8 Tips for Making a Dark, Dreary Room Feel Instantly Brighter

In a perfect world, every room in our homes would be bathed in natural light. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Whether your home faces the wrong direction, you're on the first floor, or a large tree or building is blocking the sun, some rooms just don't get much natural light. But don’t despair! There are ways to make the best of what you have and transform your spaces so they don’t feel so dreary. We spoke to designers to gather their advice on how to brighten up a dark room—here's what they had to say.

Harness Natural Light

Regan Billingsley, from her namesake interior design firm, emphasizes the importance of making the most of what you have by selecting window treatments that optimize natural light. “Wood shutters should be avoided as their frames can block light from entering the room," she explains. "Instead, opt for drapery or shades crafted from light, airy fabrics that allow sunlight to gently filter in, brightening the space. For added privacy, layer with a lining that lets in light while maintaining the necessary coverage.”

If simplicity is your style, Audrey Frances Coty from Audrey Frances Design recommends choosing sheer drapes in soft white tones. “This will not only welcome more natural light into the room but also soften the windows and add depth to the space. I adore using linen sheers for their texture and organic feel,” she adds.

Opt for a Minimal Color Palette

Brittny Button, the founder of Button Atelier, suggests a “less is more” approach when it comes to your color scheme to enhance the room’s atmosphere. “Stick with a simple palette and introduce dimension through textures like plaster or lime-wash walls," she recommends. "Lay herringbone flooring and choose marble with a subtle wave pattern for the fireplace surround if applicable. This effect gives the space a cohesive look while still remaining visually captivating.”

Use Lighter Shades on the Walls

To brighten up a dimly lit space, Emily Coyne, the content creator and podcaster behind Emily O and Bows, recommends grabbing a brush and roller to paint the walls with lighter colors. 'Starting with light, reflective hues like soft whites or pale neutrals creates a breezy and open atmosphere,' she advises.

If painting the entire room isn't an option, consider refreshing the ceiling. 'Opt for white paint or a warm wood finish,' suggests Blake Sutton of Est Est Interior Design. 'Dark ceilings can make a space feel cramped and enclosed.'

Take Room Orientation into Account When Selecting Paint Shades

According to Billingsley, north-facing rooms are bathed in cooler, more diffuse light, which can lend a bluish or grayish tint to your paint colors. 'To balance this, choose warm-toned paints, such as Benjamin Moore Alabaster OC-29,' she suggests. 'This color reflects light well, ensuring the space remains inviting and not too cold.'

Move the Dark Furniture to Another Room

Button warns that large, dark furniture pieces can make an already gloomy space feel even more oppressive. She suggests thinking of furniture as sculptural elements in a gallery. 'When too many dark elements—such as wall colors and furniture—are combined, the room can feel heavy,' she explains.

Coty suggests that furniture with light-colored fabrics can help brighten a dim room. 'You don't have to stick to white, but a light beige sofa can lift the atmosphere of the seating area,' she recommends. 'Smaller furniture pieces, like an accent chair, in tones like powder blue or soft sage also help lighten up the room.'

Enhance Your Lighting

When natural light isn't an option, adding lamps, chandeliers, and sconces can illuminate a room while creating more visual interest. Coyne also suggests using materials and finishes that reflect light: 'Incorporating metallics like gold or brass, paired with glass or light-colored decor, will brighten the space and create a welcoming ambiance.'

Conceal the Dark Wood Floors

Dark wood floors can make even the brightest spaces seem dimmer. If lightening the stain isn't an option, Sutton recommends using strategically placed rugs. 'Adding lighter-colored area rugs can help break up the dark wood and create defined living spaces, brightening up the overall atmosphere,' she says.

Introduce a Mirror

Mirrors are a simple and affordable way to increase the brightness in your room. 'Mirrors work wonders to amplify light,' says HomeGoods featured finder Ursula Carmona. 'Try placing a full-length mirror in the darkest corner or grouping smaller mirrors together as decorative art.'

She also suggests positioning mirrors opposite windows or light sources to reflect natural or artificial light throughout the room. 'A well-placed mirror not only increases light but also adds sophistication and dimension to your decor.'