Living room too dark?

6 år sedan

Help! I think my living room is too dark and gloomy. We have a decent amount of natural light from the bay window, but as the property is terraced and open plan, we don't have much natural light in the middle of the property. Is there anything I can do to lift up the room decor wise? Any advice appreciated!

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Juliet Docherty

6 år sedan

Hello Vig, what is the wall colour and what aspect is the room? My first impression is that the rug is sapping light out of the room is that something that can be changed? I agree about the curtains too. I would lose the dark cushions, curtains and rug and look for a more sympathetic paint colour. A large pale rug with a warm undertone (like a Moroccan berber) would help. What are you able to change?

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Kommentarer (12)

A S
6 år sedan
Hi,

In my non-expert opinion, I think the two main factors which seemingly make the room look darker are
1. the wall colour
2. the window dressing

The grey is making the room feel more enclosed and dark, I'd consider a more lighter, airy colour to lift the space to make it seem brighter.
If budget allows, I'd consider recessed LED strips across the ceiling which can subtly, yet effectively, produce artificial light to create a brighter space.

My second point was regards to window dressing...it is blocking the light from entering the room. Is your property overlooked, maybe blinds or a more transparent net curtain could help allow more light to enter the room. I'd also change the curtains to a lighter colour.

The plant, albeit not a major factor is also blocking some (little amount) light from entering so I'd Consider moving that too if possible.

I'm sure the experts would be able to shed better help.

Good Luck
Vig thanked A S
Vig
Författare
6 år sedan
Thanks for your responses! The room faces south west. I agree about the rug. I can move it elsewhere and get a different one. Same with the dark curtains. I can use them elsewhere. Changing the paint colour will be a harder sell as we just had the house renovated and painted. Partner is not at all keen :-D

What colours would you recommend? I would like to maintain some contrast with the fireplace and built-ins.
Juliet Docherty
6 år sedan
Do you know what colour the paint is?
Vig
Författare
6 år sedan
Yes, we used Dulux Polished Pebble (Matt) throughout the house.
Juliet Docherty
6 år sedan
I would think about a working palette for the room that incorporates all materials including painted walls. One thing all of the images have in common below is a balance of colour temperature and tone. Something like a ginger/cognac colour as an accent could really help your scheme (see throw in image two). Cool pale greys seem to work best when teamed with warm natural materials and crucially some dark too. I would add lighter tones with large pale rug, pale natural linen curtains and then cushions in a deep ochre/cognac colour. If this works you could then add more tone on the wall behind sofa/shelves with a much darker charcoal colour. :)

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Vig thanked Juliet Docherty
Carolina
6 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 6 år sedan
I agree with colourhappy that a lighter coloured rug will help a lot. And as she and A.S. mentioned, the net curtains. Also the dark curtains aren't ideal.

Do add lights in or on the book shelves. I've put some brighter colours and venetian blinds (these are shutters I think) in your living room, see what you think. Glass table will reflect light too. Also added a floor lamp.

Of course a berber type rug will work too.
Vig thanked Carolina
Juliet Docherty
6 år sedan
Totally agree about the blinds.
PRO
Bathroom + Kitchen Eleven
6 år sedan
Hi

Beautiful room. Minor changes needed - I think the wall colour is fine.
- To introduce light you could use white shutters - the white will allow the light to bounce through the room while maintaining privacy.
- Add a light rug - don't be afraid to add colour!
- Change the ottoman to a lighter colour (if budget allows!)
- Put a large mirror behind the sofa - this will also bounce light around the room
- Add lamps on the shelves either side of your fire place.
Window

Ottoman

https://www.laresidenceinteriors.co.uk/products/upholstered-petit-royal-ottoman-coffee-table-dove-grey-linen

Mirror

http://www.decorativemirrorsonline.co.uk/mirrors/large-metal-framed-mirror.html

Good luck!

Shannon
Vig thanked Bathroom + Kitchen Eleven
A S
6 år sedan
Hi,

If painting the room isn't an option,maybe paint the window surround and alcoves in a brilliant white or a lighter grey to help brighten up the darker spaces and creating an illusion of light.

The above mockup cleverly shows the use of bright colours instantaneously brightening up the room.

Good Luck
PRO
Rise Art
6 år sedan
Hey, how about some bright artworks to add some colour? We have a huge range available. Here are just some examples:
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
6 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 6 år sedan
I agree with previous ideas. Rug is too dark for room. I would go with beige, light gray or neutral light colour for rug.