In an ideal world, we’d all live in homes flooded with natural light in every room. But we don’t live in an ideal world. Whether your home faces north, you live in a first-floor apartment, or there’s a large tree or structure blocking your view, sometimes, you're simply stuck with rooms that don't get much natural light. However, there are ways to make the most of what you have and elevate your spaces so they don't feel so doom and gloom. We asked designers for their tips on how to make a dark room feel brighter—here's what they said.
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Maximize Natural Light
Regan Billingsley of namesake interior design firm says it’s crucial to make the most of what you have by choosing window treatments that maximize natural light. “Avoid using wood shutters, as their frames can reduce the amount of light entering the room," she says. "Instead, choose drapery or shades made from light, airy fabrics that let sunlight filter through, creating a brighter atmosphere. For added privacy, consider layering with a lining that maintains light flow while providing the necessary coverage.”
If you want to keep it simple, Audrey Frances Coty of Audrey Frances Design suggests going with sheer drapes in white hues. “Not only will this allow more natural light inside the room, but it will also soften the windows and add a layer of dimension to the room. I love to use linen sheers to incorporate texture and a natural element into the space.”
Choose a Simple Color Palette Overall
Brittny Button, founder of Button Atelier, reveals that taking a “less is more” approach to your color palette will lighten up the overall vibe of the room. “Keep the palette simple and add dimension with textural components such as plaster or lime-wash walls," she says. "Lay flooring in herringbone patterns and select marble with a subtle undulating pattern for the fireplace surround if you have one. This entire effect fosters a holistic look and yet is still visually arresting.”
Paint the Walls a Light Color
If you can paint the walls a lighter color, content creator and podcaster, Emily Coyne, best known as Emily O and Bows, suggests getting out that brush and roller. “A great way to brighten up a dark space is to start with a light, reflective paint color, like soft whites or pale neutrals, to create an airy foundation.”
If you can’t repaint the whole room, at least consider repainting the ceiling. “Paint the ceiling white, or surface it with warm wood," says designer Blake Sutton of Est Est Interior Design. "Dark ceilings make rooms feel smaller."
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Consider the Room’s Orientation When Choosing Paint Colors
Billingsley explains that sunlight in a north-facing room tends to be cooler and more diffused, casting a blue or grayish hue. This can affect the way your paint colors look in the room. “To counterbalance this, opt for a paint color with warm undertones, like Benjamin Moore Alabaster OC-29," she says. "This shade reflects light evenly, preventing the space from feeling cold or dull.”
Put the Dark Furniture in Another Room
Large, dark pieces won’t do you any favors in an already dark space, Button says. She advises thinking of furniture like sculptural elements within a gallery. “If too many dark components—like wall color and dark furniture—are combined together, the space will feel heavy," she says.
Coty adds that furniture with light-colored fabrics will also help lighten a dark room. "They don’t necessarily need to be white, but you can incorporate a light beige sofa to brighten the seating in the room," she suggests. "Additionally, color tones such as powder blue or light sage on smaller furniture pieces, like an accent chair, can also lighten up your space.”
Layer Your Lighting
If you can’t add natural light, adding lamps, chandeliers, and sconces will help to brighten up the space, while also adding more intrigue to the room. The right materials and finishes can also make a big difference. “Incorporate metallics, like gold or brass, along with glass or light-colored decor accents, to reflect light and enhance brightness," Coyne says. "These simple layers can transform any dark space into a warm, inviting space.” .
Cover Up That Dark Wood Flooring
Dark wood floors can make even the brightest rooms look more dim. So, if you have dark wood flooring and staining it a lighter color isn’t doable, Sutton suggests accessorizing using rugs strategically. “If you have dark wood flooring, adding lighter-colored area rugs to break up the dark wood and define living spaces can go a long way to lighten up a space,” she says.
Add a Mirror
Putting up a few mirrors is an easy and inexpensive fix. “Mirrors are a powerful tool for enhancing the brightness of your space," says HomeGoods featured finder Ursula Carmona. "Place a full-length mirror near your darkest corner or stack smaller mirrors as art."
She suggests placing mirrors across from windows or light sources to help bounce any natural or artificial light around the room. “A well-placed mirror not only boosts light but also adds a touch of elegance and depth to your decor.”
