10 Ways to Brighten up a Dark Room

Feeling like you’re living in the Batcave? Natural sunlight is a room’s best friend, but some rooms don’t have that luxury. Maybe you have small windows, or even no windows. Maybe you just have a dark or gloomy room and would like to brighten it up a bit. Through color, material, furniture, and more there are ways to make a home feel lighter and brighter. Here are ten ways to overcome a dark atmosphere.

Bring in the Right Rug

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Dark floors can be elegant, but if you feel like they’re bringing the room down, you can brighten the mood with a light-colored rug. A large rug that is in proper proportion to the furniture will expand the room. Choosing a light color will also create the illusion of space. If white is too stark for your decor, go with a lovely light neutral like an ivory or camel. The rug will visually break up the dark floor, opening the room and making it feel more welcoming.

Add Color with Artwork

Artwork is a great way to add a vibrant element to the room. Especially in a dull room without a focal point, artwork will perk things up with life and color. Consider creating a gallery wall for an exciting variation of size and color.

Curtains/Window Treatments

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You can’t do anything about moving the sun. Your window may just not receive a ton of natural light. You do have power over the curtains, though. Dark or heavy curtains absorb precious light and dim the overall look of a room. Opt for sheer curtains to allow more natural light to come through. Combat heaviness with light colors like linen or white. Choose flowy, light-weight materials. Prefer solid curtains for privacy? Go with a set that is the same color, or a shade lighter, than the walls. This will create a visual flow. Another option is Roman shades. The clean lines are chic and less fussy than yards of fabric. Shades will block out the view from peepers, but also allow natural light to come in.

Light Bright

Don’t have a window? Banish darkness by building your own light. Adding lamps is an obvious solution, but being strategic will give you the brightest results. You most likely have overhead lighting of some sort. Layering in other sources of light is flattering and creates an even, inviting glow. Use table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, or candles. When positioning, light directed toward the ceiling or walls will achieve maximum brightness. If choosing a light fixture, look for one that doesn’t appear heavy in shape and one that casts a large light.

Reflect Light with Mirrors

Mirrors are a must for a light-starved area. They make the room feel less claustrophobic by creating the illusion of more space. Especially if you don’t have windows, mirrors break up the monotony of a dark wall and will make the room feel open and airy. In addition, mirrors work their magic by bouncing off light. Position them by your light sources, such as a window, sconce, or fixture for an even greater impact.

Have a Paint Party

For a dark-colored room, the solution is as simple as painting the walls. White walls reflect light around the room. Your walls may already be white, but if you’ve ever looked at the paint section, you know that white could mean a hundred different shades. Try a brighter shade than what you have. Bright white will have the most brilliant effect. If that feels like too much a departure from your dark walls, you could go with a light neutral or pale yellow. When deciding on a paint color, do a test to see how the room will look at different daytimes.

Add Glimmer

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Metallics will stretch your light even further. Touches of shimmering silver or sparkling gold will reflect light from their surfaces. Generate from glossy metallic frames, furniture hardware, light fixtures, or home accents. Other bright ideas are using wallpaper with specks of glimmer or placing gold embroidered throw pillows onto a bed or sofa.

Give the Green Light

Plants bring in a bright element since they are living things. It’s a way to add color that feels organic and natural. As opposed to a solid piece of decor, a plant’s shape has an airy feel with their tiered and variant leaves. Accessorize a dark corner with a beautiful houseplant. Some plants that can survive in low light are the fernwood mikado, neon pothos or calathea.

Furniture

Furniture in bulky shapes or dark colors can weigh down a room. Swap for pieces that have a lighter visual weight. Look for streamlined shapes, clean lines, and furniture that is elevated off the ground. Thick or oversized pieces may feel stifling while thinner legs will allow light and air to pass through.

Clean your Act Up

A last tip that will help tremendously is cleaning your windows, both inside and out. Accumulating dirt will make windows look dull and start obstructing the light that could potentially pour in. Get them sparkling to maximize sunlight. For the rest of the room, removing clutter will lighten the load. You’ll create more negative space and a feeling of openness. Make sure surfaces are clear from mail, paperwork, or junk items. A good cleanout has an immediate effect on brightening the room and your mood.

If you have a dark room, there’s several ways to brighten it up. Colors, materials, accessories, and maximizing the light you have are all ways to lighten the feel of a room. Use one or more of these illuminating ideas to lift your dark rooms.