What is the best way to lighten up a dark room. It has dark varnish on wood paneling and minimal sunlight?

Answer 1

Put a mirror on the wall behind a lamp. The light reflects in the mirror and increases the light in the room. During the day, the mirror will reflect light from a window if placed properly to catch the light. Also, decorate with light colors, upholstery and curtains!

Answer 2

The paneling should come off. It will be a chore because its invariably glued in place and the glue leaves a nasty residue. If the glue won't come of, you may have to replace the wallboard, assuming the wall are not lathe and plaster, which would may your task very interesting.

The minimal sunlight will be an issue. My place has lots of full grown maples outside and the downstairs was a bit dark. I put up wall frames and a chair rail on the walls and painted them pure white, also the ceiling and crown molding. th uper half of the walls is a cream color. It's enough contrast to look good, but is very, very light and counteracts the lack of sunlight due to the maples outside.

You may want to consider tearing out the paneling and just going for it.

Answer 3

That relies upon on incredibly some issues. i might say you may evaluate your funds, your ability point while redesigning. in case you're taking the paneling out and locate previous plaster partitions at the back of there that is torn down after which you may insulate (i'm guessing because of the fact it is that previous) and then sheet rock the partitions. in case you're tender with that then that's what i might do. If no longer, i might paint the paneling and do according to hazard do a definite portray technique over it. ie, rag rolling, a white washed or antiqued look. There are lots of opportunities. you basically could compare your skills, funds and flavor and then GIT ER completed!

Answer 4

there are alot of really great answers and suggestions above. and i agree, need some floor lights and light coloured pictures or paintings. if you keep the dark paneling and hang pictures or paintings, the dark panelling will really be a great backing for them and make the room abit cozy. if you hav dark furniture in the room, mayb try a light coloured slip cover over them. the nirror behind the lamp is a wonderful idea! or, if you have atleast one window in the room, light coloured shades over it would be wonderful and place the mirror across from it on the opposite wall.

use light coloured accent peices to help lighten up the room.

good luck!! hope you get what your looking for! and have fun!

Answer 5

There are few good suggestions above, I would also suggest an addition of hidden fluorescent lighting fixture on top of the window and a few more lighting units in the room to use while needed--while reading and so on. Dark room can be dingy or cozy. Good luck and I hope you'll achieve the mood right for you.

Answer 6

Pickle it with a diluted light color of paint, perhaps cream. Paint on the dilution and wipe it off.

Naturally, try this out someplace unobtrusive before doing a main wall. It's a look that I like.

Answer 7

paint your paneling!! u can. first put a coat of kilz. this gets it ready for color and Will give u a true paint color. choose a soft light paint color and give it one coat after kilzing. u can get kilz at any hardware store. painting is inexpensive. invest in some new lighting, lamps etc. this will make a huge difference.

Answer 8

I would use bright paintings and other types of decorations that are bright. Also, try to find some lamps. Just use some bright decorations. Maybe flowers, candles, or bright furniture.

Answer 9

Paint it all white?