In the Northern hemisphere, North-facing rooms have a cooler natural light, and generally less of it, so can sometimes feel a little dark and cold. Likewise, basement flats, or lower ground floor rooms with either no windows, or only small windows suffer from a lack of natural sunlight. When you are trying to relax in a dark room it can feel cosy. But if you need that space to function well during the day, or for other purposes other than relaxing you are likely to be looking for ways to brighten up the space.

Here are our eight, tried and tested, effective ways to brighten a space lacking in natural light. In order of effectiveness, they are:

1) Layer up the lighting

One overhead ceiling light certainly won’t be enough to brighten up a dark room! We recommend adding other light sources to help brighten every corner. Wall lights, also called sconces, with glass shades are very effective at adding mid-height light into the room. Lamps provide additional options too. You may decide to decorate your room with a large matching pair of table lamps for symmetry. You might also decide to include floor lamps which add an upwards and downwards glow. With LED strip lighting, lighting up the edges of the ceiling will create a bright glow and make the room feel larger and brighter. Ideally, these different lighting “layers” would be set up on different circuits, each with their own light switch. This will enable you to operate them separately either via the manual switch or via a smart lighting system.

Layered lighting can help lighten a dark room — Photo credit & buy online: SohoHome

2) Mirrors

Including mirrors in your room decor provides many benefits. Firstly, they help to bounce the light emitted from light fittings further around the room. They are also a design feature - there are so many different mirror frame styles and colours to choose from, to suit your room decor. However, it’s not advisable to choose tinted or coloured mirrors, they are not ideal for a dark room. Clear mirrors provide more light reflection.

Large mirror help to reflect light around the space — Photo credit: @houseandgardenuk

3) Mid-tone light bulbs

Using mid-tone light bulbs in the light fittings will help to emulate daylight, more than warm tone or cool tone bulbs. Warm tone bulbs tend to be the most popular for residential use. However, in a dark space they can just add an orangey-glow. Your dark room needs more of a light-up than this! Look at the light bulb packaging for the “Kelvin rating”, opt for ones that are rated between 4,000K and 6,000K.

Choose mid-tone light bulbs — Photo credit: @thelightbulbco

4) Glossy furniture surfaces

When choosing furniture for a dark room, opt for pieces with glossy surfaces. Glossy finishes reflect light better than matte ones, helping to brighten up the space. Consider incorporating pieces such as coffee tables, side tables, or cabinets with shiny surfaces. Not only do they add a modern touch to your decor, but they also contribute to the overall brightness of the room by bouncing light around more effectively.

High gloss and transparent furnishings — Photo credit & buy online: Vida XL

5) Avoid clutter and overly fussy décor

Clutter can quickly make a dark room feel even smaller and more oppressive. Keep surfaces clear and minimize unnecessary items to allow light to move freely throughout the space. Think Scandinavian style or minimalism! To do this, choose sleek, modern furnishings & accessories rather than overly fussy or ornate pieces, which can visually weigh down the room. By doing this, the clean lines and simple designs create an open, airy atmosphere.

Modern tidy bedroom with no clutter — Photo credit & buy online: Heal’s

6) Opt for lighter colours

Choosing the right colour scheme is crucial for brightening a dark room. Lighter colours, such as whites, creams, pale greys, and soft pastels, reflect more light and can make a space feel larger and airier. Consider painting the walls a light colour to maximize brightness, and use a similar palette for furniture and decor. If you're worried about the room feeling too sterile, you can always add pops of colour through accessories like throw pillows, rugs, or artwork.

A palette of lighter paint colours shown against a pale grey background — Choose lighter colours to brighten up naturally grey, dark spaces

7) Transparent furniture

Transparent furniture pieces, such as glass or acrylic tables, chairs, or shelves, are excellent choices for dark rooms. Because they're see-through, they create the illusion of more space and allow light to pass through unimpeded. Additionally, transparent furniture has a modern and airy feel that can help to visually lighten up the room. Just be sure to keep them clean and tidy to maintain their transparency and maximize their light-reflecting properties.

See-through furnishings help to lighten a room — Photo credit & buy this desk online: Viadurini

8) Light coloured picture frames

When decorating your walls, opt for light-coloured picture frames to complement the room's brightening efforts. White or light wood frames will blend seamlessly with a light colour scheme and won't visually weigh down the walls. Choose artwork or photographs with bright, uplifting imagery to further enhance the room's brightness and create a positive atmosphere. By incorporating these simple tips and tricks, you can transform a dark and dreary space into a bright and welcoming sanctuary. Whether you're dealing with a north-facing room, a basement apartment, or just a space that lacks natural light, these strategies will help you make the most of what you have and create a beautifully illuminated environment.

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How to lighten a dark room