Brighten Up dark living room.
We are looking to brighten up our living room as it doesn't get a lot of natural light. Can often feel dull and soul destroying?
What are some tips, seeing the below pictures, to help brighten it up?
We are looking to get some light oak flooring and paint the fireplace a lighter color. Any other suggestions?
Apologies on the washing and toys.........
Comments (12)
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Comments (6)How about putting the chest of drawers under the window so it is visible when you first walk into the room. Then put the desk where the chest of drawers is currently. I would then get a large storage TV unit for the end wall where the dark furniture is. This would be best in white or taupe to keep it light in that end of the room. You could even get this made in the same units as the kitchen cupboards. I would buy new 3 seater sofas in a traditional or classic style to suit the antiques in a beige colour linen and then two armchairs in a patterned material - floral or stripe to suit your personal taste. I would keep the sofas in the same position and place the two armchairs facing the TV unit, side by side. You would need to make sure the armchairs were placed so they were easy to walk around and they would need to be small but comfortable. Keep the table where it is and update the lamp to a more statement piece. An orchid (fake or real) on the chest of drawers would add a touch of class. I quite like the rug that is there as it goes nicely with the antiques and you could bring out the blues with a few duck egg blue coloured cushions, and a duck egg blue roman blind would soften the window. Just some ideas.... I'd love to see photos when you've finished, it's a lovely space!...See Morebrighten up my dining room
Comments (4)Ok. It might be nice to carry some of the colour through anyway so you have some continuity. I know the room doesn't get much light but I think you can afford to be bold in a dining room. Would you consider adding some red wallpaper above the dado rail and painting cream beneath? Given the ceiling height I think the room can carry this. I've tried to pick hopefully what is a non-offensive wallpaper which is Radiance by Harlequin as I don't know your taste. Alternatively you could do a feature wall and paint the rest cream....See MorePlease help me with colours to brighten up my dark brown boring lookin
Comments (4)You've got a neutral base there so tons of colours would work. You could paint the walls - either go for a feature wall with something bold like a teal or olive green, or paint all the walls something paler like duck egg or apple green for example. Or you could add pattern and colour with wallpaper. Pull a palette together of 3 colours to add visual interest. Work on a 60%, 30% and 10% rule for the different colours. For example: 60% neutral, 30% would be accent colour 1 (so paint a wall or bring in wallpaper or add a big rug, some cushions and art), 10% is accent colour 2 which could be a few cushions and decorative bits....See MoreUse Internal glass screen to brighten up room
Comments (21)Hi Sunny. If you need the dining table there I would definitely go for a banquet style seating area that can be pulled out when required but give enough space on a daily basis for passing sensibly. It seems like this space would really benefit from a 3D render package allowing you to visualise the space and how it will look when finished. You would then be able to try a few different options on the door front as well as the seating area. They don't only allow you to visualise the space saving you from making costly mistakes but you can then also use them when sourcing and with contractors to get your ideas and requirements across more clearly. I added a few images from some our recent 3D's to give you an idea of what you get (usually 5/7 images of each space). I look forward to hearing more on your new space. All the best, Gina...See More
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Niall MacMillan
6 years agoThank you to all of you for your ideas and comments. Some much great advice.
I have provided a floor plan of the living room now with the dimensions, with the current layout and one with the potential layout.
I just want to maximize the space the best I can and as mentioned by a few of you, my sofa does block out a lot of light.
PROPamela McMahon Art
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
PROWoodpecker Flooring
6 years agoHi Niall, we definitely think you can brighten this space up with the few touches you've suggested. You could paint the brick of the fireplace white and add in some lovely pops of colour in cushions and accessories. We'd also suggest painting the walls white above the dado and opting for a light grey below.
Your grey sofa makes a great backdrop for shades such as orange, green and mustard. And it would definitely complement what we'd call a 'greige' oak floor. Have a look at these shades - they have a touch of warmth but are lighter than a natural oak to help you achieve a brighter space...
Berkeley Grey Oak
Berkeley Grey Oak · More InfoRaglan White Smoked
Raglan White Smoked Oak · More InfoBest wishes,
Hannah | Woodpecker Flooring
Wolfe Interiors