Have you ever entered a dark room and immediately felt unwelcome and sad? You wouldn’t want that in any room in your house.
If a room is a naturally dark space with little or no access to daylight, it can affect your mood and your health.
Spending too much time in darkness can impact your brain, slowing down certain regions of it. This makes it harder to retain information and even leads to depressive behavior. Meanwhile, exposure to brighter illumination can heighten your emotions and stimulate your brain’s activity.
This is important to keep in mind whether you’re revamping your current space or on the market for a new home.
But, you must also assess if dirty and grimy windows that haven’t been cleaned in ages are causing the room to be dark. Whatever revamping you do might not change the gloominess of the room. So, if you need to have your windows cleaned, click here.
Here are some useful and easy tips on how to brighten up a dark room.
Decorate with Mirrors and Glass
If you’re ready to make a move and are considering homes for sale, you’re probably looking for something light, airy, and welcoming.
Don’t be put off by spaces that initially come off as dark and dreary. There are easy ways to make a room bright and cheery, such as decorating with reflective mirrors and dazzling glass ornaments.
Mirrors and glass reflect light, making the space look larger and more open. Many decorators use different elements to achieve this. Mirrored furniture, like a coffee table with a glass top, can reflect light and make the room appear larger. Aside from that, it’ll also add a touch of glamor and elegance to the space.
It’s all about placement, though. You can’t put these items just anywhere in the room and expect them to automatically brighten a cramped, dark space.
For the biggest impact, hang mirrors or set glass elements near a window or other light sources. Even if the natural light entering a room is minimal, these pieces will reflect them. This gives the illusion of additional windows and light sources and creates a comforting wash of light.
If your bathroom or kitchen looks dreary and dark, using mirrored backsplashes will do the trick. It’ll also give the room a more modern look.
Learn How to Brighten Up a Dark Room with Colorful Accessories
If you want to make a dark room look lighter, consider adding colorful accessories to your space.
Throw down a vibrant area rug on the floor or hang vivid artwork on your walls. These and other eye-catching accessories can energize a room and make it appear brighter.
You may also add a pop of color to your seating by using bright throw pillows and blankets. They’ll brighten up the space and lift your mood. Relaxing in this space after a long day will be a welcome respite.
Use Daylight Spectrum Bulbs
Swap your regular light bulbs for daylight spectrum bulbs in windowless rooms, dark basements, or any space with not enough light.
These daylight bulbs emit a clean white or bluish glow to mimic natural light. The types of bulbs are known for helping to improve moods, inspiring productivity, and increasing energy levels.
Paint Your Walls
In low-light areas, paint the walls a lighter color to brighten up the space.
Choose colors like lavender, pale blue, or elegant gray to create a lighter look. Meanwhile, bright colors like orange, pink, lime green, and teal give your room a cheerful look. And yellow hues mimic natural light.
You can use color psychology to help you choose the perfect shade to achieve your goal of brightening up your room. It won’t only make the space more refreshing, but it can also contribute to your emotional wellness.
Buy Lighter Colored Furniture
Real wood furniture certainly boasts an appealing look. But it often comes in heavy, dark colors that can make a room seem dimmer than it is.
Consider purchasing furniture made of blonde wood, which lightens up a room. Or paint darker furniture fun colors for a more cheerful look.
Add More Light Sources
A quick and easy way to brighten up a room is to add new light sources.
Purchase some standing lamps to set around the room or install an effective overhead light. Alternative lighting sources, like string lights and candles, also add a decorative touch to your space.
Want More Home Tips?
Now that you know how to brighten up a dark room, want to learn some more tips to improve the aesthetic of your home?
Check out our blog for more parenting, lifestyle, and DIY ideas to enhance your home and uplift your life.
