I will never forget the year my husband and I lived in a home with minimal natural light. We were in a temporary living situation and the home was situated amidst trees that blocked the sun. The main living areas were almost always cast in shadows, and we always had to be careful of ice as we left the house in the winter. No sun on the front door meant the ice took longer to melt—so we gingerly walked around frozen patches of concrete well into March. As the year progressed, I questioned why my mood was down more than usual. The darkness had taken its toll on my mental health. As we eventually searched for new apartments, natural light was the first priority.
I thank my lucky stars every day that I now live in a home drenched in sunlight. Our homes should make us happy, and sunshine is known for boosting serotonin and lifting moods. There’s no better feeling than walking into a room with sunlight streaming through the windows, casting soft shadows and illuminating cozy corners. There’s a reason our beloved pets find the small patches of light to curl up under!
Whether you live in a sun-soaked home or are looking for ways to brighten up a dim space, bringing in light can transform your space. From sheer curtains to soft palettes and an abundance of plants, here’s how to style light-filled interiors.
image above from our interview with Jessie De Lowe, by Michelle Nash
Install Sheer Curtains
A room without curtains can feel unfinished, like something is missing. A window with curtains makes a space look more polished, intentional, and cohesive. And of course, curtains dictate how natural light enters a room. Think of curtains as the final layer that ties everything together, like accessories for an outfit. In short: light-filled interiors need curtains.
If you want to let sunshine into your space instead of shielding it, sheer curtains filter the light softly. Light linen or gauzy cotton panels will create an airy, ethereal feel and the texture will help soften hard surfaces like wood floors and furniture. The right curtains can transform a room from stark and sterile to warm and inviting in an instant.
Embrace a Soft, Neutral Color Palette
Light-filled interiors shine even brighter with colors that reflect and enhance natural light. While darker colors absorb the light instead of reflecting it, warm neutrals will make a space feel open and inviting—even as the sun moves throughout the day. Sunlit rooms will naturally feel calm, but colors like cream, taupe, and beige will just enhance those feel-good feelings.
Color also doesn’t have to be entirely off the table—muted pastels like blush, sage, or light blue will work well while keeping the palette soft.
Decorate with Plants
One of my prized possessions is a fiddle leaf fig I’ve had since 2019. She brings so much beauty to my sunny home office. Fiddle leaf figs are notoriously temperamental, so I’m especially proud of how much she’s grown over the years. They love the sun, and make a perfect addition to a well-lit room.
Light-filled interiors practically beg for plants. Plants breathe life into a space, add a pop of color, and even improve air quality. A room doesn’t feel complete without a little bit of greenery, especially one with great light. Just be sure that the plants you add to your room will love direct sunlight and not be overwhelmed by it. You can also be strategic on where you place them, if your plants prefer more indirect light.
Statement plants like fiddle leaf figs and olive trees look beautiful in living room corners, and they both love lots of light. Pothos and snake plants are heartier and are great for plant beginners. Planters are also an opportunity to add color and texture to your space—so pick ones that you find beautiful and compliment your space (and the plant!).
Choose Light, Natural Materials
I dream of having a sunroom one day. I would fill it with light wood furniture, a warm white comfy chair, and a woven coffee table—much like Camille’s gorgeous sitting area in her bedroom. Natural materials and soft textures are perfect for light-filled interiors.
Texture is everything, especially in a room full of neutrals, so opt for organic materials like linen or cotton and pair them with woven accents like wicker, rattan, or jute. These materials lean into the calm, serene ambience a well-lit room naturally brings. Bulky furniture will feel heavy in an otherwise light and fresh feeling space—lighter wood and woven accents are best.
Keep Decor Intentional and Minimal
Entering a room filled with decor and tchotchkes can feel overstuffed and cluttered. There’s no need to pack a sunlit room with decor—let nature do the talking. A room with natural light will automatically make a room feel open and airy. Stick to a few high quality pieces of decor that bring you joy and keep clutter to a minimum. A stylish coffee table book, a candle, framed photos of loved ones or a vase of flowers are perfect. Your plants also count as decor!
Use Mirrors Strategically
Styling mantles can be a fun design challenge, and my favorite way to style them is with a large mirror. Mirrors on a mantle not only make a beautiful focal point, but they can also double the amount of light in a room by reflecting sunlight. This will make your space feel even larger than it is, as well as brighter. A win-win! Place a mirror opposite or adjacent to a window for optimal brightness.
If your space doesn’t have a mantle, or a spot for a large mirror—any reflective surface will help bounce the light. Opt for mirrored trays, or an acrylic coffee table to keep the space feeling bright and balanced.
A sun-drenched home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels light and fresh. By incorporating sheer textures, soft palettes, greenery, and natural materials, you can transform your light-filled interiors into bright and welcoming retreats. So go ahead and let the light in!
