A dark bedroom might be nice for sleeping, but it’s not so good through the day.  about.com says a dark bedroom is a tough problem to fix, especially when you have few windows or windows facing north, or trees/structures blocking sunlight into the window.  Usually, major remodeling is the solution.  But not necessarily.  There are a few DIY decorating tips that can brighten up any bedroom. 

 

#1 LAMPS

If you don’t have enough natural light, get some more lamps.  Not just one on the nightstand since about.com says one light source “creates a lot of shadow, giving your bedroom a creepy appearance” and still leaving the rest of the room dark.  Instead, lighten up your room with 2-3 sources of light; including one on your nightstand or mounted to the wall near your bed, a ceiling fixture, if possible, and another lamp positioned across the room. 

#2 WALL COLOR

Believe it or not, white walls are NOT the solution to a dark bedroom according to about.com  The website says light colors can help a small room look bigger, they’re not “so great at making a dark room feel brighter,” mainly because there’s not enough reflecting light.  As a result, white or lighter colored walls can appear gray.   

Instead, about.com says to choose a “richly saturated, mid-tone paint color for your walls.”  You can even go a bit bright.  In a dark room, the bright color will lose intensity. Even though mid-tone colors tend to look a little darker, deeper colors don’t rely on reflected light and they don’t absorb shadows.  So using bright or mid-tone colors will add warmth to the bedroom. 

 

#3 MIRRORS

A large mirror in the bedroom is a must according to the website.  It doesn’t matter what your light levels are, a mirror will work to reflect whatever light there is and will add some shine to the space, making the bedroom less gloomy.  It’s best to hang your mirror across from the window that lets in the most natural light.  

 

#4 WINDOW COVERINGS

Heavy draperies or window coverings that block out even the slightest light are a no-no.  Instead, use sheer draperies over a blind to brighten up the room.  about.com says to stick with light-colored window coverings to add some contrast. 

 

#5 BEDDING AND ACCESSORIES

Unlike walls, you’ll want to have bedding and accessories in white or another light color.  The website says this makes the most of the room’s limited light and gives enough contrast.