How can I lighten up a dim room in my FAMU apartment?

Of all the things to look for in a great rental near FAMU- square footage, appliances or storage space- sufficient lighting may not have been top priority. Once you settle in, you may realize that your space is a bit darker than you prefer. Don't stress, there are tons of easy, cheap ways to maximize the light already there and add to it without overdoing it on the electric bill.

Natural Light

This one may seem obvious, but don't underestimate your current lighting situation! Choosing a rental with plenty of large windows and glass doors is a great start. However, even if your FAMU apartment isn't designed to let in tons of light, you can make a few simple changes to optimize the light you already get. Many rentals come with blinds and shades, which are great if you tend to sleep in and don't want to be woken up by sunlight. However, if you don't need those blinds for privacy or sleep, feel free to take them down. Or at the very least, open them all the way up during the day. Sunlight is, after all, the best and cheapest light source for any space!

Mirrors

Mirrors aren't going to produce any light, but they can help magnify light to help your room feel larger and brighter. Simply hang a mirror, or mirrors, around a room, especially across from windows, glass doors and lamps, to reflect light around a room without adding any fixtures to your space. This is especially handy for making sure a studio apartment doesn't feel crowded.

Task Lights

Think smarter not harder with task lights. A few well-placed task lamps can ease the strain of homework and reading and make your room more effectively lit. Consider adjustable lamps near desks, reading chairs, couches and bedside tables. There are tons of stylish options out there!

Under Cabinet Lights

This is a great option for lighting if you are low on counter and floor space. Most home improvement stores sell small lights that you can attach to the bottom of cabinets with Velcro or command strips. Not only is this a great option for task-lighting, it also helps provide ambiance to a kitchen or study space.

Decorative Lights

You may be thinking utilitarian when it comes to lighting your space, but don't be afraid to get a little creative. Take your lighting off the ceilings and tabletops with wall sconces- a decorative and architectural statement piece. These work best in hallways, foyers and bathrooms, as well as alongside beds. Pro-tip: look for models with plug-in-style cords to make this a rental-friendly option.

Festive Lights

Finally, don't overlook a few strands of festive lights. Accessories such as Christmas lights and lanterns add ambiance as well as illumination. These lights works best in trees, across mantels or on a patio or balcony. For more creative ideas on making your apartment festive for the holidays, check out this article from Mashable.


If you find yourself feeling a bit gloomy in your FAMU apartment this winter, there are ways to brighten up your space. Don't hesitate to switch out fixtures that don't work for you or add light sources where you need them. Harness the sunshine Florida is known for and combine a few of these options that fit your needs and budget best to change the lighting landscape of your space and make it feel like home.

These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of RentTally.com or any of our advertising partners.