Sheer curtains are nice, but what if your windows are small or oddly placed? My historic place has these tiny, awkwardly positioned windows—anyone tried reflective paint or lighter wall colors to brighten things up without glare issues? Curious if that actually works...
I've got similar windows in my older home—small, high up, and just awkward. I tried reflective paint once, but honestly it felt a bit cold and clinical. Ended up repainting with a warm off-white shade instead. That made a noticeable difference without the harsh glare. Also found that placing mirrors strategically opposite or near windows helped bounce around natural light nicely without feeling too bright or artificial...
Totally agree about mirrors—makes a huge difference. Another thing I've found helpful is using sheer curtains instead of heavier drapes. They diffuse the light nicely without blocking it out completely, giving the room a softer feel. Also, if you're open to plants, placing a few near those awkward windows can really brighten things up naturally... plus they improve air quality, so win-win.
Sheer curtains definitely help, especially in older homes like mine where the windows are oddly sized and heavy drapes just feel too overwhelming. I've noticed plants can be hit or miss though... tried a few by my north-facing windows and they weren't thrilled about it, haha. But when you find the right ones, they do add a nice, fresh feel. Another trick that's worked well for me is painting the ceiling a lighter color—really lifts the room and makes it feel more open.
Painting ceilings lighter is a neat idea, hadn't thought of that before. Have you tried mirrors strategically placed across from windows? I've found they bounce natural light around surprisingly well, especially in smaller rooms. Also curious if anyone's experimented with reflective decor or metallic accents—do they actually brighten things up, or does it just end up feeling too flashy? I'm tempted to give it a shot but don't want my living room looking like a disco ball, haha...
