How to Make a Dark Room Light and Spacious: Five Ways

Most often, a dark room is defined as a small room with black, dark blue, dark gray walls, or with limited access to natural light.

The easiest way to brighten up a dark room is to renovate it, that is, repaint the walls in bright colors, choose a light-colored floorboard or a white ceiling.

When such changes are not possible, you can use other methods that will make the room light, spacious and energizing not only in the summer, but at any time of the year, says Yulia Tychino .

Lighting in a dark room

1. Provide natural lighting. It is necessary to take into account not only daylight, but also spot lighting, using different light sources.

Clean windows "light up" the room best, so it is worth taking care of them regularly both inside and outside. Windows in a dark room should not be cluttered, so it is better to avoid large flowers on the windowsill and place them in a composition with furniture.

2. Add artificial lighting. One main ceiling light is usually not enough, so we complement the room with characteristic spot lighting. In the bedroom, these can be lamps or sconces on both sides of the bed, and if there is a sofa or armchair, we use a floor lamp for lighting.

The situation is similar in the kitchen and living room - we illuminate both the work and recreation areas.
To liven up the interior, it is worth using small atmospheric lighting points - light chains or groups of large candles.

Curtains for a dark room

It is better to replace heavy and dark curtains with light-colored curtains (light beige, white, gray) and light shapes. It is also a good idea to give up curtains in favor of airy curtains or minimalist blinds.

Unobtrusive furniture in a dark room

Fashionable solutions include glass or transparent furniture. A few items will not weigh down the room, and in compact versions will become almost invisible.

If you don't want to give up your furniture, you can decide to repaint it in a bright or contrasting color.

Energy Accessories in Dark Rooms

Dark surfaces can be complemented with bright or contrasting details, for example, textiles in citrus, azure and even aquamarine shades.

A dark floor will be decorated with a large carpet, and not only classic white, but also beige, ivory, bleached yellow.

The walls can be enriched with bright paintings and mirrors, which are best placed near a light source - by a window or near lamps.

Walls in a dark room

White harmonizes perfectly with almost all colors, brightens the interior and reflects light. If you are not satisfied with the white color of the walls, you can bet on additional texture, small moldings or paint individual walls in any contrasting colors. Various shades of white are also suitable - soft yellow, pudding, vanilla, ecru or ivory.

Neutral gray is suitable for most interiors; it will warm up the interior, add depth, and will go well with brightly colored accessories.

The most controversial color in this context is black. It should be used sparingly, painting one or two walls black at most.

In addition to color, it is also important to choose the right finish - paints with a satin or glossy finish will additionally increase the amount of reflected light, visually increasing the space.

The listed colors can be used not only on walls, but also on furniture, textiles and accessories.