Dark room lighting fixtures

10 top tips from experts |

Lighting a dark room successfully can be demanding. But a scheme that provides good overall illumination as well as task and mood lighting is a must if it’s going to be a space which is comfortable for all the activities that take place there, and one in which light levels can be adjusted to suit the mood.

There are a number of reasons why the room might be naturally dark. Small windows – perhaps in a cottage – a north-facing position, shading by trees, foliage, or other external features, or a basement location can all make it more gloomy than you’d like.

Whatever the issue, though, clever lighting ideas are required and here the experts provide their advice for brightening and lighting a dark room.

Lighting a dark room

A space that’s gloomy will feel profoundly uninviting and may well provide insufficient illumination for some of the tasks that go on there. Here experts weigh in with solutions to the problem of how to make a dark room look brighter – from clever living room lighting ideas to advice for lighting a dining room.

1. Make use of LED strips

(Image credit: Kichler Lighting)

LED strips can be a valuable resource when lighting a dark room. ‘If you have any joinery or cabinetry in the room, then be sure to include LED strip lighting in the designs to bring in another light source,’ says Shalini Misra, interior designer and founder, Shalini Misra .

‘Fitting LED strips to the underside of shelving or into any joinery will bring more light into the space whilst highlighting any items on display. Similarly, fitting LED lights to the top of the cupboard will provide a warming glow and help make the room feel taller and larger. The same goes for any open shelving, with LEDs highlighting any decorative items whilst bringing a warming glow to the space.

‘You should even consider fitting LED strip lighting to curtain recesses or tuck them behind cornices to create a soft diffusion of light.’

2. Illuminate a low ceiling

(Image credit: Gunter & Co)

A room that’s dark might also have a low ceiling – and this can often be the case for basements. To tackle the issue, take inspiration from the guest bedroom of this Belgravia mews maisonette, which is naturally dark as well as not being a tall space.

‘We didn’t want to lower the ceiling even more with a pendant, so my solution was to recess lighting into a void in the ceiling, resulting in a soft wash of light,’ explains Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co .

‘We combined the recessed lighting with Linden lamps by Kelly Wearstler. The lamps don’t just look beautiful (particularly considering we customized the shades), but they also emit a warm, ambient light that is great for winding down in the evening. For reading, also consider installing directional wall lights, which are a great light source when reading fine print, but less effective at creating atmosphere.’

3. Pay attention to the room’s role

(Image credit: Ashley Whittaker Design/Thomas Loof)

How you approach lighting a dark room should be informed by what the space is used for. ‘The same rule can apply to every space in the home, but for a more considered result, the rule should be broken and re-applied in a contextual way,’ says Joanne Quinn, senior interior designer at LuxDeco .

‘Begin by considering a dark bathroom ideas. In here, candles in hurricane lanterns, paired with a thoughtfully positioned wall light or two, one close by to a mirror where illumination is needed would be more suited to the environment than a ceiling full of spotlights.

‘In a bedroom, when night falls and there’s little light to be found, bedside lamps provide a lower level of light close to the height of the bed – the key piece of furniture to highlight. Another lamp by a dressing area, be it another table lamp or a standing floor lamp, promises another source that combines task-style lighting and ambient lighting.

As for the kitchen? ‘Brighter beams of light are called for,’ says Joanne. ‘Try not to disregard the constant need for atmospheric light too, however. ’

4. Employ the magic of mirrors

(Image credit: Kelling Designs)

Decorating with mirrors will enhance the daylight that does reach a dark room and make a dark room look brighter. ‘Mirrors make any room lighter, brighter and more dramatic, so add fixed mirrors on long walls, which will double the illusion of space,’ says Juliette Thomas, founder and director, Juliettes Interiors . ‘Floor-standing mirrors can be moved around to create different moods within the room – and bigger is always better. A small mirror in a large space will look skimpy, upsetting the balance of the whole room. However, wall mirrors should never be wider than the piece of furniture below.’

But you should also use mirrors to boost artificial illumination when lighting a dark room. ‘A key trick is utilizing mirrors by lights, whether you position them behind lamps or on the wall to fall in line with your ceiling pendant,’ says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director, Kelling Designs . ‘Placing mirrors behind lamps will help to increase the depth of a room, whilst doubling the amount of light available by reflecting light from the lamp back into the space.’

