Successfully lighting a dark room can be challenging. But a scheme that provides good overall lighting as well as task and mood lighting is a must if it is to be a comfortable place for all the activities taking place there, and its lighting levels can be adjusted to suit the mood.
There are a number of reasons why a room is naturally dark. Small windows–perhaps in a cottage–facing north, shading with trees, foliage, or other outside features, or a basement location can make it dimmer than you’d like.
Whatever the problem, though, smart lighting ideas are in demand and here the experts give their advice on brightening and brightening a dark room.
dark room lighting
A dark space will feel quite unattractive and may provide insufficient lighting for some of the tasks that are being done there. Here experts weigh solutions to the problem of lighting a dark room beautifully—from smart living room lighting ideas to dining room lighting tips.
1. Advantage of LED strips
(Image credit: Kichler Lighting)
LED strips can be a valuable resource when lighting up a dark room. Shalini Misra, interior designer and founder, Shalini Misra says: ‘If you have any carpentry or cabinetry in the room, be sure to include LED strip lighting in the designs to bring in another light source. (Opens in a new tab).
Installing LED strips on the underside of shelving or in any joinery will bring more light into the space while highlighting any items on display. Similarly, installing LED lights at the top of the cabinet will provide a warm glow and help make the room appear taller and larger. The same goes for any open shelving, where LED lights accentuate any decorative elements while adding a warm glow to the space.
“You should also consider installing LED strip lighting in curtain recesses or placing it behind eaves to create a soft diffusion of light.”
2. Light up the low ceiling
(Photo credit: Gunter & Co)
The dark room may also have a low ceiling – this is often the case for lower floors. To address this issue, take inspiration from the guest bedroom in the Belgravia mews maisonette apartment, which is by nature dark rather than a long space.
“We didn’t want to lower the ceiling further with a pendant, so the solution was to relax the lighting into a void in the ceiling, making a subtle wash of the light,” explains Erin Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co. (Opens in a new tab).
We’ve combined recessed lighting with Linden lamps from Kelly Wearstler. Not only do the lamps look pretty (especially considering we’ve customized shades), but they also emit warm, ambient lighting that’s great for relaxing in the evening. For reading, also consider installing directional wall lights, which are a great source of light when reading fine print, but are less effective at creating atmosphere.
3. Pay attention to the role of the room
(Photo credit: Ashley Whittaker Design/Thomas Loof)
How to approach the lighting of a dark room You have to be aware of what the space is being used for. “The same rule can be applied to every space in the home, but to get a thoughtful result, the rule must be broken and reapplied in a contextual way,” says Joanne Quinn, senior interior designer at LuxDeco. (Opens in a new tab).
Start thinking about dark bathroom ideas. Here, candles in hurricane lanterns, paired with a carefully placed wall lamp or two, one near the mirror where lighting is needed is more environmentally friendly than a ceiling filled with floodlights.
In the bedroom, when night falls and there is little light, bedside lamps provide a lower level of light near the height of the bed – the main piece of furniture to highlight. Another dressing area lamp, whether it’s another table lamp or a standing floor lamp, promises another source that combines task-style lighting with ambient lighting.
As for the kitchen? “There is a need for brighter rays of light,” says Joanne. “Try not to ignore the constant need for atmospheric light as well.”
4. Employing the magic of mirrors
(Image credit: Kelling Designs)
Decorating with mirrors will enhance the daylight that reaches a darkened room. “Mirrors make any room lighter, brighter, and more dramatic, so add fixed mirrors on tall walls, which will double the illusion of space,” says Juliette Thomas, founder and director of Juliettes Interiors. (Opens in a new tab). Floor-mounted mirrors can be moved to create different ambiances in the room – bigger is always better. A small mirror in a large space will look dull, upsetting the balance of the entire room. However, wall mirrors should not be wider than the piece of furniture below.
But mirrors should also be used to enhance artificial lighting when lighting a darkened room. “One of the main tricks is to use mirrors with lights, whether you place them behind lamps or on the wall to go with your ceiling pendant,” says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs. (Opens in a new tab). Placing mirrors behind the lamps will help increase the depth of the room, while doubling the amount of light available by reflecting the light from the lamp back into the space.
5. Be smart with the downer
(Photo credit: James Merrill/Future)
If corners of a room get dim during daylight hours, try this strategy from interior designer Benny Morrison (Opens in a new tab) In order to provide a backlight for the entire space.
