Mirrors: Adding a large mirror to your wall is one of the first ways to simulate the effect of a window, not just for bouncing some light but also for adding a sense of depth that breaks up claustrophobic wall planes. In a space with a low-ceiling, use as large a mirror as possible, reaching close to the ceiling (but not all the way up; stop 4 to 6 inches below) to distract from the ceiling line.
Turn Your Walls Into Mirrors With Higher Gloss Paint: Paint manufacturer Sherwin-Williams notes, “The higher the gloss level, the higher the light reflectance–more light will bounce off a surface painted with a high gloss paint than one with a matte sheen.” In other words, by using glossier paint for your walls, you give them a mirror-like effect. And as everyone knows, mirrors reflect light.This does not mean you should use glossy paint (though you can if you wish). It means going one notch up in a glossier direction. So, if you love matte, try eggshell. If you love eggshell, try semi-gloss. If you have a remarkably dark room, you may want to consider glossy paint for your walls, even though it is not typically used on walls. Just be aware that more gloss means more glare from strong light, especially artificial light.
Large art: Similar to a mirror, a large art piece (especially one in a white or metallic frame with a lot of white background) breaks up walls like a window would and brings in a snap of lightness for those who don’t like white as a floor-to-ceiling color.
Paint or Cover Your Overhangs: Your home’s overhangs or eaves can add a little protection when bad weather strikes but on nice, sunny days, they could be a deterrent to letting that natural light shine through your windows. To boost natural light in every room, either paint the overhangs white around the entire outside perimeter of your home or install a white, maintenance-free aluminum or vinyl. Don’t worry about matching the other trim on your home, the eaves are angled toward the house so it will open the door to a bright interior without compromising curb appeal.
Replace Wall Space with Glass Blocks: If you’re a fan of the retro movement, you’ll love this style choice. Replace an exterior wall section with glass blocks. A popular option during the Art Deco eras of the 1920s and the 1980s, this contemporary look is making a comeback. New designs offer unique textures and colour shading to match any architectural style. They let light penetrate without compromising privacy, security or energy efficiency. Use them in place of standard basement windows to increase light penetration in the darkest space in your home.
Add Skylights: Skylights are a unique and effective way to bring light into your home. They come in a variety of sizes and configurations and are often used in high-traffic spaces like bathrooms and family rooms. This is definitely a project you’ll want a professional to handle for you as you’ll need to cut a hole in the roof, site-build a skylight well and then install the skylight to fit perfectly without leaking. Skylights are the ultimate “light magnet” and not only let in sunlight, but a full moon might even save a little on your hydro bill.
Use Highly Reflective Backsplash Tiles: Kitchen and bathroom backsplashes are very trendy and with the endless material choices available, you’ll have no trouble finding something that matches your decor. Glass tiles are an excellent alternative to ceramic tile. Recycled glass tiles are better for the environment than ceramic tiles, resist stains and mold, and their slightly transparent properties reflect as much light as mirrors. Install high-gloss ceramic tiles like the popular subway tiles or metallic tiles for maximum reflection.
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