Lavender
The versatile appeal of lavender is especially welcome in low-light rooms. It has a wide range of shades that work well, from barely-there tints to dusky violet hues. For a more grown-up interpretation, pair lavender with gray, black, and white; when coordinated with bold purples and blues, it turns playful.
Pale Yellow
What better way to mimic natural light in a room than with sunny yellow walls? Light, buttery hues reflect artificial light luminously without the risk of overpowering the space, as a bolder shade might. Enhance the classic look of yellow interiors with white woodwork and warm wood tones.
Chocolate Brown
While most dark paints make a low-light room feel smaller and more confining, chocolate is a warm, inviting shade that makes a space cozy. Balance this strong color with light accents, such as white woodwork, pale carpeting, or patterned fabrics, to keep the look from feeling too heavy.
Interior design by Maria Killam
Powder Blue
This timeless blue can brighten even the darkest corner of the home. It's well-suited to traditional interiors when paired with crisp white details, dark wood furnishings, and deep red tones in upholstery. It can also skew retro by adding cherry red or lime green to the mix.
Interior design by Melissa Lenox Design
Warm Orange
Apricot, pumpkin, tangerine—all these shades of orange can transform an interior with few sources of light into a gathering place that exudes warmth. Chalk it up to orange's ability to glow radiantly when lit by lamps, candlelight, or even sunlight from a small window.
Interior design by Terrat Elms Interior Design
Gray
Elegant gray has become the new neutral in interior design. One big reason for its popularity is that it works equally well in both sun-bathed and sun-deprived spaces. For dimly lit spaces, choose a lighter shade for the walls and incorporate bright accents into the room through woodwork, fabrics, and accessories.
Interior design by Jane Lockhart Interior Design
Ocher
Whether you choose an ocher reminiscent of a wheat field or one closer to gold, this color works wonders for dim rooms. It's most often used in more traditional settings, highlighted by white mantels, molding, and trim. Shine the woodwork with a semi- or high-gloss paint to add a bit of dazzle.
Interior design by Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc.; photographed by Anice Hoachlander from Hoachlander Davis Photography, LLC
Pink
Cheerful pink is a natural choice for rooms where sunlight is limited. The shade you're drawn to dictates how and where best to use it. Pale rose and seashell can brighten all four walls, but bolder hues like watermelon and fuchsia can overwhelm a dimly lit space—save those for an accent wall.
Zillow Digs home in Larchmont, NY
Lime Green
Lime green energizes interiors both large and small—perfect for a poorly lit room. Many homeowners use it on an accent wall, but feel free to coat all four if the look suits you. This bright hue works to cheer up either traditional settings like bedrooms and baths or an out-of-the-way spot like a laundry room.
Zillow Digs home in Seattle, WA
For More...
For more about paint colors, consider:
Tiny Bath? 8 Space-Smart Color Choices
10 Handsome Hues for the Kitchen
Winning Combinations: 9 "Can't Miss" Color Schemes
Zillow Digs home in Winnetka, IL
Don't Miss!
Believe it or not, even with the vast number of paint color options available, a select handful of hues surpass all the others in popularity. We spoke with industry experts to uncover their best sellers. Click to view now!
