How to Easily Brighten a Dark Room, According to a Designer

Install Multiple Light Sources

"One overhead light fixture just isn't enough to properly illuminate most rooms, especially a dark room," warns Bero. "In a bedroom, for example, it's important to have a lamp or sconce on either side of the bed, and I like to put one on the dresser as well. If the bedroom is large enough for a cozy chair or sofa, then I would add a floor lamp or table lamp there as well. This ensures that each part of the room is well lit." This is especially true in the kitchen, where you want to see what you're doing while cooking and eating.

Use Transparent Furniture

This room is a great example of moody interiors done well. With dark, dramatic, and artfully painted hardwood floors; a large black-and-white photograph; a sophisticated gray sofa; and plenty of brass accents, this room is absolutely stunning. One of the reasons it works well is its bright white walls—they reflect natural light, which softens the room up.

Plus, "A piece of furniture that is solid to the floor can block a lot of light and make a dark room feel even darker," says Bero. So, opting for a small lucite side table like the one above is a great choice.

If neutrals and metallic accents feel too moody for your taste, bring in a playful throw pillow. This will make your living room or bedroom feel casual without dressing it down too much, and the cheerful color scheme offers a lighter feel. 

Leave Space Beneath Your Furniture

Another tip? Choose a sofa with 6 to 10 inches of open space underneath, says Bero. "It will allow light to pass and therefore illuminate more of the room."

Incorporate Bright Artwork

A simple, bright painting in an unassuming frame is a great piece to adorn the walls in a darker space. It will bring in cheerful colors without overwhelming the room.

Bring in Greenery

This room uses a few brightening tricks to make it seem more spacious and light. The crisp white walls and splashes of color, from the colorful art combined with the natural feel from the indoor plant, really brighten up the dark flooring and narrow space. When it comes to bringing in natural plants, the bigger the better, as long as you use a white vessel that visually bleeds into the white surfaces and walls. This way, large-scale items don't feel too bulky. You can still decorate darker corners with plants; just choose greenery that thrive in minimal light.

Paint the Ceiling Bright White

Expand the illusion of a poorly lit room with a coat of bright white paint on the ceiling. An eggshell or satin finish will boost the ceiling's reflective qualities, suggesting the feeling of even more space. 

Consider a Whiteout

If you really want to take the plunge to achieve the above aesthetic, strap on your old overalls, grab your paint roller, and open a gallon of white paint. Start by painting the walls, but don't stop there. Paint everything white, from floor to ceiling, including your décor and furniture like the photo above. Or assign someone else the task with services like TaskRabbit and Angi.

We love how even the baskets and bed frames are the same shade here. The beds look like they're floating, don't they? Not only will this brighten up your space, but it's also the perfect canvas to decorate in any style.

Place Mirrors Strategically

While many know that mirrors can amplify a small space, it's less common knowledge that they also brighten up a dark room. "I like to put large mirrors opposite windows to reflect more natural light into a dark room," says Bero, who adds that "it's like adding another window to the space." And don't feel limited to hanging mirrors. "You could also incorporate a coffee or end table with a mirrored top for example," Bero says.

Streamline Furniture

Smooth out a room's lines with lighter furniture pieces that aren't overly ornate. If you must, keep heavy furniture to a minimum and think Scandinavian-chic or modern minimalism with the rest of your pieces.

Opt for Lighter Lampshades

Choose lampshades made with light material (like linen) to help diffuse light without blocking its glow, like opaque shades do.

Choose a Light Area Rug

For darker flooring, which can close in a room, opt for a lighter toned area rug. Patterned rugs are ok too, though consider a light and bright color scheme.

Avoid Heavy Window Treatments

By now, you've probably sensed that "light and bright" is a recurring theme for making your space appear larger. Same goes for window treatments. Swap heavier materials for lighter drapery, like linen. Venetian blinds are also an option, as they help direct sunlight upward.

Commit to Maximalism

A bold color palette and striking décor can energize a smaller space, so don't be afraid to try a vivid accent wall or statement chandelier, for example.

Opt for Light Wood Flooring

If you can, choose light wood flooring or a light stain to hide scratches. The lighter the floors, the lighter and brighter the room.

Add Metallic Touches

Liven up a drab, dreary space with metallic touches. Whether expressed through a light fixture, artwork, or decorative objects, metallic surfaces reflect light.

Tidy Up Outdoor Greenery

Overgrown tree branches and bushes blocking access to sunlight? Trimming your greenery is an easy fix.

Go Matte

Contrary to popular belief, matte finishes do a better job of reflecting light in all directions, as opposed to glossy surfaces, which create glare. Go matte to maximize the amount of times sun bounces around the room.

Clean Your Windows

Perhaps a good window cleaning is the answer to your low-light woes. Sounds obvious and almost too simple, yet the less dirt, dust, and debris on your windows, the more sunlight can enter your room.

Aim Lighting Upward

Strategic lighting like a torchier floor lamp toward the back of a room can play the sun's role when the real thing sets and begins to cast shadows across the ceiling.

Arrange Shelves Perpendicular to Windows

Give sunlight ample space to stream, so try not to position things like bookshelves parallel to windows, and go perpendicular instead. Also, try not to obstruct the top of a window; light entering here will reach the farthest into the room.