How to brighten a dark room

A lighter room always allows for a brighter atmosphere – so it would be a good idea to aim for a well-lit room. Many homeowners have problems with dark rooms, which are an important part of creating a gloomy environment.

Feel relieved because slamming the walls and putting up windows to let the light in isn’t the only option you have if you want to make your space look brighter.

By applying some decorating ideas to a dark room, you can achieve a more vibrant and luminous appearance.

A scheme of bright colors

Image source: Tom Stringer design partner

Cool colors such as light blue, yellow or green are ideal because they are passive and not only brighten the room, but also make it appear a little larger. Light neutrals could also do the trick as they go back and are very soothing.

The active color palette, consisting of red and oranges, does exactly the opposite. So think twice about using it for a dark and small room. Dark neutrals like brown and black have the same effect as they visually minimize the space.

Image source: Sunscape Homes, Inc.

A great way to capture as much light as possible and distribute it around the room is to use matte surfaces like eggshells or satin when painting the walls.

This can also be achieved with woodwork such as doors, stairs, baseboards, and picture rails by simply applying white gloss. It’s an amazing paint job that freshen up the atmosphere by making the light highly reflective.

Combine rich neutrals with white

Image source: Murphy & Co. Design

Browns, whites, and browns are known for their warmth and subtle deepening of the environment. They offer a wide variety of colors like camel tan, espresso brown, mushroom gray, and warm rust colors that are the perfect complement to a dark wooden floor, wooden door, and even heavy wooden furniture.

The mirror effect never disappoints

Image source: AGATA C DESIGN

Let shiny surfaces shine in the entire room and have a positive effect on the overall brightness. The more the better – besides mirrors, silver photo frames, brass lighting and candle holders, gold door handles, clear acrylic furniture and chandeliers are just a few of the things you can incorporate into your design.

A hallway with a large entry mirror, combined with noticeably colored walls, is a perfect way to reflect all of the available light that enters.

Image source: Zephyr Interiors

They can only capture as much light as the mirror allows. The bigger the better. Wide wall mirrors are available in many designs, from which you can make a wide selection: antique mirrors, beveled mirrors and also Venetian mirrors are very popular.

Why not replace your art full of art with a large mirror? If a mirror is strategically placed opposite the windows or even next to them, it can easily reflect light in the room and off the furniture.

Liven up the ceiling

Image source: Dallas Design Group, interiors

We have all experienced the dramatic atmosphere of a wood-paneled or dark-painted ceiling that is very common today.

Although their use has a real aesthetic purpose, they tend to close up the space and darken the surroundings.

Can lights are recessed lights that are discreet yet effective as they precisely aim to make a dark room bright as they can instantly wipe out the darkness of the room without being too noticeable. When installed with a dimmer, the brightness can be adjusted.

Big lights

Image source: Shakuff

As mentioned earlier, the phrase “the bigger the better” is very apt when working with lighting. If you replace the weak spotlights with large trailers and hang them lower over your furniture, you will immediately feel their radiant effect.

A white blanket

Image source: Honey Bee Interiors

The ceiling feels lower in the dark and creates an exciting feeling when you consider the width and height of the room. The smartest thing is to paint the ceiling in classic white, as it makes the room appear larger, brighter and definitely more airy.

Window decorations

Image source: Custom builder made from rosewood

If you want your room to take in as much light as possible, remove any dark and heavy curtains you might be using.
They often tend to absorb the light. So if you replace them with lighter colors and fabrics, or even remove them completely, the room will remain bright and fresh.

Color is also an important factor in choosing the right curtains – you don’t want anything too dark that absorbs too much light.

In terms of privacy, shutters are enough to make you feel both safe and refreshed. They also allow you to control the light so you can choose how much to let in.

Glass or french doors

Image source: B Fein Interiors LLC

A beautiful and elegant way to share light between rooms. French doors do a good job of avoiding the butt-closing of interior doors.

While interior doors are very practical and can soundproof and isolate the room, a more open and fresher appearance requires the use of something narrower. This is exactly where French doors come in.

Light surfaces go well with dark cabinets

Image source: Nina sobiNina design

Enrich the design of your kitchen by adding dark colors to the cabinets and floors. It might seem like an idea that would only darken the room, but when mixed with lighter countertops or lighter pieces of furniture, you can make it work in a very stylish way.

An open kitchen is very important as it adds to the overall experience and activity of the room. These tips come in handy when remodeling the kitchen, especially if you’re trying to create a fresher feel.

Window film

Image source: DSID

If you are wondering how to brighten a dark room, it is important to avoid dark and heavy curtains. A good alternative to this is a window film, which is both aesthetically pleasing and often inexpensive.

The right stick

Image source: Chloe Warner

Obviously, the first choice would be something very reflective. Polished wood floors are of this quality as they offer the same effect as paintwork such as satin and gloss. If wood isn’t your thing, use lightweight rug to fill the space.

Bring light into the bedroom

Image source: Janet Brooks Design

For anyone looking to achieve a dramatic feel with a dark bedroom, consider using soft bedding colors to expand the space and make it quieter and more welcoming.

Sleeping in a dark bedroom is a very deep experience as the dark walls and bedding add to the dreaminess of the whole atmosphere. To freshen it up a bit, you can also work with the color of your pillows to make them a little more accentuated.

Image source: compass and rose

Considering lighting the parts that you want to emphasize can help keep your dramatic mood while achieving a soft and elegant glow.

Under cabinet lighting, pendant lights, side table lamps, and even lighting hidden on built-in shelves can be exactly the addition you need to brighten up that fairly dark atmosphere without changing the mood significantly.

Brighten up your dark wardrobes

Image source: Abruzzo kitchen & bathroom

One of the darkest rooms in your house is the closet where you keep your clothes. Whether your closet is inside your bedroom and has no windows, or because it was an afterthought by the builder, there are nice solutions to remedy this problem.

In both cases there are ways to bring light into this dark room. Lighting fixtures such as pendant lights and recessed lights can additionally illuminate the dressing areas and the hanging areas. Add mirrors where to reflect the light you have.

Roof light

Image source: TLA Studio aka Trevor Lahiff Architects

It may not be that easy to incorporate this type of light into your room. Definitely worth it as it is one of the best ways to get that much-needed lighter atmosphere when it comes to brightening up dark rooms.

Because the light moves better from the ceiling, this is the perfect way to create a light and lively atmosphere.