Here's How To Easily Brighten Your Kitchen Without Adding Extra Lighting

You don't need to invest in new light fixtures to brighten up your kitchen. A few thoughtfully-placed mirrors can work wonders. Not only do mirrors enhance brightness by distributing natural light, but they also make rooms appear larger by adding more visual dimension to the space. Plus, they can be used as decorative elements to give your kitchen a sleek and modern ambiance.

The kitchen is one of the best spots to install a mirror in your home. There are so many creative ways to incorporate them into your aesthetic to maximize light without compromising on style. You can install mirrors on cabinets, above the sink, and even on the ceiling. Plus, you can use high-gloss finishes and reflective materials to get the same effects and benefits as mirrors. Let's talk about the most effective ways to work with mirrors around your kitchen and other tricks to infuse it with brightness.

The placement of your mirror will vary depending on the layout of your kitchen, but it will be most effective if it is placed beside or directly across from the source of natural light, such as a window or doorway, so that it can reflect and increase the brightness. The simplest option is, of course, hanging a mirror on the wall. This works well if you have empty wall space to work with. An ornamental or antique mirror can look beautiful in a traditional-style kitchen, enhancing the classic and polished aesthetic while also making the space appear brighter. You can opt for one large mirror or a series of smaller ones arranged in a cohesive formation. 

In a modern kitchen, enhance natural light by incorporating mirrors into existing surfaces, such as the backsplash and cabinet doors. You may also consider installing mirrors behind your sink and stove top; however, remember that they will likely need to be cleaned frequently. Another sneaky spot to install a mirror is the knee space of your breakfast bar, which is the area below the countertop where the chairs are. If you're feeling ambitious and confident in your decorating abilities, adding a mirror to the ceiling will amplify both artificial and natural light and make the room appear bigger.

Accent mirrors aren't for everyone. Some might even consider them an outdated design trend that harkens back to the 1980s. Thankfully, there are many creative ways to get the same light-enhancing benefits of mirrors without plastering them all over your space.

One great way to do this is by choosing a light fixture with a reflective material, such as a mirrored or glass pendant light. Suspend it from the ceiling for a stylish statement piece that captures the eye and enhances brightness. If your kitchen cabinets are due for an upgrade, you can opt for high gloss finishes. High gloss cabinets are ideal for small or dark kitchens, as the reflective effect makes the space appear brighter and larger in the same way that mirrors do. Plus, they tend to be more scratch-resistant and easier to clean than other materials. 

Along this same line, you can play with reflective surfaces in your kitchen that are less traditional. Shiny metals like aluminum, brass, and copper look sleek and contemporary, and a few strategically placed accents can help illuminate your kitchen.