Lighting
Add as many different types of lighting that you can. Uplights, downlights, pendant lights, table lights and candle light all add something different to the atmosphere and help illuminate a room.
A daylight bulb can add the brightness you may need in a room, however, the lighting can be harsh and cool so use sparingly. A warmer alternative is a soft white bulb with a warmer light.
Use lampshades that are transparent and allow light to flood through and not solid shades of metal or wood.
Paint
Use light pale colours especially creams and white to create a spacious bright feel to a room. A white ceiling will add a natural brightness to a room so bear this in mind when decorating.
Splashes of colour can be added with accessories so the room isn't bland or boring. Colour can also be added as a feature wall but consider a light shade and tone, not a dark colour.
Mirrors
Mirrors can make a dark room look lighter and more spacious. They trick the eye into thinking the room is large and brighter as they reflect light instead of absorbing it.
Pick a large mirror and place it strategically in the room to reflect light and create space.
Skylights
Skylights or roof lanterns are essentially the same things - a window in the roof that can let light flood in. Flat roof lanterns are great for a modern home as they sit flush to the roof for those that want a sleek seamless look.
Modern roof lanterns also have a thermally efficient UPVC core so have money saving and heating benefits too. Some roof lanterns are self-cleaning as well so you don't have to worry about that chore.
Windows
Use sheer or light fabrics on your windows. Shutters can be used to protect privacy whilst still allowing natural light to come in. You can buy film to add to windows that are translucent, lets light in but still protects your privacy.
If you do not have a window in the room consider adding one if you can. This is easier said than done but can add a huge amount of light to a room.
Glass doors
Replace your doors with glass ones, to let light through. If you cannot afford to do this, paint your solid doors instead with white or cream.
So these are some effective solutions for a dark room. If you want some more inspiration, check out these ideas on how to brighten a dark room. Tell me, do you have any tips?
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My own lower ground floor kitchen and study follows a lot of these rules. Classic tips that we all too often forget
ReplyDeleteSome areas of my home and really light, others are literally pitch black. I need to work some of these solutions, thanks for the tips xxx
ReplyDeleteLight can make a big difference to a room.
DeleteI couldn't agree more with all of these tips! It's so difficult to live in a dark space, but all of these tips definitely help. x
ReplyDeleteI need more lighting in my kitchen and have just bought a new light fitting, but think I could do with some under the cupboard lights. Most of my rooms are bright which is nice I like the tips xx
ReplyDeleteWe have under cupboard lights in our new kitchen. It really helps with reading recipes and instructions on packaging.
DeleteThank you for this, we are going to buy some film for our bedroom window for privacy. Currently we have to keep the blind drawn which doesn't let in any light x
ReplyDeleteThese frosted films are a great compromise.
DeleteSome great ideas here - luckily my house is nice and bright with large windows. Kaz x
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree with all of these tips. I love big windows that let loads of light in. I visited a house the house the other day and the whole of the back was pure glass..... Wow...
ReplyDeleteWow that house sounds amazing. You would have to get a window cleaner for that!
DeleteWhen we lived in a warehouse in East London we only had one window, but we liked it that way. Everything was brick, grey concrete and black pillars.
ReplyDeleteWhat did you do with lighting?
DeleteIt is amazing what a difference a strategically placed mirror can do x
ReplyDelete