10 Designer-Approved Tricks to Brighten a Dark Room

Having a dark, dimly lit room can make a space feel uninviting and dreary. If you have an interior room with little to no natural light, don’t worry – there are plenty of design strategies you can use to artificially brighten and open up the area. Several interior designers shared their top tips for creating the illusion of a brighter, airier room:

1. Use light paint colors like beige, white, pale gray or tan on the walls to reflect light rather than absorb it.
2. Add wallpaper with texture or patterns to uninterrupted wall space.
3. Incorporate accent lighting like lamps to create pockets of warmth and ambiance.
4. Use lightweight, sheer window treatments that allow existing natural light to filter in.
5. Choose light-colored furniture upholstery and natural wood tones over bulky, dark pieces.
6. Install dimmers on overhead lighting to control brightness levels and create a cozy atmosphere.
7. Strategically place mirrors to reflect both natural and artificial light sources around the room.
8. Utilize reflective surfaces like glass, acrylic and glossy finishes on accents.
9. Layer a bright area rug over dark floors to lighten up and define the space.
10. Refresh the room with light-toned pillows, throws and linens in airy fabrics.

With a few simple, affordable updates suggested by the pros, you can easily transform a gloomy, cave-like room into a fresh, inviting retreat using colors, lighting and reflective accents to maximize brightness and openness. Get creative and have fun making the most of your interior spaces!

—–

Tips taken from 10 Ways to Brighten a Dark Room, According to Interior Designers, Martha Stewart magazine.