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How to decorate a small or windowless room

How to make a dark space more inviting. - by Laura Barry
  • 23 Sep 2019
How to decorate a small or windowless room

Decorating a windowless room can be a challenge. The lack of light can make the space feel dark, damp and cold – the opposite of how you want a room to feel.

Fortunately, there are a few decorating tricks you can use to make a small, dark room feel warmer and more welcoming.

1. Pick light colours for your walls

Light colours such as white, cream, beige or pastels will brighten up the room and give the illusion of space.

2. Choose a focal point

Choose a point in the room that naturally draws your attention. It could be the most prominent wall or a fireplace – whatever the local – arrange your room around the focal point.

3. Add a large mirror

Hang a large mirror in the focal point of the room, such as above the sofa or fireplace. This will reflect the room to create the illusion of a larger space and imitate the effect of a window.

4. Don’t cramp your style

If you have a small, dark room and you want to make it feel larger and brighter, avoid filling it with oversize furniture. Instead, look for furniture on the smaller side in a simple design with clean lines, and coffee tables, sideboards or beds that look delicate and light.   

5. Use metallics or reflective surfaces

Promote the reflection of light by choosing furniture and homewares that have metallic frames or accents, such as a side table with gold legs or a rose-gold vase.

6. Give the room positive vibes

Fill the room with furniture, photographs, art or decorative objects that make you feel happy. Being surrounded by things you love will make a room feel welcoming, regardless how dark or small it is.

7. Ambient lighting is a must

Imitate natural light by fitting the overhead room light with a ‘daylight’ globe that emits white light, and incorporate a floor or table lamp into your scheme and fit it with a warm-hued globe that will conjure up cosy vibes when used.   

You might also like:

Small bedroom decorating ideas 

5 small living ideas that make the most of your space 

7 hacks to make a small room feel bigger 

Love the look of luxe hotel bedrooms? Watch the video below to learn how to do it yourself.

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Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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