- If you don't have a lot of natural light or the option to install windows, you can still brighten your room and beat the dark atmosphere.
- Learning how to brighten your dark room can be a bit challenging, but also fun and creative as you are not just limited to adding mirrors and white paint to every surface!
How much light a room receives greatly impacts its feeling. A bright, airy room with natural light feels uplifting and comforting.
While dark heavy spaces or windowless rooms can feel stifling, suffocating or even depressing.
If you don't have a lot of natural light or the option to install windows, you can still brighten your room and beat the dark atmosphere.
The Star spoke with an interior designer Phena Kawuondi to get tips on how to brighten up a dull room.
1. Paint your walls white
White is the best solution to brighten a dark room. By colour white I mean any variant similar in tone can also work, such as beige.
White or bright colors in general send light bouncing around your space, reflecting onto other surfaces and making the space look much bigger than it is.
2. Add light-coloured furniture
We tend to usually choose our sofas and tables based on our style or taste and what we think goes best together.
However, always try to consider how your furniture decisions impact the lighting level of your home.
When choosing furniture for a small dim room opt for a stylish compact sofa in a lighter color to make your room appear more spacious and feel bigger
In dark and cramped spaces, avoid dark wood tables, bed frames or TV stands. Instead, consider something like a transparent acrylic coffee table.
3. Cast light on walls
If you want to add light but not too much then consider getting long fairy lights, a group of large candles, or orb lights.
Not only will they offer the right amount of lighting but also add charm and a therapeutic feel. So long as they have a warm, yellow light, they will be perfect for your home.
4. Deep clean your windows
This is such an obvious but often overlooked. Like wearing glasses with smudges on them, a room with stained windows will feel dirty and limit visibility.
Get a proper glass cleaning agent and wipe down your windows – inside and out. You will immediately enjoy the feeling of freshness that comes along with it.
The most beautiful rooms are often bursting with natural light. Not only can this make the space seem even bigger than it is, but it adds a complex and dynamic ambience as the day gradually shifts from day to night.
5. Place mirrors strategically to reflect light
Normally, much of the light from an electric light is absorbed by the walls of a room Mirrors are much more reflective and will bounce the light back which in turn increases the brightness of a room.
6. Use light drapery (curtains and sheers)
Opt for lighter curtains as they will allow more natural light to enter the room therefore brightening up a room.
7. Have accent features
An accent adds character and personality to a room while helping to define the space. Accents can be mirrors, wall paintings or wallpaper which can spice up a plain white room but do not overdo it.
Learning how to brighten your dark room can be a bit challenging, but also fun and creative as you are not just limited to adding mirrors and white paint to every surface! Give it a try.