Last fall, that dark wool rug sure made the room look warm and cozy. Now it feels a bit claustrophobic. As warmer weather strolls in, it’s time to give your room décor a spring check-up. Here are some simple (and inexpensive) ways to give your rooms a lighter touch:

•Remove heavy drapes and replace them with lighter curtains or even just sheers. Then, wash the windows. You’ll be surprised how much brighter a room looks when the sun shines through clean glass.

•Clean out the clutter. All the knickknacks and collectibles stacked in every corner add to the claustrophobic, closed-in feeling — and you definitely want to “air it out” for spring. Try cleaning off your shelves, then put back only those items you can’t live without. And maybe replace some with brighter, more colorful accessories.

•Shake things up. If it’s been awhile since you rearranged your furniture, spring is a good time to move things around. If the sofa is facing the fireplace for winter, try turning it toward a large window to take in the view. An inexpensive ready-made slipcover in a pale floral or stripe will bring a splash of spring to a dark, heavy sofa or chair.

•Brighten the walls. If you have the budget for it, a fresh coat of paint can light up a room like nothing else. Replace the neutral earth tones or dark winter colors with a lighter, energetic shade of fresh green, light blue or yellow. You might even want to bring in pictures and wall hangings in brighter shades.

•Roll up the rugs. Spring is a good time to replace your heavy wool area rugs with lighter cotton or sisal rugs — or no rugs at all, for a cleaner, lighter look.

•Bring in the green. If you haven’t already tossed out your silk flowers, do it now. They don’t bring life to a room they way real plants do. Now that the weather’s warm, bring in a live plant or some fresh flowers for a joyous jolt of energy.