5. Be clever with downlights

(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)

If the corners of a room are gloomy during daylight hours, try this strategy from interior designer Penny Morrison in order to provide background illumination for the entire space.

‘In a dark room I put small downlights in the corners of the room on dimmer switches which can be used to gently enhance the illusion of daylight on a really dark day,’ she says.

6. Think verticals and horizontals

(Image credit: Davide Lovati)

It’s important to think about illumination 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, lead designer, där lighting . ‘Place lights at different levels to ensure the room is illuminated vertically and horizontally. Table and floor lamps are ideal for any shady corners, and wall lights can help frame the main area or highlight the edges of the space when placed at either end.

‘When picking the central light source, choose an armed pendant or one made from glass to help light bounce across the space.’

7. Opt for consistent color

(Image credit: Life Kitchens)

If using LED lighting in a dark room, make sure it all has the same color tone – this is important in all rooms, but particularly if you are looking for kitchen lighting ideas because there are so many reflective surfaces.

‘Warm white works well because it offers a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, while still brightening a dark room,’ says David Conlon, founder, En Masse Bespoke Interiors .

8. Consider the glass in light fixtures

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

Whether living room chandelier ideas or pendants are preferred, it’s worth thinking about the glass in light fixtures when lighting a dark room.

‘Chandeliers add immediate drama and romance to dark entrance halls or cozy dining spaces, or if your style is more casual then groups of pendants work really well, especially when they’re hung at different levels to add more interest,’ says Tim Oulton, founder, Timothy Oulton . ‘We often use optical-grade K9 glass in our lighting; it’s clearer and lighter than crystal so it softly diffuses the light and creates a very gentle, romantic glow.’

9. Select the right lampshades

(Image credit: Sims-Hilditch)

The choice of lampshades as well as the number of lamps can assist in making a dark room lighter. ‘An ambient glow is what you can expect through the fabric of your lampshade,’ says interior designer Benji Lewis, founder of Zoom that Room . ‘Therefore, if the room is dark, more are needed.

‘Silk taffeta is a sumptuous finish for a lampshade, especially good if it’s a more formal effect you're after. It also reflects light so is perfect for a dark room. Gathered muslin is a slightly different but lovely fabric which lets the light come through well.

Consider the linings of lampshades as well. ‘Metallic shade linings are excellent for spectacle,‘ says Benji. ‘I’d likely lean towards gold rather then silver, however, because the ambient light will look warmer; similarly cream card lining is going to allow for softer light than a bright white lining.’

10. Use a lacquered finish

(Image credit: Maestri Studio Photograph: Nathan Schroder)

A lacquered finish can be an excellent solution for a naturally dark room. ‘We used white walls and a lacquered white ceiling to brighten up this space,’ says Eddie Maestri AIA, principal architect, creative director, and owner of Maestri Studio . ‘The lacquer reflects light and the mirror quality gives the perception of more space.’

How can I get better lighting in a dark room?

To get better lighting in a dark room begin by making the most of the daylight there is then address its artificial light.

‘To add light to a dark room, I would always recommend trying to maximize natural light by opening up walls, installing large bi-fold windows and paring back window treatments (utilizing a frosted window film instead of blinds, for example),’ says TR Studio founder, Tom Rutt.

‘Artificial light is also an important tool. Incorporate multiple light sources in different parts of a room, such as wall, table and floor lights. This will throw light upwards at the ceiling to “lift” the space and illuminate the room much more effectively than a single overhead light source and it will also create a cozy, more inviting ambience.

‘Consider focusing light on surfaces and features such as alcoves, nooks, shelving and artwork. Spotlights and wall lights are great when they’re used in this kind of considered way as the light will bounce off these surfaces softly illuminating the surrounding space.

‘Dark walls/surfaces and north-facing rooms aren’t going to reflect light, so think about using lighting with diffusion to disperse the light. ’

How can I get good lighting in a room without a window?

In a room without a window, the lighting design needs to supply all the illumination. ‘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, what it’s being used for, and the kind of ambience you’re looking to create,’ says Rohan Blacker, founder of Pooky .

‘Introducing a number of different light sources into a windowless room can help to lift the space and prevent it from feeling dark or enclosed. You should aim for 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 feel smaller and more enclosed.’

10 lighting solutions for dark rooms to banish gloomy spaces

If your interiors feel dingy and dim, there are lighting solutions for dark rooms you should explore. Understandably, every room can't benefit from incredible amounts of natural light, and many areas and even large sections of the home can be left light-less. When a room lacks proper illumination, it doesn't only feel dull, but also smaller and less inviting.

