How to make your bedroom brighter

Updated by July ,14, 2023

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If you’ve ever found yourself with a bedroom that’s heavily lacking in natural light, you know how difficult it can make your mornings.

Sure, nights might be nice and cozy, but when your body could use a natural wake-up call, the darkness can make it nearly impossible to pull yourself out of bed and start your day.

Here are some top tips for designing a bedroom that isn't too dark.

Having a mirror or two is natural in your bedroom, but as Artem Kropovinsky, founder and principal designer of Arcsight, points out, they’re not strictly utilitarian. They serve an incredibly helpful purpose as one of the simplest tricks interior designers use to brighten a dark bedroom.

If your home has external shutters, commonly called plantation shutters, Ashely Macuga of Collected Interiors says this could be adding to your light source issues.

Color is an obvious thing to think of when you want to lighten and brighten up a bedroom but Jenon Bailie, Design Director for Room & Board, notes your materials are just as important for achieving the desired effect.

‘Use bedding that is layered with texture – a signature throw pillow can add a pop of color but not soak up the light or impede the brightness of the space,’ she says. ‘Adding a white, marbled ceramic top to dressers and nightstands is another unique way to add light color to a bedroom.’

Macuga agrees: 'Opt for furniture with more delicate lines, and brighter, lighter woods and materials,' she says.

There’s only so much you can do about your natural light. However, Kropovinsky points out plenty can be done with your light sources. To really create a brighter, lighter space, create a mindful lighting plan for your bedroom that helps deter awkward dark spots.

Over-stuffing the room with furniture, decor, or belongings can make the space feel dark and cramped, ‘

A minimalist bedroom gives each piece its own breathing space and can make the room feel lighter and more spacious.’

When considering your bedroom decor, you might be looking at the best bedding, wall colors, and rugs. Kropovinsky says the ceiling is another place you can make the most of when it comes to lightening and brightening up the room.

To make the whole space feel brighter as you walk in, throw down a large area rug in a light, neutral tone, to outweigh some of the existing, darker decor. Swap out the window treatments for something more lightweight, and ensure window sills are clutter-free, and that the windows themselves are spotlessly clean to maximize natural light. Consider painting wood furniture if it is large and bulky and creating an oppressive feeling in the room, or raise them up on legs so you can see the floor beneath them. Incorporate more lighting options, be it floor lamps or table lamps, and keep on top of the bedroom decluttering so it feels as airy as possible.

Whether you decide to incorporate all of these design elements or only add in a few until you achieve the desired brightness, one this is for certain: a lighter, brighter bedroom awaits.