Do you have a room in your home that just doesn’t seem to get enough natural light? Many homes have dark corners that lack the brightness we crave. While painting a dark room bright white may seem like the obvious solution, it’s not always the best move. In fact, white can actually make a space seem even darker and flat.
So, what can you do to transform your low-light room into a brighter, more inviting space? In this blog post, we’ll explore why white isn’t always the best paint color for a dark room, and offer up some of our personal paint color recommendations to help make your space look brighter and larger. We’ll also discuss other considerations to turn your room into a bright and inviting space. Let’s get started!
My Best Colors Of Paint For Low-light Areas
When choosing colors for a dark space, it’s important to keep in mind the type of space, its size and function. Warm-toned neutrals are a great choice for making a room feel brighter, but it’s important to stick to medium tones to avoid making the space feel smaller. Saturated colors with less black in the base work well for darker rooms, while brighter colors can bring in some light.
It’s also worth considering the room’s purpose – bolder looks might be more appropriate for powder rooms, while light to medium neutrals work well in hallways. Ultimately, the key is to choose colors that work with the space’s unique characteristics.
Light Gray
When it comes to choosing colors for a room, gray may not be the first choice that comes to mind. However, light to medium shades of gray can actually brighten up dark spaces, making them feel more open and inviting.
ALL-IN-ONE Paint. Durable cabinet and furniture paint. Built in primer and top coat, no sanding needed. Heathered Gray (Light Cool Gray), 32 Fl Oz Quart
$35.99
Soft tones like dove gray and greige can also keep things warm and cozy, while grays with a hint of color in the base, such as lavender or pink, can add a touch of warmth and personality to a room. So next time you’re considering a color scheme for your home, don’t overlook the versatile and stylish shade of gray.
Light Blue
When choosing off-white colors for a room, it’s important to avoid those with strong blue undertones. This is because blue tends to absorb more light, which can make the off-white color appear darker than it actually is. If you want a lighter and brighter space, it’s best to opt for off-whites with warmer undertones such as yellow or pink.
White Dove
Small powder rooms can often feel cramped and dark, especially when they lack natural light. One way to combat this is by choosing the right paint color. In a recent renovation project, the White Dove color was selected for a particular powder room. This color has yellow undertones with a touch of gray to balance it out.
While the gray undertones may be more noticeable in cooler lighting conditions, the overall effect is a brighter and more inviting space. The powder room also includes a vanity area with a mirror, perfect for getting ready in the morning.
Yellow
If you’re looking to brighten up a room with little natural light, yellow is a great color choice. This sunny shade works particularly well in bedrooms or bathrooms with small windows.
However, it’s important to make sure you have enough artificial light in the room to avoid a flat look. Yellow pairs beautifully with white accents and light wood details, adding warmth to an otherwise cold space. With these tips, you can easily recreate natural light and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in any room.
Gentle Violet
Gentle Violet is a versatile color that can add brightness to any dark room. Its wide range of shades makes it easy for everyone to find the perfect hue to suit their taste. Despite its name, Gentle Violet doesn’t have to be overly feminine and can work well in almost any space.
For a playful look, it can be paired with pastels, while for a more sophisticated look, it can be matched with simple neutrals like gray and white. So, whether you want to create a cozy bedroom or a trendy living room, Gentle Violet can be the perfect choice.
Light Orange
If you have a dark kitchen or dining room, warm shades of orange can add a pop of color and brighten up the space. However, it’s important to avoid bright safety orange and instead opt for shades like pumpkin, tangerine, or apricot.
These hues pair well with darker wood details and can be complemented with brown and white accents for a sleek and modern look. By using warm shades of orange, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home.
Why Not Just Paint Rooms Without Natural Light All White?
While painting rooms without natural light all white may seem like a simple solution, it is not always the best choice. Lighter colors with higher LRV do reflect more light, but pure white can actually accentuate shadows in dark rooms and make corners look shaded. Additionally, using too much bright white without undertones can make walls look gray and dingy.
It’s important to consider the LRV of different shades of white, as brighter whites with LRVs closer to 100 absorb less light in dark areas. Bright whites can also amplify random colors reflected on walls from furnishings and outside surroundings. While white ceilings and trim can be great, it’s important to be careful with using too much pure white in low-light rooms.
What To Look For When Choosing The Best Paint Colors For Rooms Without Natural Light
When choosing paint colors for a room, it’s important to consider the overall feel and atmosphere you want to create. Warm whites or light neutrals with warm undertones can make a space feel brighter and larger. However, it’s important to avoid off-whites with strong blue undertones as they can make a room seem darker.
When adding color to the space, it’s important to choose colors that complement the overall feel of the room. While off-whites and light neutrals can be boring, adding splashes of color can bring life to the space. Before committing to a color, it’s important to sample the paint and look at it in different lights to ensure it’s the right fit for the room.
In conclusion, infusing your home with light is an essential step in overcoming dark and cold spaces. Suggestions for adding light to low-light rooms include using light-colored furniture and decor, adding mirrors, and using artificial lighting. When it comes to choosing the best paint colors for rooms without natural light, it’s always a good idea to ask for recommendations from experts or friends. With these tips, you can transform your low-light rooms into bright and inviting spaces that you’ll love spending time in.