Sparkle and Shine - 5 Ways to Revitalize That Dingy Room

Some sparkle and shine can give any room a facelift. Glass and mirrors are the way to get that glitzy glamorous look. While a crystal chandelier is a beautiful choice, the cost of one can be rather exorbitant. There are other less expensive ways to get that shine without spending a truckload of money.

1. Mirrorsr
Mirrors are an excellent way to add light and space to a room. Mirrors reflect and project light into a room making it lighter and brighter. Mirrors are especially important in small rooms. They tend to open up the space and make it feel larger, airier and less claustrophobic. Try using an artfully arranged collection of small decoratively framed mirrors in place of other wall art.

2. Glasswarer
Prominently display collections of clear or transparent colored glassware or cut glass on mantles and shelves. Many glass dishes and containers can be transformed into candle holders or used for floating candles. Nothing adds sparkle like candles and glass. Glass containers can also be filled with shells or glass marbles, or can be used as flower vases. A collection of glassware, each piece holding a single flower can make a beautiful display.

3. Glass or Mirrored Tiler
If you have a fireplace, you might consider tiling the surround with glass tile. You can also tile the surround by making a mosaic of broken mirror pieces. In seasons when building a fire is not necessary, glass candleholders placed in the firebox give the illusion of a flickering fire without the heat. You can even place a mirror against the back of the firebox to multiply the effects of the flickering candlelight.

Two Simple DIY Projectsr
Here are a couple of easy projects that anyone can do to put a little sparkle in any room. Both projects use strings of Christmas lights. White lights look best, but you can choose any color you prefer.

1. Bottle Light - Take wine bottles, pitchers or vases (they should have a lid or cork in the top.) Stuff them with a strand of lights with the plug end of the cored left outside from under the cork. Plug it in and enjoy. (You can use them with or without the blinker). For an added touch of color you can tie some fabric or a ribbon around the neck of the bottle or vase or even intertwine the fabric around the lights on the inside of the bottle.

2. Lit Branch - Pick out an attractive bare branch with plenty of twigs attached. (It can be as small or as large as you like) Place the branch upright in a glass container and fill in around it with glass florists’ pebbles in your choice of colors. Decorate the branch with a strand of white lights. Try to get lights on as many of the twigs as possible. Plug it in and enjoy.

These projects are also great on a covered porch or deck for nighttime outdoor lighting. (Don’t leave them outside unless you use outdoor rated lights.

If you just look around your home, you will find many things that you can use to bring a little extra sparkle and shine to your décor in any season.