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How To Brighten a Dark Apartment by Resolving Lighting Issues

Many buildings in New York City are pre-war, meaning erected between 1900 and 1939, before World War II. The older construction can dramatically affect the lighting in the building, natural and wired. First, older buildings typically have smaller windows and compartmentalized designs, restricting the flow of natural light. Second, the buildings have more simplistic or limited wiring, which can limit the wattage and number of fixtures.

A dark, dreary apartment will not motivate a tenant to sign a lease. You must learn how to brighten a dark apartment and make it more attractive and inviting. Thankfully, there are several ways to improve lighting, but first, you need to understand what is causing your darkness problem and why it matters.

How To Brighten a Dark Apartment by Assessing Types of Darkness

Lack of Natural Light

Apartment darkness can result from several issues, including a lack of natural light, poor lighting design, and outdated fixtures. Out of all the problems, the lack of natural light is the most challenging and potentially costly issue to resolve.

You must focus on factors you can control, those at a micro-level, like window placement and size and compartmentalized layouts. Macro problems, like urban density and light pollution, are societal issues and can take decades to resolve — if they ever resolve. You likely don’t have decades to find a tenant.

To correct natural light problems, install larger windows where possible and remove non-load-bearing walls. Such construction projects require contractors, permits, licenses, and insurance guidance. Also, you may need to address historical concerns and councils when changing the exterior or face of the property, which installing new windows will do.

Building materials can also affect how natural light plays in the space. For example, dark and porous materials like brick can absorb light, making a room appear darker. An easy way to solve this problem is by painting the brick or installing drywall. Unfortunately, construction costs can add up quickly when considering how to brighten a dark apartment with natural light.

Poor Infrastructure

Old apartment buildings can present electrical infrastructure challenges to modern designs and amenities; for example, the wiring and panels of older buildings do not possess the power or capabilities to handle modern lighting and electrical demands. To resolve these issues, you can and should upgrade the system and ensure everything is up to code. The problem with this solution is the cost and disruption to tenants.

Any extensive upgrade to your electrical panel and system can create temporary discomfort and frustration among current residents. Most tenants will appreciate the upgrade, especially if it means brighter living spaces. To learn more about upgrades and installations, please call Bolt Electric to schedule a consultation.

Outdated Fixtures

Older properties often have old light fixtures that are less efficient and emit less light when compared to modern LED lights and fixtures. Also, older light fixtures typically use incandescent lightbulbs, which the United States banned as of August 1, 2023.

Thankfully, correcting lighting issues from outdated fixtures is straightforward and cost-effective. Most incandescent fixtures can accept LED bulbs with the correct base and wattage rating. The beauty of replacing incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs is you often get brighter light output with less wattage. Still, upgrading older light fixtures to newer LED fixtures can improve lighting quality and open the door to smart technology.

Now that you understand what elements can contribute to a darker living area, you can learn how to brighten a dark apartment using specific actions. However, it is important to consider the different living spaces and how light affects their functionality.

How To Improve Lighting Quality in an Apartment by Taking Room-Specific Actions

Living Room

A living room is a versatile space; people use it for relaxation, entertaining, conversation, and work. Because of the many activities that can occur in the space, most lighting designers and electricians encourage using layered lighting techniques, allowing the resident to alter the lighting mood — its brightness and focus — depending on the task or activity.

Layered lighting is a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting refers to the general illumination of the space, including ceiling fixtures, recessed lighting, and other installations. This type of lighting is vital to safety and overall brightness.

Task lighting refers to focused light for activities like reading and working. Table, desk, and floor lamps are examples of task lights.

Finally, accent lighting helps to highlight specific features or areas in the room. A spotlight over a painting or sconces on either side of a bar are examples of accent lighting.

The layers of lighting allow residents to customize their lighting experience. You can also take ambient lighting to another level by installing dimmer switches. Dimmers allow for more personalization. Bolt Electric can help you figure out how to brighten a dark apartment by finding the right lighting solutions.

Kitchen

A bright kitchen is essential for cooking and similar tasks; it is also crucial for safety. An apartment kitchen should combine natural light, ambient, and task lighting. Bolt Electric can install under cabinet lights, over island pendant lights, and other task lighting for food preparation and safety.

Bedroom

Unlike kitchens and living rooms, bedrooms should be relatively dark. Recessed lighting or ceiling fixtures are excellent options for morning routines, but primarily, bedroom lighting should provide a soft, warm glow. Focus on the placement of wall outlets for bedside table lamps and other task lighting and under-bed LED lighting for safety.

Bathroom

Like with kitchens, most people want their bathrooms bright. Vanity lights for grooming are excellent options. Also, consider light fixtures with integrated exhaust fans or adjustable shower lighting. Bathroom injuries result in 235,000 emergency room visits annually. A well-lit space may prevent several falls or accidents.

How To Brighten a Dark Apartment With Bolt Electric

Call for a Consultation

Determining how to brighten a dark apartment is more complex than putting a lamp here or installing a window there. You must assess the space, layout, lighting, and wiring. Bolt Electric can help you evaluate your building and electrical infrastructure for appropriate lighting solutions. Call us at 212-734-5000 to schedule a consultation and property assessment.