 1. Be clever with curtains. When hanging drapes for insulation or to soften your space, take care that they don't obscure precious light-bestowing glass. This means making sure the curtain rods are long enough for the curtains to be drawn back beyond the window frame. 2. Seek out Scandinavian style. Nordic-inspired all-white designs are both on-trend and on the money for living spaces that lack natural light. A few contrasting black accessories will prevent your living room from feeling sterile and will inject subtle monochrome style.

3. Create a reflection. Use a large mirror to throw light back into a dark room. Position it either opposite or diagonal to a window for maximum luminosity. Browse Thousands of Trendy Mirror Designs on Houzz 4. Add lightweight appeal. If privacy is an issue in your living room, consider sheer blinds, which offer protection from prying eyes without compromising on light. Choose from simple white roller blinds, as seen here, or Roman blinds made from loosely woven cotton or linen. 5. Ditch heavy drapes. Blinds not your bag? How about some chic sheer curtains instead? These gossamer-thin drapes lend this living room an ethereal quality without taking away too much light. Take your curtains right up to the ceiling for maximum drama. 6. Get turned on. An effective lighting scheme is an integral part of any living room, and one that's especially important in a space that lacks a sunny aspect. Try a combination of ceiling, floor and table lights, and install dimmers where possible to create ambience.

Use lamps as accessories -- and remember, symmetry creates impact. 7. Combine and conquer. If your living room is south- or west-facing, but your dining room looks north or east, consider the impact of removing the dividing wall between the spaces. You and your spaces would get to soak in both the morning and afternoon light. 8. Install see-through doors. If you want to keep the divisions between connecting rooms but still max out on light, give your living room a lift by swapping solid doors for glass alternatives.Walk In Tubs San Diego Ca 9. Add a little shimmer. Patio Furniture Paint AluminumWall mirrors aren't the only light-infusing accessory you can introduce in a shady spot -- look for other shiny metal or glass pieces. Indoor Electric Lantern Lights

These silver tables bring a hint of boudoir glam to this living room, particularly with the sparkling accents and super-soft upholstery. 10. Try lighter textiles. If pale isn't interesting to you, stick to a few carefully chosen white textiles to lift light levels without losing color elsewhere. Restrict yourself to washable fabrics, however, if you're prone to the odd spill or two. How to Use Color to Create Calm at Home Home Design Home Decorating Interior Design Decor HouzzHome design and decoration / The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Curtains Hanging Bulbs – A Modern Take On Lighting The imperative to hide light bulbs behind lampshades is a thing of the past. Today the bulb-on-wire concept is no longer...15 Valentine's Day Gifts For Her Go beyond basic white curtains with these colorful and pattern-heavy options. Ombré CurtainsOmbré CurtainsJim Thompson silk curtains with a custom ombré dye add a lively spirit to this dramatic New York City apartment.

Hand-Carved ShuttersHand-Carved ShuttersHand-carved shutters based on a Moghul pattern filter the sunlight in a double-height living room designed by Tom Scheerer for clients on Florida's Jupiter Island. 12 Chaise Lounges Your Living Room Needs 20 Reading Chairs To Curl Up In On A Rainy Day 20 Red Couch Ideas To Transform A Living Room 20 Different Shades Of Grey Sofas You'll Lust After 20 Pristine Ways To Design With White Living Room Furniture The 4 Best Ways To Arrange Living Room Furniture 10 Rope Furnishings That Add A Touch Of The Seaside To Your Home 20 Rooms Made Even Better By Show-Stopping Rugs 12 Ideas For Decorating A Nonworking Fireplace 25 Cocktail Tables For Entertaining Season And Beyond 5 Secrets To A Stylish, Kid-Friendly Living RoomThey're the simple pieces that stand the test of time. Never in or out of fashion, the items in this bunch are classically chic and tasteful, and eternally look good (so you won't be forking over money to replace them in two years' time).

Forget passing interior fads and fly-by-night trends; here are the oldies but goodies every living room needs.These elegant window dressings have become the perfect solution for metropolitan homeowners who don't want sheer curtains but aren't keen on passersby snooping, either. Here their crisp, clean lines and white color add to the room's bright, breezy feel. The other plus, of course, is undeniable curb appeal.It's that age-old problem: where to prop your feet when you're relaxing on the sofa? The obvious solution is a Moroccan leather pouf. Simple and compact, these versatile little seats work surprisingly well in a variety of settings, not just souk-style rooms. Here a pair of brown leather poufs adds impact next to a plain corner sofa, complementing the sophisticated design scheme brilliantly. (More from Houzz: Find an interior designer to help create your dream home)The architectural lines of the tripod floor lamp have made it a living room staple in recent years, and it looks set to stick around.

As well as adding atmospheric pools of light, these cool pieces make a statement in their own right. Place one at either end of a sofa, as here, for oomph. If you don't fancy neutral lampshades like the ones here, swap them for colorful ones to energize your scheme.It's an ongoing favorite in fashionable bars and boutique hotels, and no wonder. With their clean lines and comfort, button-backed chesterfield sofas are truly timeless, and look as good in a modern warehouse apartment as in a grand country abode. The classic version comes in tan leather, but for a sumptuous update, I love the raspberry-pink and pewter-colored velvet numbers here.It might not feel as key as a coffee table or sofa, but a stylish vintage sideboard transforms the look of a living room (and keeps clutter at bay, too). For a timeless look, stick to warm woods, such as teak or rosewood. (More from Houzz: 8 living room layouts that work for everyone)Fancy the private members' club look? Then opt for a classic, deep-seated leather armchair;

the more battered, the better. Buy secondhand for extra lived-in character, or source a vintage-look piece about town (feather-filled cushions offer an added slouch factor). Prettify it with a floral cushion, then sit back and relax with a cuppa (or glass of port).It's the oldest interiors trick in the book. A striking over-the-mantel mirror gives even a super-snug living room a sense of space and light. However, don't settle for just any old mirror. For old-school elegance, go for a Shabby Chic–style French-looking piece with an ornate white plaster or gilt wooden frame. If you can afford to, get an original vintage mirror, complete with authentically aged silvering. If not, consider reproductions — they work a similar magic for less cash.OK, you've seen a thousand feature walls with multiple frames and artworks. But there's a reason this idea has stuck: It works. A cluster of pictures turns an ordinary living room into a home. Hanging one is an easy way to reflect your personality, as seen in this quirky abode, and whether you line up or misalign the frames, mix or match, somehow everything always hangs together.

It might be all about low-slung pendants and marquee lights right now, but a crystal chandelier is never dated. More than a mere light, it adds instant sparkle, glamour and just a smidgen of grandeur to any space. Even a budget model — as opposed to an original French rewired antique — gives that extra je ne sais quoi. Don't automatically choose bronze, by the way. The jewel-like version here perks up a plain ceiling and echoes other colors in the room. (More from Houzz: Spice up your interior with trendy new accessories)Their intricate patterns and warm colors give any space a homey feel, as well as a touch of exoticism. Plus, these traditional rugs work equally well laid over wooden floorboards, stone or carpet. Period settings are their natural habitat, but they can also cozy up a modern space. For a tapestry effect, mix several smaller rugs. The most skillfully handwoven rugs can be pricey, but purse-friendly designs are not hard to find. Houzz helps you renovate and design your home from start to finish, whether you're decorating a small room or building a custom home and everything in between.