5 ways to bring a dark bedroom to life

5 ThingsFavorites

Aug 19

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Let's face it not all of us have or for that matter want a light, sun filled bedroom. For some a room that is deeper and richer is just what they need, but it doesn’t mean that the room needs to feel dull and cavelike. Here are some tips on how to bring a dark bedroom to life.

1. Create mood lighting with a chandelier that also has deep, rich color.

A chandelier that is made from cow horn that has been harvested, then sliced to create a deep, moody sculpture.

Most bedrooms still require a certain amount of light, just so you can function in them, but be careful how you deliver that. It doesn’t need to be some bright crystal congestion. This chandelier is actually made from cow horn that has been harvested, then sliced to create this deep, moody sculpture. Not only does it deliver a subtle dappled light, it's a cool focal point for the center of the room.

2. Pops of color will add depth to your design

Too much of a good thing is just that, too much. You will find that a bit of contrast will actually make the colors in your room feel deeper and more nuanced, so just a little bit of brightness here and there gives the room visual depth and allows your eye to travel the space and articulate it better.

A bedroom with wood panelling as a headboard provides texture and allows the room to shine.

3. In the absence of light, create texture

A master bedroom with a pop of color to make the room feel more deeper and nuanced.

Light is a powerful design tool, and if you remove it, or at least tone it way down, something needs to step up in its place and in this room the wood panelling did that. Replacing light with architecture and texture allows the room to shine.

4. Use directed lighting

A bed with an adjustable sconce helps control the amount of light and direct it in a way that it can have maximum impact.

Using adjustable sconces instead of traditional table lamps, allows you not to just control the amount of light better, but also to direct it in a way that it can have maximum impact. Another trick is to use an opaque shade which will heighten this effect.

5. A jewel tone color palette will complement the room well.

A master bedroom with a jewel tone color palette that adds a level of decoration and interest to the space.

Lastly, do not overlook the color palette. A palette of rich jewel tones will bring a level of decoration and interest to your space. I know there is a lot of interest at the moment in gray and charcoal rooms, to me they generally fall a bit flat and the opulence of a jewel tone scheme feels more interesting to me.