What do you think is the answer to this statement: how to brighten a dark room with no windows. I bet many of you think it’s to use a lighter paint color. I’m here to tell you that painting a dark room the whitest of whites with no natural light will not make your room lighter or brighter. Are you confused? Read on, my friend!

HOW TO BRIGHTEN A DARK ROOM WITH NO WINDOWS

I have 5 tips for you. The last one is key! Then I also have some favorites for you to shop. *affiliate links used, see my disclosure statement

CONTRAST

Here’s the truth: a dark room painted white will still be dark. So, what can you do? Well, what makes white, white? It’s contrast! White will only stand out as white when there is contrast, so think dark colors paired with a white. Now, it doesn’t have to be white, but I’m using white in this case. Here’s an example.

Decor Pad

Now, I know this bathroom has a window, but look how the white fixtures and moldings pop against the black walls? The framed art does the same. Even if this room had no window you would still get the same effect.

MIRRORS

Mirrors will help lighten and brighten a space. They reflect the amount of light that is in the room. They also help to enlarge a space, which is key to a dark and dismal room.



Shop Mirrors

METALLICS

Bring in some furnishings and accessories with some shine: gold, silver, bronze, etc. Not everything in the room needs to be metallic. Remember, contrast, even with materials is key.

An Inspiring Home

ART

Go big here. Large pieces of art with color will definitely brighten your room! Everyone loves gray, but a plain gray wall is blah. Put a piece of art on it that says wow!

Artwork

LAMPS

This is the big one. You must bring in other sources of light to your space. Recessed ceiling lights just don’t cut it alone. Using a variety of light sources will add layers of light to your room and will brighten your space. This also gives you the option to create certain moods with lamp lighting.

Candice Olson

This basement, by my favorite designer, Candice Olson, doesn’t even look like a basement. Look at all of the light sources here, and notice the contrast.

LD Shoppe

There are a variety of ways to do this. Sconces, table lamps, pendants, and floor lamps just to name a few. Notice at Christmas time when you place your Christmas tree in the corner of the room and the amount of light that gives. Don’t you just love that? Take it away, and you just may realize that you need a lamp in that space for the rest of the year.

Lamps are not only functional, but beautiful accessories too. Just don’t buy one of these. It’s nothing personal, but they’re just ugly and not a very good source of light anyway!

Need help selecting a table lamp for your living room? Then don't miss How to Choose the Perfect Table Lamp for Your Modern Transitional Living Room for my best tips!



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