As the seasons change, our days quickly grow colder, shorter, and darker. To avoid those winter blues, try transforming your living spaces into lighter and brighter spaces. Mayo Clinic explains that some causes of seasonal depression are due to the reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter. Don’t let the dark, cold days of winter get you down! Boost your serotonin levels and improve your mental state by adding more natural light and fresh air into your home. Use this list as a guide for how to combat the winter darkness and bring some light into your life.

Give Your Window Screens a Break

HouseLogic states that you will get 30 percent more sunlight shining into your home when the screens are off the windows. During the winter, store your screens in a garage or basement where they won’t get damaged and put them back on in the spring. Sunlight is also a natural way to warm your rooms and will help save you money on your next heating bill. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much more light streams into your home without the screens on your windows year-round.

Change Your Lightbulbs

Replace yellow-tinted incandescent light bulbs with LEDs which produce a brighter, whiter light. Keep in mind that the higher the K rating on the bulb, the cooler and whiter its light. For cool, white light, go for a bulb rated 3,500K to 4,100K. For a blue-white light that’s most similar to natural sunlight, use a bulb between 5,000K and 6,500K. Check to see what type of light bulb you’re currently using inside your home and test out some alternatives to see if they bring in more of a comfortable light. The best way to do this is to take one of each type of bulb and test it out in each of your rooms at different times of day to find the best light.

Hang Mirrors + Clean Your Windows

Bounce the light around a room by hanging decorative mirrors on the walls and, for maximum effect, place them opposite to your windows. Different sized mirrors paired with glass frames or tables will help create more light in the room. If you don’t want to see your reflection in every wall you walk past, use a large, rounded mirror — also known as a fish-eye mirror. It will amplify the light in a room better than a flat one. Another option: Hang a gallery wall of small mirrors. Also keep in mind that dirty windows will block natural sunlight from coming into your home. Experts say to clean the glass on the inside at least once a month and the glass on the outside of windows once a year.

Swap Your Solid Front Door for One with Glass Inserts

A solid front door can make your house’s entryway feel dark and closed off. Instead, opt for a half-light or full-light door that lets the natural light stream in. Not only does this help with the interior look of your home, it boosts curb appeal which equals higher resale value. Plus, whenever you’re able to bring more natural sunlight into your home, you will see the savings in your utility bills.

Use Lighter-Colored Slipcovers and Curtains

DYI Network suggests investing in ivory, white, or other light-colored slipcovers for sofas and other furniture. Think about switching out chairs or end tables for lighter-colored options in the winter months. The brighter colored fabric will feel lighter, and the room as a whole, brighter. Same goes for light-colored tablecloths on your dining room table or lighter curtains on your windows. They may need to be washed more regularly, but light will deflect from these fabrics and make the room feel brighter.

Tackle the dark days of winter by bringing more natural light into your living space. The added sunlight and bright colors will help improve your mood, home decor, and electric bills. Use these simple tips to make your house lighter, brighter, and cheerier with more natural light indoors this winter