Bringing light to a dark room will immediately make it more appealing. However, figuring out how you can brighten a dark and gloomy room is always a challenge. This is especially true if your new home lacks large windows that let in natural light. While a significant remodel can surely help, tearing down walls and adding windows aren’t the only solutions. In this article, we have compiled some genius and transformative ways to brighten a dark room.
7 ways to brighten a dark room
A dark room can feel drab and uninviting. As such, use these simple techniques to brighten a dim space and bring in fresh charm.
1. Install multiple light sources
Most rooms, especially dark rooms, require more than one overhead light fixture to fully illuminate them. In addition to introducing multiple light sources, swap your light bulbs for some with higher lumens, and you’ll up the intensity of light in the room. Moreover, use walls and ceilings as reflectors to help maximise your light. Place lamps and light fixtures so that they shine onto other surfaces, and up the ambient light in the room.
2. Place mirrors near light sources
Mirrors are always a great option because their reflective quality helps to brighten or open up spaces. With this in mind, mirrors can be used to increase perceived space and brighten a dark room. To get the most out of your mirrors, make sure they’re properly placed near a light source. A large wall or floor mirror near a window, for example, can greatly enhance natural lighting. A similar effect can be achieved by placing a table light or a floor lamp near a mirror. For the best result, make sure that the lamp emits ambient lighting so it’s not too bright when reflected off the mirror.
3. Paint the ceiling white
A dark ceiling can loom above a room and make it feel small. To immediately brighten the space, give the ceiling a fresh coat of white paint. Also, consider painting heavy wooden beams as they can also darken a room. Make sure the white paint is the clearest, brightest, whitest, and truest you can find.
4. Pick light coloured or transparent furniture
Always think about how your furniture choices affect the lighting in your home. Stylish and streamlined furniture in a light colour will make your room look and feel a lot bigger and more spacious. Avoid solid-to-the-floor furniture because it can block a lot of light and make a dark room feel darker.
5. Embrace white walls
Colour is a wonderful design tool. But too much of a dark hue can make a room feel closed in. Therefore, limit saturated colours to a single wall, or accents, and paint the other walls something light and bright. The best way to lighten a dark room is to paint the walls white. White bounces light around your room, reflecting it onto other surfaces and making it appear much larger than it is.
6. Lighten your window treatments
Make the most of the available natural light. Heavy drapes and window treatments that impede natural light should be avoided. Instead, choose minimal options, like blinds and roman shades that don’t take up space on your wall. An opaque treatment will give you privacy while still letting light into the room.
7. Put down a light area rug
Brighten your room by treating your bare floors to a light-coloured rug. Not only will this add some softness and texture to your floors, but it will also make your floor glow. This is especially applicable if your dim space features dark floorboards. Make sure the rug is a larger size to aid expand visual space.