The good news is that by implementing clever design tricks and choosing the right light fixtures, you can create an effective, functional, and even decorative lighting scheme in even the darkest of rooms. Whether it's your dining room, bedroom, kitchen, or living room lighting ideas, take cues from these suggestions, and light up your lifeless spaces..

Content Editor

Aditi is a homes writer and editor with several years of experience. Her articles, backed by expert insights, offer suggestions aimed at helping readers make the best home design choices. For this article, she spoke to top interior designers and industry experts to find out how to light a dark room.

10 clever lighting solutions for dark rooms

1. Explore wall washing and light layering

(Image credit: Bloomint Design)

Multiple sources of ambient lighting can help create a wonderful, layered illumination scheme in a room. Consider a good mix of overhead lights, tables, and floor fixtures. If you want to walk the green path, choose smart light bulbs that are versatile and energy efficient.

Along with layering, think of other ways you can use lighting pieces to enhance a room's aesthetic while also radiating it. Wall washing is one way of not only highlighting an architectural feature but also cleverly throwing diffused light around a room.

'By 'wall washing', you can accentuate the irregular texture of a wall tile,' says Reena Sotropa, founder of Reena Sotropa In House Design . 'This accent lighting in combination with the recessed ceiling fixtures can allow a space to go from a brightly lit space to a soft relaxing spa with the flick of a switch. Flush mount fixtures are very subtle in their appearance and can provide an extremely bright and even quality of light in a space that is the next best thing to natural light.'

Woven Pendant Light from Amazon

This simple cage lampshade, can help cast beautiful shadows on the wall, giving any space an elegant and pleasing vibe. The lampshade also has a 100% hemp rope along with an interesting antique Edison bulb.

2. Choose fixtures with the right light output

(Image credit: Bert Frank)

'Look to the ceiling lights and lamps, and make sure the bulbs have the maximum light output that is comfortable and functional,' says Jennifer Morris, founder of JMorris Design . 'A shift from 40 to 60 watts can make a big difference.'

A good way to determine this is by the lumen method, where you determine the square footage of the room, establish the number of lights that will be needed to light up the room, and multiply the two to get the total lumens required.

Several online tools and calculators can help you find out how many lights should you have in a living room or bedroom, and what is the right light output needed.

3. Brighten up rooms with thin LED lights

(Image credit: Luke Arthur Wells)

'Budget in a recessed cove lighting or install a thin LED recessed light around the perimeter of the room to make it better illuminated without overwhelming the space,' says Jennifer.

In this windowless ensuite, a strip of LED lights has been used in the corner of the shower enclosure where the two walls of tile meet. It not only casts a flattering, diffused light when using the shower, but gives a sensation of daylight creeping through a crack in the wall.

The best part about LED lighting ideas is their versatility, as they cover a wide range of light, from soft and warm to crisp and cool, and come in various design options. If strips aren't for you, consider LED panels, pucks, ropes, cans, and bulbs, making excellent uplighting, downlighting, accent lighting, and more.

4. Choose fixtures that don't dull your light

(Image credit: Studio Zung. Photo credit Adrian Gaut)

Ensure your room gets unobstructed illumination with bulbs, pendants, and lamps that are in clear glass, or in case of lampshades, in thin, non-printed fabrics.

'Being clever with your choice of materials for the lighting sources is the key to ensuring maximum light, so opt for glass, lighter and translucent fabrics, and mirrored finishes to avoid diffusing any light from the bulb,' says Emma Deterding, founder of Kelling Designs.

Also, ensure the right placement of your lights. Make sure they aren't behind a large wall, a tall plant, or in a place where it is hidden. In living room corners, or a dark home office, it's best to choose a tall, oversized lamp that will light up the area and also the room.

(Image credit: Ravi Vazirani)

'Generally when thinking of lighting, it is good to think about layers of light which will create an evenly distributed glow throughout the space making it feel bigger, brighter, and more interesting,' says Kashi Shikunova, director at YAM Studios . 'Consider not only overhead lighting but also vertical lighting like wall lights and ambient accent lighting like table lamps or shelving lighting.'

'Think about corners, as these can make a space seem unbalanced. Add a floor or table lamp here with a soft glow, and give the space a new lease of life.'

