How to Decorate a Dark Apartment With No Sunlight

Cover dark flooring with a light carpet to brighten a dark apartment.

If your apartment is windowless, or if the windows face north or are blocked by trees or large shrubbery, deliberate decorating is necessary to compensate in a home where no direct light reaches the inside. An entire apartment with traditionally good decor still can look dark and drab if there's no direct light. Use a few decorating tips to actually brighten up the space.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Area rugs, carpet or tiles
• Tablecloths
• Slip covers
• Mirrors
• Lamps
• Floral display or plant

Instructions

1. Repaint walls with a light color, such as pale yellow, light gray or powder blue. Use an eggshell, semi-gloss or glossy sheen that will reflect light rather than absorb it like a flat paint does. If you prefer darker colors, save it for the trim.

2. Cover dark floors with light-colored area rugs. Ask the landlord if he or you can redo the flooring, such as by installing white tile in the bathroom and kitchen, installing light carpeting or refinishing a dark wood floor to a lighter finish.

3. Avoid dark wood furniture. Cover dark tables with a bright tablecloth. Use slipcovers over dark couches and chairs. If you want to use darker colors, do so through accessories such as throw pillows to create contrast.

4. Hang a large mirror in each room -- this will reflect artificial light and indirect light from any windows.

5. Clean the window panes and use window coverings that are light in color and light in weight. A sheer or lace curtain works well in a dark room. Then, place a fresh or dried floral display or a plant on the center of window sill if it is deep enough.

6. Add extra lamps in the room to compensate for the lack of sunlight. Place a table lamp on each table in the bedroom and living room. Add a floor lamp with a halogen bulb that can brighten up the ceiling and top half of the room. Add a lamp to the dresser and other large pieces of furniture in the apartment.

References

• Realtor.com: Use Light to Brighten Your Rooms
• HomeDesignFind.com: Design Dilemma -- Brightening Up A Dark Room

Resources

• House Beautiful: Bright Colors for North-Facing Rooms