Skylights provide natural light to a room where you can't add a window.
Whether it's your bedroom, bathroom, or living room, a dark, dreary room usually isn't is a space that you enjoy spending time in. Without proper light, it can feel cold and uninviting, and it's difficult to engage in even the most basic of activities like reading a book or finishing a report for work. There are ways to get more light into even the darkest of room -- you just have to be a little creative with your decorating. Does this Spark an idea?
Add Light Fixtures
The most effective way to brighten a dark room is to add lighting fixtures. Table and floor lamps help illuminate specific areas, but overhead fixtures work best to provide an overall brightening effect for the space. Recessed lights are an ideal option because they are simple fixtures that can be installed throughout the ceiling surface for maximum coverage in the room. Track lighting also works well, because and gives you advantage of adjusting the individual light heads to focus on areas in the room that are particularly dark.
Install a Skylight
If your room lacks windows and there's no exterior wall where to add one, a skylight is an effective way to bring natural light into a dark room. It is essentially a window that is installed in the ceiling, but they're available in a variety of styles. A traditional skylight works well in a large room, and you can even opt for a model that opens to improve the room's ventilation as well. If you're dealing with a smaller room, though, a tubular skylight is usually a better option because it requires less ceiling space to install.
Use Light Wall Color
In addition to adding lighting fixtures and introducing more natural light to brighten your room, maximize the available light by decorating with the right colors. In a dark space, it's best to use a light shade on the walls since it will reflect the light that's present and make the space feel brighter and more open. A bright white shade definitely makes your room feel like it has more light. However, if you're worried that white may seem too stark, opt for a warmer shade like cream or beige. A sunny yellow or soft peach may also work well.
Add Mirrors
Mirrors are another easy way to brighten a dark room. They'll reflect the light and make the space appear larger. Look for a decorative mirror that fits the room's style and hang it opposite a light source -- place it opposite a window, or the room's most prominent lighting fixture. If you don't want to hang a mirror, another option is covering the walls with metallic or foiled wallpaper that reflect the light. To keep your room from looking too dramatic, create an accent wall by only placing the paper on a single wall opposite a light source.
Go with White Floors
Just as painting the walls in a light color make your dark room feel appear lighter, opting for white floors help brighten the space too. White carpeting is an ideal option in bedroom or living room, while white tile works well in a dark bathroom. If you have wood flooring that is starting to show signs of wear and tear, consider painting it white to help bring more light into the room.
Tags: your room, dark room, natural light, reflect light, works well