Dark rooms can feel like a decor nightmare, but they don’t have to. Your home should be your haven, your sanctuary. Entering a dark room can make it feel anything but. Experts say that dark spaces take a negative toll on mental health. But do not fear — there are ways you can brighten up a dark room without breaking the bank. Here are five easy tips to make your room lighter and brighter.
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- Let there be paint – When you first walk into a dark room, take a look at the walls and floors. If they are both in the dark color family, you can use them as your starting point. For your walls, paint them in a light, neutral or off-white color. If you don’t want to repaint the whole room, take a look at the ceiling. Placing a fresh coat of white paint up there can make your space feel fresh and bright. For those of you with hardwood floors, sand and stain them in a shade lighter than what they are currently.
- Lay down a rug – Updating your floors can take time. Don’t stress yourself out over a big project; keep it simple instead! Adding a light-colored area rug to the room will have the same effect as a light colored hardwood or laminate. Not only does a great area rug make your space appear brighter, but they are great statement pieces and can amplify your room’s decor and overall feel.
- Redress your windows – Are your windows not letting in as much light as you desire? Start by changing the curtains. Though dark, heavy drapes are great for keeping your room warm and insulated, sheer curtains are more aesthetically pleasing in a dark space. You don’t need to stick to white either. Beige, nude, light gray, and pastels in a lightweight fabric will also get the job done. Sheer curtains allow the natural light to shine through, thus making the room appear brighter.
- Mirror, mirror on the wall – Mirrors are the perfect way to trick the eye into thinking a room is brighter than it is. These reflectors bounce light around and can make the room appear bigger and brighter. The best way to use a mirror in a dark space? From floor to ceiling. If you have little ones in the home, a tall floor mirror may not be the best option. Instead, hang the mirror directly across from a window or near a light fixture where it can reflect the light coming from those sources. When selecting your mirror, look for one with a fun, unique frame to add another element of detail to the space.
- Adjust your light fixtures – The most obvious way you can brighten up a dark room is by adding more light or adjusting the fixtures you already have. It’s best to have various lighting options in the space, like table lamps, floor lamps, and overhead lighting, so that you can maximize their style and functionality. And you should make sure your bulbs are LED. These lightbulbs are much brighter than traditional options and more energy-efficient.
These tips are easy to execute and make a significant difference in brightening up your home. If you want to lighten up your dark room but are overwhelmed by the process, contact us today to schedule your complimentary in-home design consultation.
