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Brightening a dark room

  • 29-05-2015 10:43pm
    #1
    jlm29
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,818 ✭✭✭


    Were about to embark on redecorating a second living room. The room is a decent size, about 20ft by 13 ft.
    Currently it's a wreck (old house)- the walls need plastering, and there's a wood panel ceiling, which we intend to plaster over. We will need new light fittings, curtains, fireplace, flooring, doors, etc.

    Now, the room is fierce dark. The window is too small. Ideally we would break through another window and/or knock the wall between it and the kitchen to bring in natural light, but neither of those things are options currently,

    So I'm looking for suggestions on how best to brighten the room without doing anything structural. I'm hoping (and pretty confident) that the ceiling will make a big difference. The other doors in the house are walnut (at least the ones we've gotten around to changing so far), so the door will be walnut. I've walnut flooring elsewhere, and I'd like to keep the same for consistency, but obviously I know that might not be a good idea, from a darkness point of view. We've a small child, and another on the way, so inclined to steer clear of carpet.
    Also, we are going to inherit a brown leather suite. From a budget point of view, we can't really buy another sofa. I know I've just said I want it bright, and then mentioned a lot of dark brown things, but I could be swayed on the floor, though we don't want to spend too much on this!
    Other than the couch, it's pretty much a blank canvas!


Comments

  • #2
    dmc17
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,782 ✭✭✭dmc17


    A white ceiling and bright/off-white coloured walls would make a big difference. Get the ceiling plastered and painted first and you will have a good idea of where to go from there. Dulux do a 'Light and Space' range which may be an option for the walls (though I'm not sure if it actually makes a room any brighter).


  • #3
    galljga1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,938 ✭✭✭galljga1


    The ceiling and walls will make a big difference. You do not need to stick to walnut for the floor. I have timber (ash, maple and walnut) and tiles everywhere. If you do go for walnut, a large bright rug will lighten it a bit.I wouldn't worry too much about dark furniture if the ceilings and wall are bright, you need a bit of contrast, all of course my opinion.


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