5 Ways to Brighten a Dark Room

Figuring out how you can brighten a dark and gloomy room is always a challenge when moving into a new space. This is especially true if your new place doesn't have large windows to allow natural sunlight in. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to decorate your home or office to transform it into a brighter abode.

1. Embrace white walls. Every decor guide you read probably mentions this, but it’s true – white really is the best solution to brighten a dark room. The helpful hue sends light bouncing around your space, reflecting onto other surfaces to make the space look much bigger than it is.

2. Place mirrors near light sources. It’s always great to use mirrors to expand visual space and brighten a dark room. To make the most of your mirrors, strategically place them near a light source. For example, a giant wall or floor mirror near a window can really amplify natural lighting. Placing table lamps or a floor lamp next to a mirror can also have a similar effect. For the best result, make sure that the lamp emits ambient lighting so it’s not too bright when reflected off the mirror.

3. Cover floors with a large, bright area rug. Brighten your room by treating your bare floors to a light-coloured rug. Not only will this add some softness and texture to your floors, but it will also make your floor glow. This is especially applicable if your dim space features dark floorboards.

4. Opt for lightly-coloured or transparent furniture. We tend to choose our sofas, chairs and tables based on personal style and what we think goes best together. That said, it's important to consider how your furniture decisions impact the lighting level of your home. In a small or dim room, for instance, a large, dark sofa is not ideal. Opting for a stylish, compact sofa in a lighter colour like white, beige, or ivory will make your room look and feel far lighter and more spacious.

5. Take advantage of fairy lights, candles, and other ambient light sources. If you’re looking to add just a bit more light without overdoing the luminosity of your room, consider including long fairy light strings, a group of large candles, orb lights, or other ambient lights. Not only will they offer just the right touch of luminosity, but they also create a relaxing feel.


At Urban Presentations, we are here to help you prepare your property for sale!

Our team of talented property stylists provides gorgeous designs, on-trend staging furnishings and exceptional client care.

Whether you need full-service staging or a professional consultation give us a call at 604-875-0566 or email us at info@urbanpresentations.com to see how we can help you UPStage your space!