“In a darkened room, I put small lamps in the corners of the room on dimmer switches that can be used to enhance the illusion of daylight on a really dark day,” she says.
6. Vertical and horizontal thinking
(Photo credit: David Lovati)
It is important to think about lighting in a three-dimensional way when lighting a dark room.
“In dark rooms, you should try to create as many sources of warm light as possible,” says Peter Legg, principal designer of där Lighting. (Opens in a new tab). Place the lights at different levels to ensure the room is illuminated both vertically and horizontally. Table and floor lamps are perfect for any shady corners, and wall lights can help frame the main area or accentuate the edges of a space when placed at either end.
“When choosing a central light source, choose an armed pendant or one made of glass to help bounce light through the space.”
7. Choosing a consistent color
(Image credit: Life Kitchens)
If you use LED lighting in a dark room, make sure they are all the same color – this is important in all rooms, but especially if you are looking for kitchen lighting ideas because there are many reflective surfaces.
“Warm white works well because it provides a soothing, relaxed atmosphere, while still brightening a dark room,” says David Conlon, founder of En Masse Bespoke Interiors. (Opens in a new tab).
8. Consider glass in lighting fixtures
(Image credit: Polly Elts)
Whether it is a favorite living room chandelier ideas or pendants, it is worth considering glass in light fixtures when lighting a dark room.
Tim Oulton says, “Cleanliness add instant drama and romance to darkened entryways or cozy dining spaces, or if your style is more casual, pendant sets work really well, especially when hung on different levels for added interest,” Tim Oulton founder Tim Oulton (Opens in a new tab). We often use K9 optical glass in our lighting; It is clearer and lighter than crystal so it softly diffuses light and creates a very gentle romantic glow.
9. Select the right lampshade
(Image credit: Sims-Hilditch)
Choosing lamp shades as well as the number of lamps can help make a darkened room lighter. “The ambient glow is what you can expect through the fabric of your lampshade,” says interior designer Benji Lewis, founder of Zoom that Room. (Opens in a new tab). Therefore, if the room is dark, then more is needed.
Silk taffeta is a luxurious finish for a lampshade, especially if the more formal effect you’re going for. It also reflects light so it’s perfect for a dark room. Gathered muslin is a slightly different but beautiful fabric that allows light to pass through well.
Consider lamp shade liners, too. “Metal shade liners are excellent for a scene,” says Benji. I would probably lean towards gold rather than silver, because the ambient light would appear warmer; Likewise, a cream card liner will allow for softer lighting than a bright white liner.
10. Use varnish
(Image credit: Maestri Studio Photo: Nathan Schroder)
Lacquer finish can be an excellent solution for a naturally dark room. “We used white walls and a glossy white ceiling to brighten this space,” says Eddie Maestri AIA, lead architect, creative director and owner of Maestri Studio. (Opens in a new tab). “The paint reflects the light and the quality of the mirror gives the perception of a larger area.”
How can I get better lighting in a dark room?
To get better lighting in a darkened room, start by making the most of daylight, then tackle artificial light.
“To add light to a darkened room, I always recommend trying to maximize natural light by opening up walls, installing large bi-fold windows, and trimming back window treatments (using frosted window film instead of blinds, for example),” Studio TR (Opens in a new tab) Founder Tom Root.
“Artificial light is also an important tool. Incorporate multiple light sources in different parts of the room, such as wall lamps, table and floor lamps. This will project the light on the ceiling upwards to “raise” the space and illuminate the room more effectively than a single overhead light source, as It will create a comfortable and attractive atmosphere.
Consider focusing light on surfaces and features such as recesses, corners, shelves, and artwork. Spotlights and wall lights are great when used in this thoughtful way because the light will bounce off these surfaces to softly illuminate the surrounding space.
“Dark walls/surfaces and north facing rooms will not reflect the light, so consider using lighting with diffuser to disperse the light.”
How do I get good lighting in a room without a window?
In a room without a window, the lighting design needs to provide all the light. “The exact level of light you need in a room will depend on a number of things, including the size and shape of the room, the purpose it is being used for, and the type of ambiance you are looking to create,” says Rohan Blacker. , founder of Pooky (Opens in a new tab).
Incorporating a number of different light sources into a windowless room can help increase the space and prevent it from feeling dark or closed off. You should aim to achieve balance within the space. Try to avoid making certain areas particularly bright at the expense of others, as this will emphasize any dark corners, making the room appear smaller and more closed.