There’s a reason homeowners tend to put off painting projects. The task can be labor-intensive, but the planning is even more work, primarily regarding color.
The impact of color in a room can’t be overstated—it can influence how we perceive the size of the room and make a space appear darker or brighter based on its reflectivity. For example, an all-black room is always going to seem dark, even with added lighting, because it has zero light reflectance value (LRV), while white will make a room appear brighter, even with no added lighting, because it has a 100% LRV.
All of this can affect the way we feel about a room. Brightness can induce joy, comfort, and energy, while darker colors or shades may evoke creativity or passion.
Recommended Colors for Brightening
If you’re interested in brightness over darkness, emphasize the shade of the color versus the color itself. For example, dark blue is going to create a different feeling than a lighter, baby blue color.
In terms of brightness, white is the best choice because it is the most reflective color, but if white seems too cold or clinical for you, try these other options:
- Pale Gray: It may still be a bit neutral, but it can brighten a room without being as stark as white. It also pairs well with most décor.
- Light Beige: While white can be cold, beige offers a warmer tone, so it can brighten a room while adding cozy vibes.
- Sky Blue: This is the perfect color if you’re looking for a serene/relaxing mood but want to brighten and expand the space at the same time.
- Soft Yellow: Most people associate yellow with joy because of the sun, so this is a good option for making a space feel bright, larger, and more welcoming.
- Pastel Pink: Similar to beige, pink has a warmer tone compared to blue, gray, and white while still having a brightening effect.
This list is not exhaustive—you’ll have a ton of colors to choose from, but you should look at pale/light or pastel colors if your goal is brightening.
Tips for Selecting Colors
- Evaluate the size of your room. Do you need to make it seem bigger? Lighter colors will make a room feel more open, while darker colors create a cozy, intimate experience.
- Consider the room’s purpose. Bedrooms would benefit from darker blue or green colors, which are soothing, cozy, and relaxing, while living areas may need lighter, vibrant colors.
- Assess your natural lighting. If your room already has a ton of natural light, it can handle a darker or richer color without feeling cramped, but if you have limited natural light, you should lean toward a lighter shade.
- Analyze your existing furniture and décor. If your furniture or decorations are already bold, you’ll want to choose a neutral color.
- Think about your emotions. It may seem strange, but how do you want to feel when you walk into the room? Colors have psychological effects on us. For example, black can often be depressing because it’s associated with funerals, while orange/yellow makes people feel joy (because of sunshine, as mentioned earlier).
Other Tips for Brightening a Space
Color, while impactful, can only go so far. If you genuinely have no light in your room (whether natural or artificial), painting your room a light blue will only have a slight effect.
- Use artificial lighting wisely. Color temperature matters. Soft white colors can intensify warm colors while creating a dull effect on cooler colors.
- Find a fixture that distributes light effectively, like a chandelier, or incorporate multiple ones (especially wall-mounted!) if you’re really working with limited natural light.
- Buy décor that makes you happier. It sounds silly, but if you buy something that you really love, it will help brighten the room regardless.
- Place mirrors in the room in opposite windows or dark corners to reflect natural light.
- Install floating shelves to free up floor space and help spread light around more effectively.
- Add a plant! Even if it’s fake, that little bit of greenery provides a natural association with the outdoors, which helps improve mental health.
Get More Expert Recommendations
If you’re looking for more recommendations on improving your space, get in touch with our team at Imperial Painting. We’ve been helping homeowners in Shelby Township, MI, and surrounding areas for over 25 years through our interior painting services and home improvement services, including interior decorating.
You can visit our blog for more resources or contact us today to get started with a consultation, where our experts can give you more personalized advice.