11 Ways to Create a Bright Space When You Have Dark Furniture
Reinvent the look of a dark sofa, bed or chair with the right backdrop of colour and light
Shawn Gauthier
19 August 2017
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected,... More
Are you looking to redecorate around dark furniture and feeling like there’s no way to achieve a bright space? Think your only options are new furniture or a trip to the upholsterer? It’s no secret that furniture and reupholstering are expensive, but there’s no requirement to go that route. Instead, embrace your dark staple pieces, heed a few design tricks and accessories, and transform them into the perfect grounding complements to a bright, lively space. Check out the following photos for tips and inspiration, and pretty soon you’ll see your dark furniture in an entirely new light.
Choose drapery in complementary colours
Nothing will make your dark furniture bounce back to life more than pairing it with complementary colours. Deep blue and purple sofas will pop against oranges and yellows, as proven by this sofa paired with yellow floral drapery.
Nothing will make your dark furniture bounce back to life more than pairing it with complementary colours. Deep blue and purple sofas will pop against oranges and yellows, as proven by this sofa paired with yellow floral drapery.
Consider white walls
Don’t be afraid of white walls. The key is warming them up, and dark furniture does exactly that. Pull the white throughout the room through textiles and accessories, and vary the shade of the white for texture and additional warmth.
Don’t be afraid of white walls. The key is warming them up, and dark furniture does exactly that. Pull the white throughout the room through textiles and accessories, and vary the shade of the white for texture and additional warmth.
Or, paint your walls a bright shade
A lighter-coloured sofa and ottomans wouldn’t have had nearly the dramatic impact against these apple-green walls and ceiling as these grey pieces do.
See more bold-coloured spaced
A lighter-coloured sofa and ottomans wouldn’t have had nearly the dramatic impact against these apple-green walls and ceiling as these grey pieces do.
See more bold-coloured spaced
Pick up an accent chair
There’s an accent chair out there to fit into any budget, and to bring instant brightness to your space.
There’s an accent chair out there to fit into any budget, and to bring instant brightness to your space.
Get your lighting right
For obvious reasons, dark furniture can lead to a darker space in general. Therefore, be sure you have adequate ambient and task lighting throughout to brighten it appropriately. A mix of overhead lights and lamps is best.
Shining the Light on Good Lighting Design
For obvious reasons, dark furniture can lead to a darker space in general. Therefore, be sure you have adequate ambient and task lighting throughout to brighten it appropriately. A mix of overhead lights and lamps is best.
Shining the Light on Good Lighting Design
Throw pillows are your best friend
Load them onto your sofa and you’ll forget all about its dark upholstery.
Load them onto your sofa and you’ll forget all about its dark upholstery.
Think about a white rug
Like white walls, a white rug looks sharp against dark furniture and adds light to the space.
Like white walls, a white rug looks sharp against dark furniture and adds light to the space.
However, if the up-keep of a white rug leaves you cringing, find a colourful rug instead. This option adds the same brightness as a white rug, but will more easily hide stains and wear.
If your budget allows for a few new substantial pieces, consider purchasing complementary furniture in lighter colours. Notice how well these black sofas play off of the white coffee table and dining room table to create a balanced look across the room.
A Buyer’s Guide to ‘The Sofa’
A Buyer’s Guide to ‘The Sofa’
Perhaps you can’t afford new furniture because your money is going into a renovation. In that case, keep in mind floors: lighter wood flooring sets a much more complementary stage to dark furniture.
Let the light shine in
Natural lighting will do wonders for dark furniture, so throw open the shades and bring in the sun.
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Natural lighting will do wonders for dark furniture, so throw open the shades and bring in the sun.
Tell us
If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Read more decorating stories
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I have sofas like in the third picture of this article. Cab somone suggest another colour for wallas other than green and white. I have light grey carpet as a base. Shiny chrome bronze tv table. Still deciding on curtains and coffee table colours