Stylish Window Options For Dark Rooms
Ah, the age-old dilemma of the dark room – that one space in our homes that just refuses to embrace the light, no matter how much we beg, plead or demand. Well, my friends, today I’m here to declare war on the darkness and show you how to win the battle for brightness.
First things first, if you’re in the midst of a renovation or just about to embark on one, stop and ask yourself a crucial question: “Could I install a window or skylight in here?” Because let’s be honest, that would be the easiest solution. But for the rest of us mere mortals who aren’t so lucky, we’ll have to resort to a little interior design magic to trick the eye into perceiving the room as bigger and brighter than it actually is.
Emily Henderson shared some incredible insights on this very topic, and I’m excited to share them with you. She makes a brilliant point – if you have a dark room with a white ceiling, it can actually make the space feel even more confined. But if you paint that ceiling the same color or a slightly lighter version, it suddenly feels like the room extends without any stopping point. It’s like a magic trick, but one that involves a lot less smoke and mirrors.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But won’t a dark color make the room feel like a cave?” Not to worry, my friend. Emily suggests going for a medium tone, somewhere in the second or third shade on the paint strip you’re eyeing. This will give the room a lovely, cozy feeling without venturing into the dreaded “cave” territory.
Remember, if you paint a small, dark room white, it’s not going to suddenly transform into a bright, airy oasis. In fact, it might just end up feeling like a boring, lifeless jail cell. So, let’s embrace the darkness and use it to our advantage.
One of the secret weapons in any room’s arsenal? Mirrors, my friends. Not only do they make a space feel bigger, but they also bounce around any light that comes their way. And don’t be afraid to use more than one mirror – just make sure to mix up the sizes and functions, like a large leaning mirror and a smaller wall mirror.
Speaking of reflective surfaces, let’s talk about shiny objects. These babies will always reflect light and make a space feel a little happier. We’re talking about light fixtures, picture frames, decorative trays, and even the accents on your furniture. Just don’t go overboard, unless you’re aiming for a full-on glam look.
Now, when you don’t have natural light on your side, you’ve got to create it. Emily’s got a brilliant tip – make sure you have ambient lighting (think lamps with shades) as well as task lighting, like sconces and small directional lamps for side tables. Having a variety of light sources will make your dark room feel so much more alive and inviting.
And let’s not forget about the humble light bulb. While cool white bulbs might be great for work areas and makeup application, Emily is firmly in the warm light camp when it comes to dark rooms. Those cool bulbs can make the space feel cold and harsh, so opt for warm, cozy tones that’ll bring some much-needed warmth to your heart (and your home).
But it’s not just about the bulbs – the color palette you choose can also make a big difference. If you stick to muted, solid neutrals in a dark room, you’re asking for a space that’ll feel flat and a little on the depressing side. Instead, choose a color palette that makes you happy and throw in some patterns with varied scales for visual interest. Just don’t go overboard and turn it into a rainbow explosion.
One final trick up our sleeve? Installing French doors or interior doors with glass panels. Not only do they allow more light to filter in, but you can also add a shade, curtain, or film for privacy. Just keep in mind that these doors don’t offer the most privacy, so they might work better in an office, playroom, or guest room.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But won’t putting anything in front of the window block the precious little light I have?” Well, my friend, I’m here to tell you that you should absolutely try placing a plant near your window. Not only will it bounce light around, but it’ll also create gorgeous, textured shadows that’ll add so much character to your room.
So, there you have it – the war is over, and we’ve won! No more dreary, dark rooms haunting our lives. From now on, it’s all about happy, bright, and cozy spaces. And if you happen to own your home and have been dreaming of a skylight, be sure to check out ABC Home‘s “Brighten Up Any Room” Skylight giveaway. Trust me, they’ve made a world of difference in my own home, and I’ll never renovate without them again.
Now, let’s hear from you! Do you have any other tips for making a dark room feel brighter and more inviting? I’m all ears, and I can’t wait to hear what’s worked for you.
