Layered treatments are definitely underrated. My place has these old casement windows—beautiful but drafty—and sheer curtains alone were pretty useless. Ended up doing woven bamboo blinds underneath thicker linen curtains, and it's been a game changer for both warmth and privacy. Also seconding the mirror trick; it sounds basic, but placing one near my darker corners really helped brighten things up without feeling artificial.
Totally feel you on the drafty windows—my old Victorian has these gorgeous stained-glass panes that are basically just decorative holes in the wall come winter, haha. Layering curtains saved me too, and honestly, mirrors are like secret weapons. I stuck one opposite a window in my gloomy hallway, and suddenly it felt like daylight actually remembered that corner existed. Simple tweaks really do make a difference...and bonus points for not having to mess with wiring or bulbs.
Mirrors are definitely underrated, especially if you position them strategically. Another trick I've found useful is swapping out heavy furniture or decor for lighter-colored pieces—sounds basic, but it genuinely helps bounce around whatever natural light you've got. Also, don't underestimate reflective surfaces beyond mirrors. I refinished an old wooden coffee table with a glossy lacquer finish, and suddenly the whole room felt brighter without adding any extra lamps or fixtures.
One more thing: plants. Not exactly a direct lighting solution, but placing a few leafy greens near windows can diffuse harsh sunlight and soften shadows. Plus, they add some life to the space, which somehow makes it feel brighter even on cloudy days. Just make sure to pick varieties that thrive in lower-light conditions if your place isn't exactly sun-drenched...learned that one the hard way after sacrificing a fiddle leaf fig or two.
I get what you're saying about mirrors and reflective surfaces, but honestly, glossy finishes can sometimes feel a bit too shiny or clinical for me. I tried refinishing a side table once, and it ended up looking like something from a doctor's waiting room...not exactly cozy. Also, plants are great, but if you're on a tight budget (like me), replacing dead ones gets pricey fast. I've found sheer curtains to be a cheaper, low-maintenance way to soften harsh sunlight without sacrificing warmth.
Totally feel you on the glossy finishes...my first DIY project was repainting an old dresser, and I went with a high-gloss white thinking it'd brighten the room. Ended up looking like office furniture—so much for cozy vibes, lol. Sheer curtains sound like a smart move though, especially if you're watching your budget. I've also had luck with thrifted lamps and softer bulbs to warm up harsh corners without spending much. It's all trial and error, but you're definitely on the right track!
