How to get more natural light in a bedroom

Ask the experts how to get more natural light in a room and you’ll find a selection of tried and tested methods for solving this problem.

From paint choices to furniture selection, decorative finishes to mirrors, there is a multitude of ways to add more natural light to a room.

So if your bedroom is a little dark and dim, don’t despair. With these top tips, you’ll learn how to transform your sanctuary into a bright and airy haven abundant with natural light.

How to add more natural light to a room

More often than not, brightening a dark bedroom is about making clever design and decor choices.

Your colour scheme, choice of furniture, window dressings, lighting, accessories, and use of mirrors all play an important role.

1. A light colour scheme

White is the most reflective paint colour because it absorbs the least amount of light from the spectrum.

Therefore, if you’re looking for how to increase natural light in a room, one of the best things you can do is paint the walls with white or light neutral tones.

Make it glossy

The type of paint you choose can also impact the amount of light you create.

Light-reflective paint finishes contain light-reflective particles to bounce up to twice as much light back into the room. Painting woodwork? Opt for a gloss finish.

Ready to give your bedroom a fresh lick of paint? Find an approved painter and decorator near you.

Keep it homely

Of course, simply painting your bedroom in white or neutral tones will leave it feeling bland and lacklustre.

Inject warmth and personality into the space with the addition of accent colours.

Introducing pops of colour and darker tones into your textiles and accessories, such as rugs, cushions, and artwork, will liven up the room.

2. Clever furniture choices

Carefully selected furniture can help to brighten a dark bedroom while simultaneously providing ample storage to avoid clutter.

Reflective qualities

Choose white or light-toned furniture to help the room feel bigger and brighter.

Alternatively, opt for materials and finishes that will help to bounce light around. Mirrored wardrobes and bedside tables are great at doing this, as are high-gloss finishes.

The passage of light

Consider how your furniture choices allow light to pass around the room.

Select pieces that suit the size and dimensions of your bedroom so they don’t block the available light. Where possible, look for bedroom furniture supported by thin, short legs so the light can pass underneath, eliminating shadows.

3. Bright windows and floors

So far, we’ve looked at the colour scheme and furniture choices as ways to create more natural light in a room, but what about the windows and floors?

Window dressings

Window dressings play a key role in a bedroom for privacy and creating the right ambience for nighttime slumber. However, during daylight hours, your choice of window dressing will impact how much natural light finds its way in. Opt for a blackout roller blind paired with sheer, voile curtains to help keep the space light and airy.

Window cleaning

This may sound like an obvious one, but if your bedroom isn’t blessed with much natural light, you’d be forgiven for neglecting the means by which the limited supply enters the room. We’re talking about the window.

Grab a window cleaning solution and cloth and see the difference a sparkling pane of glass makes.

Don’t forget the flooring

As we detailed in our post on how to increase natural light in a kitchen, light-coloured flooring is your friend in a room that doesn’t have much natural light.

In a bedroom, this could be a light-coloured carpet, painted floorboards, or throwing down a large, light-toned rug (great for adding texture too!).

4. A combination of lighting sources

Without oodles of natural light, you’ll need to work harder to create the desired levels of lighting yourself.

Layered lighting

By layering your lighting, you’ll create a warm, cosy, and functional room. For example, ceiling spotlights for general lighting, bedside lamps as task lighting for reading at night, and string lights for atmosphere and decoration. A dimmer switch allows you to better control the overall lighting levels in the room too.

A trick of the light

When choosing lights for any room in your home, try to remember that, while it’s important the light looks good and suits your decor, it’s also important to consider its function.

To create the right ambience, many experts will agree you need at least 5-7 lighting sources in a room. Consider the function of each to amplify the right details, avoid annoying shadows, and create an inviting atmosphere.

5. Bounce light around with mirrors

One guaranteed solution for how to bring more natural light into a room is with mirrors. And there are various ways to do this.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Why have just one mirror when you can have a multitude of mirrors? Hang a gallery wall of mirrors in a variety of sizes and styles for an eclectic mix.

Alternatively, to really open up the room, install a mirror feature wall. Yes, an entire wall in your choice of mirror: crittall style, aged or antique glass, or mirror tiles. Just be prepared to keep the glass cleaner on hand for regular maintenance!

Amplify the light

Hanging a mirror opposite or next to a window will accentuate the natural light in a room using the mirror’s natural reflective qualities. The larger the mirror, the more light you’ll create.

6. Choose key accessories

When utilising these design tricks to add more natural light to a room, you’ll want to avoid cluttering the space with too many accessories. However, this is one of the key ways to bring warmth and personality to your bedroom.

Metallic accents

The reflective nature of metallic accents will help to bounce light around the room and lift a neutral scheme. Whether you choose metallic handles or decorative objects, you’re on to a winner.

Indoor plants

Energise a dark bedroom with the addition of plants. Just choose the variety wisely due to the lack of natural light. They will need extra care and perhaps rotating, to get sunlight from another window now and again.

Wall decor

Another way to accessorise a bedroom lacking in natural light is through artwork. This creates a focal point in the room, adds depth, and injects all-important pops of colour.

Find a qualified and approved tradesperson to help transform your dark bedroom into a light and bright space

Whether you need an electrician, handyperson or painter and decorator, Checkatrade can help you find highly-rated professionals in your area.

To start your project off on the right foot, why not find an interior designer to create the perfect, light-filled design for your bedroom? Just use our search box below to get started.

FAQs

How can I add more light to my bedroom?

One of the most effective ways to add more light to a bedroom is with mirrors. Combined with a light colour palette, carefully chosen furniture, airy window dressings, ambient lighting, and pops of colour within plants and accessories, you’ll transform your space into a light and bright sanctuary.

How do you amplify natural light?

Amplify natural light in a bedroom – or any room – by hanging a mirror adjacent to the window. The mirror will bounce the natural light around the room, enhancing its uplifting qualities.

How do you bring natural light into a room without windows?

To bring natural light into a room without windows, you’ll need to make some structural changes. Some rooms can have glass blocks added, while others can explore the option of a sun tunnel or having skylights installed.