Bringing light to the gloom: Making dark, stuffy apartments liveable
Urban living often means cramped spaces with little light or air — but with some simple fixes, your flat can feel fresh, airy, and cosy
In Dhaka's concrete maze, apartments often feel more like boxes than homes. With more people shifting to high-rise buildings, space is limited and often shared with buildings that are packed shoulder to shoulder.
This lack of open space and poor urban planning means that many apartments, especially those on lower floors or without balconies, barely get enough natural light or fresh air — let alone a strip of sky in sight. For countless families, this results in homes that feel gloomy, stuffy, and at times, even suffocating.
The effects go beyond discomfort. Living in a dark and poorly ventilated space for long periods can quietly affect both physical and mental health. Damp air and lack of ventilation often lead to the growth of mould, triggering allergies or breathing issues.
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On hot days, these apartments trap heat and become unbearable without constant fan or AC use. Emotionally, being in a dull, dimly lit room day after day can drain one's mood, leading to low energy or irritability, especially for people who stay indoors for most of the day — such as students, homemakers, or those working remotely.
Many residents accept it as an unavoidable reality, but it does not have to be that way. With a few thoughtful, affordable changes, even the gloomiest flat can become a cosy and liveable space.
Lighten the walls
One of the easiest ways is to change the colour of the walls. Paint in light shades like off-white, cream, pastel yellow, or even pale green can reflect light better than darker tones. Lighter colours help open up the space visually and brighten rooms that get little sunlight.
"If repainting is not an option because of landlord restrictions, using light-coloured furnishings like curtains, bedsheets, or rugs can help achieve a similar effect," said Tanjila Haque, an interior designer based in Dhaka. "Even hanging a white or beige fabric behind the bed can make the room feel lighter."
Mirrors also help, not just for decoration, but to reflect whatever little light does enter the room. Place mirrors across from windows or balcony doors, or behind lamps, to help distribute brightness around the space. In smaller rooms, mirrors create a sense of depth, making the area feel bigger than it really is.
Clear the windows
Many homes unintentionally block light and airflow with their choice of curtains or furniture. Heavy, dark drapes might look elegant, but they trap heat and block out precious light. Swapping them for sheer cotton curtains or lighter fabrics allows more natural light in, while still offering privacy.
Furniture arrangement plays a big role too. Avoid placing large wardrobes, beds, or sofas in front of windows or near balcony doors. If the apartment has only one or two sources of natural light, it is important to keep those areas free. Even shifting a heavy piece of furniture a few inches can create room for better airflow and light movement.
Layer the lights
Many Bangladeshi homes still rely on single overhead tube lights or CFL bulbs. These tend to give off harsh white light, which can feel cold and unpleasant in already gloomy rooms. Adding soft, layered lighting, such as table lamps, warm fairy lights, or LED strips can change the mood of a room without costing much.
"When a room does not get enough sunlight, you need to recreate the feel of warm daylight indoors," said electrician Rafiqul Islam, who installs lighting for homes in Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur. "Use warm white bulbs. They make the room feel more comfortable and natural."
He advised that, instead of relying on just one central light, consider placing smaller lights in corners or near seating areas. Lighting up the corners helps remove dark patches and makes the room feel larger and more inviting.
Let air flow
A stuffy room does not always mean there is no ventilation. Sometimes, airflow gets blocked by habits. Keeping windows shut throughout the day, drying clothes indoors, or overcrowding rooms with furniture can trap heat and moisture.
Installing a small exhaust fan in the kitchen or bathroom can greatly improve indoor air circulation. For rented flats, even a table fan placed near a window can help draw out hot air and pull in a breeze during early mornings or late evenings.
In apartments with no cross ventilation, ceiling fans often just move hot air around. Using pedestal or wall-mounted fans to push air toward open windows can create a better flow. "It is a simple trick that many people do not consider, but it works well in compact spaces," said architect Sadia Mahmood, who specialises in urban housing design.
Add some green
Indoor plants are an easy way to refresh the air and improve the mood in dull homes. Plants like money plant, pothos, peace lily, snake plant, or areca palm grow well in low-light conditions and help absorb indoor pollutants. They also introduce a sense of calm and colour into dull corners.
Clear the clutter
A home filled with too much furniture or unused items tends to feel heavy and closed in. Urban apartments in Bangladesh often carry years of clutter, whether it is broken shelves, spare mattresses, or clothes waiting to be repaired. These items not only collect dust but also block air circulation.
Clearing out unused objects, investing in furniture with built-in storage, and organising shelves can free up floor space and open up the room.
In cities where sunshine and space have become rare luxuries, the key lies in making the most of what we already have. Making a home livable is less about the space itself and more about how we choose to live within it.