Also, choose to place lamps in unexpected places; a healthy dose of rule-breaking can change the way we experience our homes and organize our lives. Add one in the bathroom next to the bathtub, place one on a countertop of the kitchen, or keep one on the banquette seating. Mix up your style, add more light and create an eye-catching vignette.

(Image credit: Confettibird and Tone Kroken. Photo credit Filippa Tredal)

'When choosing pendants, avoid using the ones that point up or down, creating shadows that darken a room,' says Kashi. 'Use pendants that give light to the whole room, evenly brightening up the space.'

For a dining room lighting scheme or other a kitchen island, consider adding multiple pendants above the table or the countertop to ensure the space is aptly illuminated. In the hallway, hanging a series of identical fixtures down the length of the space will create a classic look.

7. Install lights inside shelves

(Image credit: Bloomint Design)

Recessed lighting is often used as accent lighting rather than as the sole light source for a room. This is because they are unobtrusive, and marry nicely with clean, contemporary, or minimalist interiors. These lights are not ill-suited to any interior.

These can be used in the smallest of spaces to the largest of rooms, and tiny and easily hidden, they do the work of highlighting the specific area they are in. These are also highly functional, and are great for kitchen cabinet lighting, lighting up a bookshelf, or spotlighting a sculpture.

'In the hallway or kitchen shelves, consider adding hidden LEDs or spotlights inside, that will get rid of the shadows and make the small units look visually striking,' says Kashi. 'Install each of these lights on a dimmer switch that will allow the creation of different moods in the space depending on how it is used.'

8. Add mirrors

(Image credit: Kelling Designs)

We all know how a mirror makes a space look larger, and more open, and adds dimension. But it also helps amplify the light around in the room, depending on where and how you position the mirror.

A key trick is utilizing mirrors to maximize light, whether you position them behind lamps or on the wall to fall in line with your ceiling pendant,' says Emma. 'Not only will this make the room feel bigger, but it’ll reflect light into the room brightening it up massively.'

To maximize sunlight, and to make the most of the best views of the city, place the mirror next to the window. While placing the mirror, try to set it at an angle that shows the best reflections while you're seated down. Choose a beveled piece to maximize the light from the outside. You can also place it behind a standing lamp to double down on its illumination.

One mirror mistake to avoid is hanging a mirror too high above a furniture piece so there is a lot of dead space in the middle and no relationship between the two pieces. Make sure you position it about 10-12” above a sideboard or console, then adjust from there.

9. Try a high gloss paint

(Image credit: The Hoxton, Shepherd's Bush)

Gloss walls and ceilings have been a hot look in decorating for some time, and it's a trend that appears to have staying power. This paint finish creates a reflective surface and is highly durable. It subtly helps bounce the light around the home and makes spaces seem lively and welcoming.

'Reflecting light on wall and ceiling surfaces is a great way to illuminate the room but be careful if the glare is upsetting to your eyes,' says Jennifer. 'Try a high gloss paint on the ceiling or reflective wall finish. Floors and large counter surfaces can provide great light luminance to make a space feel bright.'

Gloss paint by Farrow & Ball

Try Farrow & Ball's gloss paint for a light-reflecting finish that works for both traditional and contemporary schemes.

10. If you're renovating, choose an open plan layout

(Image credit: Modscape photo John Madden)

If you're building your home or gutting the existing layout, consider an open plan living with connected spaces, so that light and air can flow through the home, without restrictions. Daylight is the most wonderful magnifier of interior spaces. If you can bring more natural light into your home, it will have a great effect on maximizing the sense of space.

Perhaps add a skylight, or enlarge the existing windows. Effective modern window treatments like roller blinds and shutters will ensure you receive daylight and plenty of privacy.

'When designing for a low-lit space, it is important to allow light to flow unencumbered through the space as much as possible,' says Reena. 'Impeding the flow of light creates shadowy corners which will result in a gloomy vibe.'

Which wall lamps to choose in a dark room

Rooms that receive little light are uncomfortable for living. The less light in the room, the worse it affects the mental health of a person. For relaxation, twilight is ideal, but if we are talking about vigorous activity, then this needs to be corrected. The lack of light is observed in rooms with small windows or in rooms with a loggia or balcony, which take up space and darken the main area. Also, rooms facing the north side need additional clarification. In such rooms cold twilight usually reigns. Of course, to lighten up, you need to install a lot of lamps, whether they are spotlights, floor, table or ceiling chandeliers. There are excellent powerful light bulbs with an incandescent temperature of more than 5000K that can replace natural lighting. Therefore, it is important to equip the darkened area in such a way as to use as many artificial lights as possible.

