Top 7 Tips to Brighten Up a Dark Room

While styling a dark room that lacks ample natural light, a few careful decor considerations can save it from going darker and give you an evenly lit space to work with. Beyond simply including more light sources, a strategic decor approach will maximize the light already available inside the room and even accentuate the sense of space to make it feel brighter and more expansive! With our top seven tips from designers like using white curtains or blinds on windows to strategic use of mirrors, you can transform your room into a bright and energetic space. Whether you are setting up a nook for study, want to add some visual interest to your decor, or trying to brighten up a room with little to no natural light, you can have a room that is not just visually appealing but also delivers your luminosity needs.

1. Brighten Up the Walls

The colors on your walls play a crucial role in defining the luminosity in your room. Painting the walls in light and vibrant hues can work wonders to brighten the room. Bright colors have a light-reflecting property which can help you maximize the luminosity available in your room. Painting the ceiling in light hues, or simply keeping it white will also reflect light evenly across the room and noticeably reduce the need for additional lighting.

If you want to add patterned wallpapers or wall hangings, avoid the ones with too many details as it may weigh down the entire decor and make the room feel smaller. While choosing patterns, opt for simple patterns such as stripes or chevrons in light hues to complement the bright appeal of the room. Similarly, if you want to add some wall hangings, opt for a few large pieces as overcrowding the wall with smaller ones may appear too busy.

2. Keep the Window Treatments Light & Bright

When it comes to window treatments in a dark room, the goal is to maximize the influx of natural light without compromising privacy. Lightweight treatments such as linen or sheer blinds and curtains can serve both purposes while helping the room stay fresh. They allow sunlight to pour into the room while still shielding it from dust and outside view.

For rooms that require nighttime privacy, such as in bedrooms, opt for thicker but light-colored window treatments like beige or white roman blinds or curtains to reflect more light in the room and help keep it bright and cheerful.

3. Amplify Light by Employing Mirrors

Adding mirrors is a brilliant way to brighten up a dark room without the need to add more light sources. Mirrors reflect the available light into the room, thus adding to the overall luminosity inside. However, a little know-how is necessary to fully capitalize on the brightness available inside the room.

For best results, opt for large mirrors as they can reflect more light across the room and significantly enhance the brightness inside. You can include them as a backsplash, or as a …