Tips for Brightening Up a Dark, Dreary Room

Do you have a room in your home that always seems dark, drab and dreary? If so it probably isn't a place where you like to spend a lot of time since dark rooms can bring down your spirits. If you would like to brighten up a dark and dreary room try some of these tips for how to lighten up a dark space in your home.

One of the most obvious things that can make a room feel dark is the color of the walls. Often times in older homes dark wood paneling is left behind which can really darken a room and make it feel smaller. Other times the room may just have dark paint or even dingy wallpaper on the walls.

Start by giving both the walls and the ceiling of the room a coat of bright, cheery paint. Choose an uplifting, light color such as white, cream, yellow or pale blue depending upon your tastes. The lighter the paint color the brighter it will make the room feel, so be sure not to choose anything too dark. Also keep in mind that the color you see on a paint chip may not accurately reflect the way the color will look on your walls. Usually paint colors intensify when they are up on the walls, so try choosing paint one shade lighter than you think you need.

Next, you need to address any windows. If there are no windows in the room we will talk about that for next. If you do have windows in the room take a good look at the current window treatments. Do they allow light into the room? Are they dated and heavy? If so, try replacing them with lightweight, light color blinds or sheer draperies that will allow more light into the room. Even if you don't plan to replace the window treatments in the room, take them all down and thoroughly wash the windows both inside and out. You will be amazed by how much extra light a simple cleaning can allow into your room.

If your room does not have windows, you can create the feeling of windows by adding mirrors. Position the mirrors in areas where they can reflect light - either from other rooms or from within the room itself. This can help to double the amount of perceived light in the space and really open it up. You can also try getting mirrors with shelves attached and putting candles on the shelf. The mirror will reflect and intensify the light from the candles and help to make it feel less dark and dreary.

Finally, replace, re-cover or repaint any large, dark furniture in the room. If you have sofas or chairs that are dark either buy or sew slip covers in a lighter color for them. Dark dressers or tables can be painted to a lighter color or covered with a light tablecloth or table runner to help brighten them up. Remove any furniture from the room that doesn't need to be there to help it feel more spacious and open.

To add extra cheer purchase some candles and fresh flowers or plants and put them out on display. There is nothing like a pretty vase of flowers to bring brightness to any room.