REFLECTING LIGHT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 379, 13 June 1928, Page 7

REFLECTING LIGHT

SEEKING BEST RESULTS Whether the darkness of a room is due to south aspect or to a neighbouring buildings, a great deal can be done by means of properly chosen colours to lighten it. The curtains, unless in a south room, must be white or cream, and hang at the sides of the window, not in front. The rod can be extended beyond the window, on each side, and the curtains hung from the extension, with only two rings inside the supporting brackets. None of the glass should be coloured, and if the room is overlooked a little experiment will show whether an unfigured white net casement, curtain or colourless opaque glass will least obscure the light. High walls near the window should be whitewashed, and

it will help matters if the window sill and frame are painted white. A plain cream wallpaper or distemper reflects the most light; next to this come pale pink and pale yellow. As yellow suggests sunlight, it is particularly suitable for a south room, but is a colour to be used sparingly. Curtains or it will look well in the north with white walls. Greenish yellow and pale blue are fairly good reflectors of light. The furniture coverings should be light in colour, and if they are dark aud cannot be changed an improvement can be made by means of light-coloured cushions. Red, dark green, and dark blue are the worst colours to use in these rooms. Only a few pictures, and these chosen for their lightness, should be hung. Mirrors tend to darken a room, and a sideboard finished with one should not be placed against the wall opposite the window, but at right angles to it. It is also an advantage if the room is sparsely furnished.