When you first saw the room, you thought, "Sure, it's a little dark, but how bad can it really be?" Once you moved in, however, your optimism soon faded as it became obvious that this room was in serious need of some serious light.
That single window (if you have one at all) casts a measly slither of light over the room, barely disrupting the gloom. Daylight? What daylight? Just like a casino, it's almost impossible to tell whether it's day or night without a glance at your phone.
Well, it's time to put an end to your struggle. We're here to tell you exactly how to turn dungeon lighting into penthouse luminescence.
With a few simple steps, you can brighten up a dingy room. Read on to discover the path to enlightenment.
Use more lighting
This one's obvious! You've probably tried packing the room with more lamps and ceiling fixtures, but the key is to get creative.
For example, incorporating lighting into shelves is a great way to brighten the room while putting focus on an area. Backlighting in alcoves or behind furniture can also be a smart move for increasing brightness.
Big and bold artworks
Don't make the mistake of decorating a dark room with small pieces of art. It's not a good idea. What is a good idea is to go for large, bright paintings that bring movement and dynamism to the room. Light, bright artworks are perfect for enlivening gloomy spaces.
Hang a bright suspension light fixture
With an extravagant light fixture at center stage, you'll not only brighten the room, you'll also add an element of drama. Go for a large chandelier or more modern, minimalist fixtures and light up in style.
Add some shine
Shiny, metallic elements can work wonders by casting sparkles of light over the room. Anything reflective will do the trick, even if it's as simple as a glass top on a coffee or side table.
Embrace yellow
Yellow is the way to go for brightening up a dark space. After all, the sun is yellow, so what better way to bring sunny vibes into a room? Paint walls any shade of yellow or with splashes of orange, peach, or rose. Combine these bold colors with neutrals or whites to give the space a wonderful sunny mood.
Lighten up the floor
Light colors on the floor can work wonders. Of course, it's not always possible to change the entire floor, but rugs are a relatively inexpensive way to change large portions of it. Light neutral colors with a slight pattern or texture are best, though beware of using a white rug if you have children or pets!
Use mirrors strategically
Mirrors are a popular choice for lighting up dark spaces and with good reason. They allow you to bounce light around a room in a stylish way. Go for large, leaning mirrors, or medium-sized mirrors. Avoid a fully mirrored wall unless you want to look like you've not redecorated since the 70s!
Skip heavy window coverings
Adding full, hefty draperies to an already dark room can make the room feel even darker. In these cases, it's best to opt for things like blinds or pale, thin curtains.
Paint the ceiling
Try putting the focus on the ceiling. By painting it blue or white to mimic the sky it can draw the eye upward and make the room feel lighter and more open than a plain ceiling.
Skip the dark decor
Avoid using dark furniture. There's enough darkness! Light furniture will help bring the brightness up, so go for pale, neutral hues. The same is true for upholstered pieces, go for bright textiles!
Keep windows clear and clean
If it's a dark room, chances are windows are few and far between - so let them shine! Make sure they're clean and as uncluttered as possible. You don't want anything disrupting the passage of light into your room or your views of the outdoors.
There you have it. Use these tips to boost the light levels of your darkest rooms and enjoy a brighter future!
