In addition to literally and figuratively brightening your day, having enough natural light offers a number of benefits: it reduces your dependence on energy consumption and visually expands and opens up the space. But if you live in a sunlight-challenged apartment, especially a rental unit, you may be wondering what non-rental changes you can easily make to combat bad sun exposure.

Read on to learn nine decorating strategies that any apartment dweller can implement.

Place mirrors strategically

This is a “trick” that designers and decorators often use: wall and wall mirrors are not only a great way to complete a living room, bedroom or entryway, but also a tool to reflect natural light. Not to mention, depending on its size, it can make a space look and feel bigger. Place a mirror (or mirrors) opposite (super) or next to a window.

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Paint the walls with light

Lighter shades reflect light, while darker colors actually absorb it. This is the same reason why people tend to wear light colors in the summer season: dark textiles absorb sunlight and its accompanying heat. When choosing a wall color for the space you’re trying to brighten up, it’s best to go with a light palette. But if white and off-white are too bland for you, try pale light grays and pastels.

Select Light Window Treatments

Like the surfaces mentioned above, light-colored window treatments will help reflect the sunlight that filters in and hits them. Consider skipping dark or moody draperies and instead opt for crisp white curtains, roman shades, drapes, or cellular shades.

Clean Windows

You’d be surprised how much of a difference clean windows can make. Accumulated dirt, dust, pollen and other particles – both on the inside and outside of the window can prevent some of the natural light from filtering through.

For best results, first remove dust and dirt with a dry microfiber cloth, and be sure to get window seals and corners. Then use a glass cleaner or make your own solution using mild soapy water or diluted vinegar. Try not to use window cleaners in direct sunlight as air drying can lead to water spots and streaks. Instead, quickly dry the cleaning solution with a lint-free cloth or squeegee.

Try to clean the interior once a month and the exterior once a year. If you live on a high floor but don’t have tilting sash windows (windows that unlock to tilt inward for cleaning), consider using a telescopic pole to clean the windows, but only if you can do so safely.

Furniture for reflection

Similar to mirrors, furniture with polished or glossy finishes can help reflect some of the light. Fortunately, many common pieces of furniture, and perhaps items you already own, have a combination of these finishes: metallic, glass, acrylic, glossy ceramic, and chrome.

You can also try to incorporate decorative objects and sculptures with such materials, placing them closer to the windows, but perhaps not in front.

Clean the window area

It is best to clear the area immediately in front of the window of bulky and tall furniture and objects, including artificial trees and plants. Of course, if you have real greenery in your apartment, that’s a different story. But research specific plants and trees to find out how much direct or indirect sunlight they need and position them accordingly. You may be able to safely move some plants from and right in front of the windowsill, but still nearby.

Use sheer drapery

Instead of regular curtains, consider using a sheer drapery that, in addition to having no drapery at all, will filter out most of the daylight. If you are concerned about privacy, you can use a double curtain to layer sheer curtains with more opaque curtains and close the latter as needed.

Choose colors with shine

When choosing a color for your walls, go beyond bright colors and choose a finish with some sheen, such as satin or semi-gloss. These reflective surfaces are a subtle way of reflecting light.

Light up the ceiling

The same rule for painting the walls also applies to the color of the ceiling. A ceiling of light tones will help reflect the light coming through the window back into the room. And painting the ceiling a few shades lighter than the walls can actually make a room look loftier.