Changing a room’s color can be a challenge, but it can also be fun. There are a number of ways to make a dark room brighter. These include adding mirrors, light-colored furniture, and using reflective paint colors. Using mirrors and light-colored paint colors can make a room feel bigger and brighter.
Reflective surfaces
Reflective surfaces are very useful for increasing the amount of light in a room. In an apartment in Kyiv, Ukraine, for example, the designer firm One M2 used smoked glass tops on the counters and glossy kitchen cabinets to create an airy atmosphere. Besides reflecting natural light, they also serve to highlight special features of the room. Pendant lights also add a touch of style.
Excessive furniture can also contribute to dark rooms. Opaque furniture obstructs natural light, so a bright color can help. Mirrors are another effective way to turn a dark room into a bright one. This type of lighting is typically installed across the room, so that it can reflect light from multiple sources.
Mirrors
Mirrors are a great way to add brightness to a room. They can act as table lamps, reflect natural light, and act as an additional light source. To get the best effect, place them next to windows that receive plenty of natural light. This way, natural light will be reflected off the mirror and bounce around the room.
Mirrors bounce light around a room, which makes it feel larger. They also make furniture and accessories appear brighter.
Reflective paint colors
Dark rooms can be made brighter with the use of reflective paint colors. By selecting the right shade, you can instantly turn a room from drab to bright. In addition, you can add other light-reflecting features to the room, such as light-coloured drapes and mirrors. You can also use white wood trim and lamp shades to reflect light, which is especially useful in basement rooms.
Another tip is to use a darker color on the ceiling. White ceilings stop your eye from moving around a room, so choosing a dark ceiling can make the room appear bigger. You can even use a medium-toned ceiling to give a dark room an “open” feeling.
Decorative accessories
Decorative accessories can transform a dark room into a bright one in a number of ways. Plants are great for rooms with low light levels, and light fixtures can reflect light. Translucent furniture also lets in light and can help brighten a room. Plants also make a room cheerful and green. Choose plants that thrive in low light and use smaller ones to enhance small spaces.
Adding mirrors to a room is another way to make it brighter. Place them across from a window or around the edges to reflect light. Mirrors can also be placed on a vanity or coffee table to reflect light. Another way to turn a dark room into a bright one is to install warm lighting. Warm lighting is orange to yellow in color and is associated with rest and relaxation. It can add a cozy ambiance to any dark room.