How to Brighten a Log Home Interior

Since the invention of the light bulb, we’ve preferred having the lights on and being able to see. This is still true in our homes today, where brighter spaces tend to be better for daytime conditions and are more naturally appealing. A well-lit room helps keep us awake and focused, while dim lighting drains energy. For homes, this is a common reason why many walls are white. White reflects light and keeps homes nice and lit. When you live in a log home, you forgo white walls for beautiful, rustic log siding or paneling. Wood walls can make a space naturally darker than white walls would, but here are our tips for brightening your log home interior!

Plan for Plenty of Windows

If you’re planning a new log home, plan for plenty of big windows to let the sun shine in! It’s the best way to bring natural light into your log home interior. Even if you can’t add more windows, you can always allow more light in by keeping those windows nice and clean. Finally, avoid heavy window treatments with dark, heavy curtains. Choose light and airy drapes in colors like grays or whites. Venetian blinds are also good for allowing light to pass through while offering privacy.

Amplify Light with Mirrors

Another trick is to place mirrors opposite windows. These will help reflect and amplify natural lighting. Reflective ceiling pieces can also achieve this effect, like hanging room lights or chandeliers in the kitchen.

Whitewash Your Ceiling

Another great way to illuminate a log home interior is to paint the ceiling bright white. If you have a wood ceiling, you could even consider whitewashing the wood.

Include More Light Sources

How many overhead light fixtures are in the room? Just one? That’s typically not enough to properly light an entire room. Light sources can be placed anywhere from additional ceiling lights to stand-up lamps, but you’re best off placing lamps in opposite corners of the room to maximize your light coverage.

Don’t Forget the Floors!

Just like bright ceilings, white floors can lighten up a space as well. If you don’t want to change your floor color, you can always opt for a light-colored area rug instead! It doesn’t have to be solid white, but do choose light and bright colors.

Look at Your Lampshades

If you’re still struggling to find ways to brighten your log home interior, reconsider the lampshades on your lamps. This may seem silly, but the lampshade directly controls how much light a lamp is really shining out. If you’re finding your shades don’t allow enough light through, replace them with a lighter material shade like linen.

Fill Spaces with Bright Home Decor

While wood walls don’t reflect a lot of light back, lighter-hue wall hangings and decor can help! These can be anything from artwork to tapestries and more, but don’t overdo it and cover every inch of your wall space. Less can be more. And it’s not just the walls; living room couches can be decorated with white throw pillows or bright seat covers.

Furniture Choices

The furniture in a room can also influence the overall aesthetic feel of the space. Large, oversized furniture can make a room feel smaller and cast large shadows. Furniture in bright colors and low-to-the-ground makes a space feel bigger and brighter. You can also use glass or transparent furniture to let the light shine through easier.

Create Your Own Log Home Interior with WoodHaven!

Wish your home interior was like that of a log cabin? You can achieve it on any home with WoodHaven log siding or paneling! No need for a new build, as our paneling can be installed onto any preexisting home structure. Want to learn more about our various styles of wood products? Learn more about our paneling now!