How to brighten up a dark room with minimal effort?

The main tricks and tricks that can be used in any dark room, we will consider in the article. Let's outline the advantages of each type of room lightening and focus on what level of the buyer this or that option is designed for.

Brightening options for gloomy rooms

In order for the room to become as bright as possible, it is necessary to think over the color scheme of the walls, ceiling and the location of lamps and chandeliers in advance, be sure to include wiring diagrams in the project. Use bedside sconces and lamps on the walls. If the windows face north and darkness always reigns in the apartment, then the lighting should be bright with the ability to adjust its intensity. It is best to use dimmer lamps in this case. The ability to adjust the light can be well used to improve the comfort in the room at different times of the day. This fills the space with special warmth and makes the interior lively and not boring. Lighting in a dark room depends on properly designed lighting fixtures. Ceilings should always have a chandelier without exception. Wall sconces look great in large rooms

Transforming a room in bright colors does not hit the buyer's wallet too hard. Proper selection of lighting fixtures will give advantages in the form of savings on artificial lighting.

Luminaire catalog

Decoration of false ceilings with LED strips

Volumetric pieces of furniture that take up a lot of space must be selected in light colors. Less bulky, such as a desk, armchair or nightstand, can be picked up in a dark format. Since the light begins to scatter from above, everything that is located above half the wall from the floor, that is, closer to the ceiling, should be as light as possible.

How to add light to a room with furniture? Mirror, glossy or polished furniture reflects light well. If you choose glass, then this will be the best solution, since such furniture perfectly transmits light and allows it to circulate in space.

Lighting in the presence of solid partitions

If the room is littered with cross-mounted cabinets and other obstacles, they block the way for the correct flow of light and impede its flow. Ideally, any separators should be abandoned. The pledge of clarification is the maximum spaciousness. If you cannot do without a partition, most likely you will need to double the number of lighting fixtures.

It is not bad if the partition will be parallel to the window in order to minimize the intake of incoming light. The narrower its design, the more space will plunge into the light. Often designers suggest installing LED spotlights on the top of the partition, so that the luminous flux is directed to the ceiling. This makes the lighting of the room more natural, and the source of this lighting cannot be seen visually.

Choosing an indoor color palette

How do you add light to a room by focusing on details?

Additional lighting and some sunshine can be achieved with turquoise, yellow or blue light. Small yellow bedside and ceiling lights in a light shade will give the space liveliness and fill it with warmth.

An excellent option for lack of sunlight is the use of art. for example, posters of the sun or the sky, which convey a range of pleasant shades and transform spatial light.

Focusing on details is an inexpensive undertaking. You can always pick up something very beautiful, but cheap. Therefore, this option is suitable even for a small budget.

6 simple tricks - INMYROOM

Tips

It happens that due to various reasons there is not enough light in the interior. What can be done in this case to make it light and comfortable? There are different techniques, which we will tell you more about

Living in a dark room is not very fun and comfortable. Besides experts believe that this has a bad effect on the mental and emotional state of a person. It often happens that, due to different causes light in your room is not enough. What can be done in this case to make it light and cozy?

There are various ways in which you can achieve a positive result.

Reception No. 1: color without borders

Of course, it is better to start with the repair of the premises. Because it gives the advantage of making the room brighter and more spacious.

Ideal if you want to paint the walls, ceiling and floor in light color. White color is wonderful! But pastel shades are nobody did not cancel. They are also relevant in this case.

The main thing is that all boundaries between planes are erased. Experts recommend choosing lighter paint or wallpaper options, as how in poor lighting they can appear a little darker. For such spaces dark and gray shades are not suitable.

Reception #2: windows

If you do not plan to make repairs, you can audit in room. Start with a window. Especially if it is on the north side and Nearby there are trees that create shade. Near it it is not advisable to put a dark furniture.

It is better that there is nothing superfluous on the window, not even flowers. If there is an opportunity to do without tulle - wonderful! If not, then use light tulle and light curtains (silk can be used).

Reception No. 3: furniture

Heavy and dark furniture should be abandoned, and indeed it's better when it's less. Choose a light, warm range. Glossy surface most suitable for furniture.