5 Tips to Make Your Property Look Lighter and Larger

Perfect for Landlords, Tenants, and Property Owners in Cardiff, Fairwater, and Surrounding Areas

When it comes to attracting tenants or buyers, light and space are two of the most desirable features. But not every home comes with floor-to-ceiling windows or an expansive open-plan layout—especially in older properties or basement flats common across areas like Fairwater and inner-city Cardiff.

Whether you’re a landlord preparing a rental property, a tenant looking to enhance your living space, or an investor getting ready to sell, these simple styling tips can make your property look brighter, bigger, and more inviting—without major renovations.

1. Choose Light Colours for Walls, Skirting, and Ceilings

Light reflects light. That’s why using pale or neutral tones is one of the fastest ways to make a room feel larger and more airy.

• Paint ceilings in a crisp white to give the illusion of height.

• Use light colours for walls, skirting boards, and coving to eliminate visual boundaries.

• Avoid dark feature walls that can close in a room, particularly in smaller Cardiff flats.

👉 Landlord Tip: Repainting with light, neutral tones before a new tenancy not only appeals to a broader range of renters but can increase your letting speed and value.

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2. Avoid Cluttered Patterns and Narrow Lines

Stripes, busy patterns, and narrow flooring lines can make rooms feel more confined.

• Use wider wooden or laminate planks to reduce the number of visible joins.

• In hallways, avoid narrow vertical lines that visually shrink space.

• When tiling bathrooms or kitchens, opt for larger tiles and consider a diamond layout on the floor to visually expand the area.

👉 Tenant Tip: If adding a rug, choose one that complements the flooring rather than dominates it—especially in small rooms.

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3. Use Mirrors to Reflect Light and Add Depth

One of the oldest tricks in the book, mirrors are your best friend in dark or small spaces.

• Place large mirrors opposite or adjacent to windows to reflect natural light.

• Hang mirrors and artwork in portrait orientation to draw the eye upward and make ceilings appear higher.

• In narrow hallways, a horizontal mirror can widen the feel of the space dramatically.

👉 Investor Tip: Staging your property with well-placed mirrors during viewings or photographs can help achieve a higher sale or rental value.

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4. Use Lighting Strategically—Especially in Winter

Poor lighting can make even a spacious room feel uninviting. Don’t rely solely on ceiling lights.

• Add floor or table lamps in dark corners.

• Use warm LED bulbs for a welcoming ambiance.

• In basement flats or homes with limited natural light, install recessed spotlights to distribute light evenly.

👉 Letting Agent Tip: A well-lit property photographs better online—a crucial factor when marketing to renters or buyers.

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5. Position Furniture for Flow, Not Just Space

Furniture arrangement can either open up a room—or close it in.

• Keep walkways clear and avoid over-furnishing, especially in smaller Fairwater terraced homes or Cardiff apartments.

• Avoid pushing all furniture up against the walls—this can make a room feel boxed in.

• Use glass or transparent furniture in small living areas to reduce visual weight and maintain openness.

👉 Landlord Tip: Minimal but smart staging during viewings allows tenants or buyers to visualise the full potential of the space.

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Planning to Sell or Let Your Property? Let RedKey Help

Whether you're a landlord in Fairwater, a tenant in central Cardiff, or a property investor in Newport, making your home look larger and lighter helps you:

• Attract more potential tenants or buyers

• Increase the market value of your property

• Reduce void periods or time on the market

At RedKey Lettings & Property Management, we’re the trusted letting agent in Cardiff, Fairwater and the surrounding areas, with in-depth knowledge of what local tenants and buyers are looking for.

We support landlords at every step—from property preparation and marketing to full-service property management.

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🏡 Let’s Get Your Property Seen in the Best Light

📞 Call us today on 02920 090690 / 0333 3447850
📧 Email: hello@redkeylets.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.redkeylets.co.uk

Let RedKey help you maximise the potential of your rental or investment property—because first impressions matter.