These Paint Colors Will Brighten Any Room

Is there a room in your home that is starting to feel dull and dreary? If so, a fresh coat of paint could be just what the doctor ordered. According to painting and decorating expert Pat Gilham at MyJobQuote.co.uk, a simple coat of paint in the right color can instantly make a room feel brighter and more inviting. Here are some of the colors he recommends for adding a breath of fresh air to any space.

Warm white. 

This is one of the most popular choices for brightening up a dark room, says Gilham. Warm shades of white maximize natural light, bouncing light around the room to really open it up. Cooler-toned and more stark shades of white also reflect light, but don't provide the same comforting feel, while blue undertones and pure white shades can leave a room feeling cold and clinical.

Cozy beige. 

In spaces with limited natural light, warm neutrals or muted earth tones in beige can amplify the natural feel of the room. They will reflect some light to brighten the space but also give a cozy, cocooning effect, according to Gilham, making them a great choice for living rooms and bedrooms.

Light gray. 

Rising in popularity in recent years, light gray provides a grounding feel and takes the edge off an all-white space. Gilham explains that this cooler, natural tone offers a great balance between cozy and airy. Pro tip: incorporate darker décor items that will pop against the light gray walls, making the room feel even brighter.

Mint green. 

Pastels and muted tones like mint green brighten a room while also adding a splash of color. Perfect for low-light bathrooms and bedrooms, this soothing shade will provide a refreshing backdrop while reflecting light, bringing a sense of balance, calm and nature to your room.

Powder blue. 

While darker blues are great for adding drama to a room, pale, powder blue adds a playfulness and calm. According to Gilham, pale blues can make a room feel airy, a small room appear larger, and a room with limited natural light feel brighter, making it a more interesting alternative to white.

Soft yellow. 

If you have a room that is short on windows, consider painting it a shade of pale yellow. Yellow paint helps a room feel bright and cheery, and works well in country design schemes along white or natural woodwork and furniture.

Orange. 

Whether you choose a more rustic, burnt shade or something that is tangerine-tinged and playful, orange is a bold and bright hue that will instantly uplift a room, says Gilham. Orange tends to give off a glow, which brings the feel of additional brightness to rooms that typically feel dark or that don't have enough windows. Deeper shades of orange should be used sparingly, while softer shades like peach, provide a more subtle feel.

Shades of orange can add warmth, life and energy to your home. Bright orange colors such as tangerine, carrot, or pumpkin make great accent colors and are most powerful when used sparingly. For a more subtle choice (ideal if you are just getting started experimenting with colors in your home), opt for shades like peach, apricot or salmon. 

 

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2025. All rights reserved.


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