![Smart light bulb jokes](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/smart-light-bulb-jokes-new-yorkers.jpg)
Swap Light Bulbs
Check to see what type of light bulbs you’re using. There is quite a bit of difference between cool white and warm white, so you may find a simple switch could add new brightness to your space. The best way to do this is to take one of each type of bulb and test it out in a room at different times of day.
Follow these decorating tips from design guru Steven Sabados.
![Painting of sunflowers](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_213385255-art.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Hang Bold Artwork
Think colour when it comes to artwork. Hanging a couple bold pieces of artwork in a room will brighten things up this winter (and throughout the year!).
![Window screen](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_709299346-Screens.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Remove Screens
Unless you live where it’s warm throughout the winter, you don’t need the screens on your windows year-round. Remove window screens and you may be surprised by how much more light streams into your home.
Check out these home maintenance tips for winter.
![Attractive woman painting bedroom wall](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_413892553-paint.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Use the Right Paint Colour
Painting a room a light colour will make the room look bigger, but pops saturated colour can make it feel brighter. Consider adding a bold colour to an accent wall. You can also paint the ceiling a bright white to lighten up the room even more.
These are the 10 most popular paint colours on the Canadian market.
![Modern living room](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_704943478-couch.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Use Light Slipcovers
Dark furniture can make a dark room feel gloomy. Instead of buying new furniture, invest in a light-coloured slipcover for your couch or loveseat to help brighten up the space.
Don’t miss Amanda Forrest’s wallet-friendly furniture facelift.
![Flowers in a vase](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_553604554-Flowers.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Display Flowers
Fresh flowers add a pop of colour and life to an otherwise dark and dull space. Brighten up your kitchen this winter with a vase of bright flowers and use a colourful arrangement to bring a fresh look to a living room or home office.
Keep your green thumb supple with our winter indoor gardening guide.
![Living room](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_543622099-Accessories.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Add Accessories
Be smart about accessories. Accent pillows in a bold colour or pattern, a bright-coloured or white throw blanket and colourful fixtures will brighten up an otherwise dull room during the winter.
This nifty trick will humidify your home—without a humidifier.
![Rug](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_1118035247-rug.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Be Smart About Rugs
Does your area rug make the room brighter? If you have a dark rug, there’s a good chance it makes the room a little too dark in the winter. Try swapping it with a lighter area rug for the season or just remove it for a few months to let your shiny hardwoods reflect natural light.
![Man with reading light](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_182141369-man.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Declutter
Clutter can make a room look messy and even darker than it should be. This winter, take 10 minutes a day to declutter and stay organized.
Organize the whole house with these clutter-busting strategies.
![Living room](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_579004942.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Bring the Outdoors In
Plants give life to any indoor space, so bring in some plants to brighten up a room this winter. If you don’t have a green thumb, there are plenty of plants to choose from that don’t require much care.
![Window treatments](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_338714603-girl.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Check Window Treatments
Are your curtains too dark for the winter months? Brighten things up with light-coloured curtains. You can also open up the curtains to let the sun in during the day, then close them at night to help keep the cold air out.
![Candles](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_1226004571-Candles.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Light Candles
Candles aren’t just for romantic nights or to add coziness to a room. Brighten things up by lighting some candles on the darkest of winter days. Battery-operated candles are a good option and they eliminate the fire risk.
![Gold accents in bedroom](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_1076776151-bed.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Go Gold
Gold brings brightness to a room. Look for gold picture frames, gold book ends or a coffee table with gold accents to make a room feel brighter during the winter months.
![Man cleaning his kitchen](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_57626365-clean.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Keep it Clean
Make a point to keep up on cleaning during the winter months. Windows that are free of grime, a crumb-free kitchen and a freshly vacuumed carpet or mopped floor will help keep a room looking bright and fresh.
Make your home shine with these genius cleaning tips and tricks.
![Pink-hued room](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/shutterstock_1009462984-pink.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
Use Mirrors
Hang a mirror to help fill a room with natural light and make it brighter. To do this, hang a mirror opposite a window or sliding glass door so the light bounces off the mirror and floods the space.
Next, check out these brilliant design tips from Brian Gluckstein.