Not sure I’m sold on semi-gloss for ceilings—tried it once and every tiny flaw in the drywall jumped out at me. Flat hides imperfections way better, especially in older places. For rugs, sisal’s a bit softer than jute but still has that natural look.
Not sure I’m sold on semi-gloss for ceilings—tried it once and every tiny flaw in the drywall jumped out at me.
Totally get that—semi-gloss on a ceiling is like shining a spotlight on every little bump and tape line. I learned that the hard way in a 1920s bungalow... looked like the surface of the moon up there. Flat paint’s been my go-to ever since, especially for those “character” ceilings. Sisal rugs are great too, but if you’ve got pets, just watch out for claws—they love to dig in!
Flat paint on ceilings is such a lifesaver, especially in older homes where nothing is ever perfectly smooth. I once tried eggshell thinking it’d be a happy medium—nope, still caught the light in all the wrong ways. For brightening up a space, I’ve had luck with big mirrors opposite windows and swapping out heavy curtains for something sheer. Makes a world of difference, even on gloomy days. Sisal rugs look great, but yeah, my cat turned one into her personal scratching post within a week... lesson learned.
Flat paint is definitely the way to go for ceilings—eggshell just highlights every little flaw, especially with old plaster. I’ve also found that painting trim a crisp white helps bounce light around, even if the walls are a deeper color. Anyone tried using reflective furniture surfaces, like glass or lacquered tables? Curious if that actually makes a noticeable difference or just smudges up faster...
Sneaky Ways To Brighten Your Space Without Flipping The Switch
Anyone tried using reflective furniture surfaces, like glass or lacquered tables? Curious if that actually makes a noticeable difference or just smudges up faster...
You’re totally on the right track with the flat paint for ceilings—makes a world of difference, especially in older homes where the plaster’s seen better days. As for reflective surfaces, I’ve played around with both glass and lacquered tables in my living room. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
1. Glass tables do bounce light around, especially if you’ve got a window nearby. It’s subtle, but it does help a bit. Downside: fingerprints and dust show up fast, so if you’ve got kids or pets, it’s a bit of a losing battle.
2. Lacquered finishes are a little more forgiving. They reflect light, but not as sharply as glass, and they’re easier to wipe down. I’ve got a white lacquered sideboard and it definitely helps brighten up a shadowy corner.
If you’re worried about smudges, maybe try a semi-gloss or satin finish on wood furniture instead. It’s a nice middle ground—reflects some light, but doesn’t scream “clean me” every day. You’re already doing all the right things with paint and trim, so adding a few reflective surfaces can only help. Don’t stress about perfection—sometimes a little lived-in look is part of the charm.
