5 Ways to Brighten a Dark Room

Do you have a room where you’d love to make more light and bright? Windows, doors and skylights are common ways to bring in more natural light, but what happens when you’re not in the market to remodel? Fortunately, there are several ways to brighten up a dark room that don’t require lots of time or money. At Pottery Barn, we’ve have put together a few decorating tips and tricks to maximize the amount of light you’re getting in your dark space and bring new life to a shadowy room.

 

Opt for Light Color Walls

The first place to start when brightening up a dark room is to choose a room color. Give the walls a fresh coat of a light, neutral color paint. Select a matte finish to help reflect light evenly in all directions. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Glossy paints that tend to create a glare. Don’t forget about the ceiling, either. Paint the ceiling a lighter shade to brighten the space and open up the room. This is especially useful for rooms with wooden beams across the ceiling. A coat of white paint makes them all but disappear.

 

You don’t have to completely get rid of color though. Just try not to use color as the background for a dark room. Instead, use bright, vibrant colors in accent pillows and artwork throughout the room.

 

Reflect Light Using Mirrors

Mirrors are some of the quickest and easiest ways to light up a room. Select a large mirror and place it on the wall directly across from a window. It reflects all of the natural light coming through the windows. This brightens up the space without the need for extra lamps. When selecting a mirror, choose one with a thin frame. They bring in the light without taking up as much visual space in the room. Another advantage to decorating with mirrors is that they make the room seem bigger and more open.

 

Add Light Fixtures to the Space

If natural light is lacking in the space, adding light fixtures may be the way to go. Strategically place light fixtures throughout the room for both style and function. Indirect lighting aimed upward helps keep a room bright and airy as the sun goes down and daylight fades. Additionally, use brighter light bulbs in the fixtures. A higher number of lumens rather than watts increases the intensity of lighting in a room. Switch out old bulbs with LED bulbs. These offer brighter light while minimizing energy consumption and increasing lifespan.

 

Reduce Clutter

Every object in the room absorbs the limited amount of light you have and can make it seem darker. Take away some of the accessories and keepsakes in the space when decorating. Use baskets to store small objects. This increases organization while removing the items from everyday view. Additionally, baskets are great for decorating a space and giving it a clean look.

 

Choose Furniture Carefully

Choosing the right furniture collection for the space matters, too. Forego large, bulky cabinets and replace them with open shelving. These add depth to the room, provide you with storage space and don’t take up much less space visually. Shiny furniture with reflective surfaces works to your advantage in a dark room. These pieces bounce light in multiple directions to brighten up the space. If replacing the furniture isn't an option, brighten a dark room with dark furniture. Cover sofas and chairs with light-colored slip covers to make them look like new. Paint dark-colored wooden furniture with glossy white paint. If the floor under the furniture is dark, lay down a light-toned area rug. This instantly softens and brightens the space underfoot.

 

In addition to making these changes, it’s important to keep windows, glass doors, light fixtures, mirrors and other reflective surfaces clean. Removing dust, dirt and smudges allows for more light to come in. It also keeps the room looking bright and cheery. With these key tips and tricks, you’ll be enjoying your bright, airy space in no time!