4 Tips to Brighten a Dark Room in Your Home, From the Pros

If you’re designing a room in your home that doesn’t receive much natural light, by no means is all hope lost. There are several creative ways to brighten up a dark room that don’t require much time or money and will make a lasting impact, according to the interior designers we spoke with.

Keep reading for some simple design tips from two pros. Your room will be looking lighter and brighter in no time thanks to their advice.

Here are four easy tips to try to brighten any dark room in your home.

Paint the Walls a Light Color

Have a free weekend? Take this as an opportunity to majorly revamp your dark room with a can or two of paint, and you may be surprised and how substantial of an impact it makes.

In order to bring more brightness into a room, paint the walls a light, airy color, Emma Kemper, the founder of Emma Beryl Interiors, says. Kemper explains how the color doesn’t need to be white, but can also be a light gray or pastel color.

That said, you may wish to take a different approach when it comes to the ceiling, which designers often refer to as a room’s fifth wall.

“A trick many people don’t think about but some would be afraid of is to paint the ceiling a darker color because it can help the walls feel taller making the room feel bigger as a whole,” Kemper says. 

As with any paint project, you will want to pick up some swatches or samples of the colors you’re considering for both your walls and the ceiling and test them out on your walls. Then, take notice of how the colors appear throughout the entirety of a day to get a sense of their entire range before making your final decision.

Pick a Bright Wallpaper

If you would rather paper your walls instead of painting them, follow these tips from Laura Park, the founder of Laura Park Designs.

“In a dark room, a vibrant wallpaper can reflect your personality while infusing the space with energy,” she says. “Bright wallpapers not only visually expand the room but also bounce light around, creating a luminous ambiance.”

Look for wallpapers with large motifs or lighter backgrounds for the best results, Park adds.

It’s wise to order a sample swatch of any wallpaper design that you’re considering so that you can view it in your space ahead of time before committing to a purchase of several rolls. If you’re a renter, you can consider wallpaper that is removable down the line; there are many peel-and-stick options in all different types of patterns worth exploring.

Lay Down a Lighter Colored Rug

If you’re working with dark floors, bring a light-colored rug into the space, as the light will bounce off of it and onto the surrounding walls, Kemper explains.

When it comes to light-colored rugs, a classic jute rug is always an excellent option. Jute rugs are known for being durable and easy to clean and are great for a wide range of room types. They also complement a mix of different design aesthetics, ranging from grand millennial to rustic style and beyond. If you desire something a bit cozier underfoot, consider a plush rug in a light, neutral color.

Choose Light-Colored Window Treatments

Many window treatments on the market are deeply hued and heavy. However, when dealing with a dark room, you’ll want to avoid those options and instead go with softer colored drapes in white, cream, light gray, or pastel shades, Park notes.

“Light colors reflect more natural light into the room, making it appear brighter,” she says.

Being strategic with your mounting can pay off as well. Park advises hanging your curtain rods a few inches above the top of the window frame, extending them out beyond the width of the window. Doing so will invite more light into your space, but that’s not all—this tactic will also make your windows appear larger, as an added benefit.