How to Brighten a Naturally Dark Room: Tips from an Interior Designer

Are you thinking about redecorating your house? Getting the right paint shades for your walls is an essential part of the process. Choosing a colour scheme can be tricky in any case, but dimly-lit rooms are particularly difficult. How do you make a dark and gloomy room look brighter? In this article, we’ll tell you how.

Colours to Use in Rooms that Lack Natural Light

  • Avoid White and Off-White – There was a time when white paint was widely-used to make homes appear sleek and minimalistic. However, trends have since moved on. Plus, while white walls can make a room appear larger, it’s not so effective at making them look brighter. This is because white looks best when it reflects light. In rooms that have a lack of sufficient natural light, the effect is lost.
  • No Pastel Colours – Like white, pastel paints don’t look their best in dimly-lit rooms. They require sunlight to bring the best out of their shades. Without enough light to complement them, they’ll simply appear greyish and drab in the shadows.
  • Choose Rich Tones – You can’t create natural light in a room where it simply doesn’t exist. A light shade of paint won’t get the job done. Instead, embrace the room for what it is and choose a shade that truly compliments it. Choose deep, rich tones that will stand out in the shade, and the room will come alive.
  • Try a Neutral Grey – Grey has become a hot new trend for interior design in Vaughan. When used correctly, it can create a neutral, elegant look that is easily accentuated with black or white furnishings and accessories.
  • Warm Orange – Orange is often associated with outdated, retro designs that would generally be considered ugly by today’s standards. However, it’s much more versatile than that. A strong shade of orange can add warmth and depth to a room. It works well when paired with white woodwork, linen or furniture in a bedroom or living room. In a kitchen, it can also look great against grey and black kitchenware.
  • Use an Accent Wall – An accent wall can add a splash of colour without being too overwhelming. If you’re looking to create an interesting and modern look without taking over the entire room, this is a great choice. Choose the placement of your accent wall depending on where the light hits in order to get the most out of it.

Hire a Professional Interior Designer in Vaughan

If you’re having trouble choosing the right colours yourself, don’t worry. Instead of agonizing over different shades and constantly looking through swatches, get a professional opinion from an interior designer in Vaughan. At Bright Ideas, we offer a colour consulting service. We understand how different shades look under different lighting, and will help you bring the best out of your home with colours you’ll love.