Remove fabric valances to allow more light in. Take down curtains if they’re limiting the light that can come in. Replace dark colored blinds with light colored blinds. Keep your curtains or blinds open to allow a lot of natural light to enter the room. [1] X Research source
Have an electrician install recessed lighting, if you want. Use desk or table lamps to add more light. Add free standing lights to the darkest areas of your room. [2] X Research source
Place a free-standing light near an accent wall. If you have “eyeball” recessed lighting, point it toward the dark area of the room. [3] X Research source
Use LED light bulbs. Pick incandescent or other lights that are labeled “white” or “bright. ” Choose the brightest bulbs your fixture can safely handle. For example, if the fixture can take a 100- watt bulb, don’t use a 60-watt bulb in it. [4] X Research source
Move furniture away from a dark accent wall. Make sure the room is open from the entry way. For example, wherever someone enters the room, they should be able to walk straight into the middle of it, instead of being blocked by a table or couch. Don’t cluster too many pieces of furniture in one part of the room. For example, avoid placing an arm chair and side table next to a book case. [5] X Research source
If you have dark wood furniture, replace it with white or light wood colored furniture. If you can’t swap furniture, consider changing small things. For example, you may be able to get a lighter couch cover for your couch. You might also consider getting a bright accent pillow for the couch. [6] X Research source
Make sure to focus on dark pieces of furniture, if you can. Try not to put too many pieces of furniture against your walls. Instead, make sure to keep large sections of wall open. If you have a dark part of the room, try to keep dark furniture out of it. For example, if there is a part of the room that is not well-lit, don’t put a dark brown chair there. [7] X Research source
Remove accessories that are darker than your wall color. If possible, replace dark accessories with lighter ones. For example, if you have a black radio, remove it and use a white or silver one instead. Use rugs to brighten the room. For example, if you have dark rugs, remove them or replace them with lighter ones. If you have a dark floor, add a light rug to the room. [8] X Research source
Make sure you don’t have too many things hanging on your wall. For instance, you shouldn’t group more than 4 or 6 pieces of artwork together. In addition, if your artwork is dark, you should consider removing some of it. Use file cabinets, bookshelves, desks, drawers, or other organizers to declutter and organize things in the room. For example, if you have a lot of books stacked throughout the room, place them all on a small bookshelf. If you have an excessive number of decorative pieces, decrease the number. Clean off coffee tables, other tables, and pieces of furniture of paper and other clutter. [9] X Research source
Crystals will reflect light throughout the room. Consider a crystal vase or a similar accessory. Mirrors work well in dressing rooms, bedrooms, foyers, and hallways. For example, position a mirror opposite of a window to reflect light throughout the room. In most cases, you’ll only be able to use one mirror per room. If you install a framed mirror, make sure the frame is not a dark color. [10] X Research source
Use flat white ceiling paint to paint the ceiling. If the ceiling is painted another color, or is bare wood, make sure to prime it before painting it. [11] X Research source
Many people rely on bright white trim paint to lighten up a room. depending on the color scheme of the room, you may also be able to use bright blues, greens, or other colors. Trim usually includes the baseboard, door and window framing, chair rails, and crown molding. [12] X Research source
Replace any foggy windows. Add a glass door. Clouded glass doors are especially appropriate for master bathrooms. [13] X Research source
Consider repainting one wall a lighter color. For instance, this could work well on a wall with windows or with a door. Think about using wallpaper to brighten one wall or a section of wall. For instance, if you have a recessed area in a parlor, foyer, or entertaining area, you could wallpaper it to add some brightness. [14] X Research source
