How to Brighten a Dark Room: 13 Ways to Lighten Up Your Space
Simple tips for brightening dark rooms.
While tall windows and plenty of natural light are sought-after features, there are other ways to make your space feel lighter and brighter. Simple fixes like changing the wall colour, opting for metallic finishes, and swapping window treatments can add a brightening effect. Keep reading to learn how to brighten a dark room.
1. Choose Light-Coloured Upholstery
As the center of your space, furniture with light upholstery can make a dark room feel brighter. Think of the largest piece of furniture in a room, such as a sectional or a bed, and use that piece as the foundation. The light furniture doesn't stand out as much as a darker piece of furniture, and the light upholstery reflects natural light for an airy effect.
White lamp shades are another simple swap to brighten your space. The white shade blends seamlessly into a white background while the semi-sheer fabric provides the perfect ambient glow to illuminate a dark room. Choose table lamps with white shades, or simply change out your existing lamp shades with fresh white ones.
When exploring how to brighten up a dark room, wallpaper is an excellent way to cover your walls in a light colour and create visual interest. Look for a wallpaper pattern with light neutral tones to give the space an airy feel. Pick a wallpaper with metallic details to add a subtle shine that enhances natural light, or opt for wallpaper with a glossy finish for an extra-reflective quality.
Whether your space doesn't have many windows, it's best to supplement natural light with plenty of lighting. Install a wall sconce above each nightstand for the perfect reading light, or top an end table with a table lamp to complete a reading nook. Table lamps are a great way to fill the space with warm lighting. Plus, they're easy to move from one spot to another.
Open up a dark room by swapping heavy drapes for sheer curtains. By letting more natural light through, sheer or semi-sheer curtains can instantly transform your space. There are plenty of sheer curtains to choose from, so it's easy to find one that matches the style of your home. Choose a gauzy linen curtain to add a laid-back feel to your windows, or look for curtains with patterns for a bit of visual flair.
After choosing the right curtains, consider the height of your curtain rod. Adjusting the height of your curtain rod can allow in more natural light and make your space feel larger. Try installing the curtain rod between 4" and 8" above the window frame or 3" to 6" below the molding to create a lengthening look that brightens the room.
Lighting plays a key part in brightening dark rooms. To maintain lines of sight and avoid bulky fixtures, it's best to choose pieces that have an airy silhouette. Look for light fixtures with open designs that don't take up too much overhead space. Pick pendant lights with sheer glass shades for optimal illumination, or choose a lantern-style linear pendant for a streamlined glow above the dining table (like in the photo above).
Light floors are another great way to make a dark room feel brighter. Light wood flooring softens the space and accentuates natural light, which can make the room appear more open. Install light-toned wood flooring to complement light walls, or go for a glossy finish for an even more reflective look.
When brightening dark rooms, try to maximize natural light with a well-placed wall mirror. The wall mirror reflects natural light, so we recommend hanging the mirror in a spot that is opposite of a window to capture as much natural light as possible. Place the mirror at focal points, such as above the sofa or mantel, to act like an extra window.
If you can't change the colour of your floors, light-coloured area rugs can be an easy way to brighten a dark room. You don't have to stick with solid-coloured rugs – patterned rugs can help disguise everyday wear or stray spills. Choose a patterned rug filled with light neutral shades to soften the space, or try a woven jute rug for a bit of natural texture underfoot.
Similar to wall mirrors, metallic finishes have a reflective quality that really opens the space up. Incorporate metallic pieces, such as a dining table with a gold base or a shiny gold bar cart, to transform a dark dining room. Use the same metallic shade throughout the space to create a cohesive design. In the photo above, we love how the gold sconces complete the look.
Houseplants can be an easy way to freshen up a dark room. The vivid green colour and natural texture can be the ideal addition to your home. If your space has limited light, find houseplants that thrive in indirect or low-light areas. Snake plants and pothos plants are popular choices for their ability to flourish in low-light spots and their low-maintenance care.
Tip!
Looking for more low-light plants? Read our guide 11 Low-Light Indoor Plants for Your Home to discover our top picks.
13. Pick Intentional Pops of Colour
With a foundation of light colours and soothing neutrals, a bold splash of colour can take your space to the next level. Pick an area rug with a mix of neutrals and an accent colour to brighten the space from the floor up, or add a colourful chair for an eye-catching statement piece. Look for a vibrant shade like lemon yellow or cobalt blue to really stand out.
