Having a dark kitchen can make the space feel closed off and gloomy. The right color scheme is key to brightening up the room and making it feel more open and inviting. When choosing colors for a dark kitchen, it’s important to opt for light, bright shades that will reflect light and create the illusion of a larger, airier space.
Use Light Paint Colors on Walls and Cabinets
Painting the kitchen walls and cabinets in light colors is one of the most effective ways to brighten up the space. Stay away from dark colors like black, brown, or navy blue, which will only absorb light and make the kitchen feel smaller. Instead, consider pale yellow, light green, sky blue, or neutral shades like white, beige, or light gray.
| Light Paint Color | Benefits |
|---|---|
| White | Clean, bright, expansive |
| Beige | Warm, inviting, enlarging |
| Light gray | Calm, sophisticated, airy |
| Pale yellow | Uplifting, cheerful, luminous |
| Light blue | Tranquil, spacious, refreshing |
White is ideal for making a dark space feel open and airy. For a bit of warmth, try beige, pale yellow, or light gray. Cool tones like light blue or green create a relaxing, spacious ambiance. Just stick to soft pastel or muted shades – avoid bright primaries, which can overload the eyes in a small dark space.
Incorporate Reflective Surfaces
Incorporating reflective surfaces is another excellent way to brighten up a dark kitchen. They will bounce light around the room, making the space feel more open and illuminated. Try adding:
- Stainless steel appliances
- Glossy subway tile backsplash
- Marble or quartz countertops
- Glass cabinet doors
- A decorative mirrored backsplash or accent wall
You don’t need to install reflective surfaces everywhere – just incorporating a few key elements will help amplify the light in the kitchen. A glossy subway tile backsplash, light-colored quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances make a great combination.
Use Plenty of Task Lighting
Since natural light is limited in a dark kitchen, installing abundant task lighting is crucial. Proper illumination makes the space much brighter and more functional. Position task lighting:
- Under upper cabinets to illuminate countertops
- Inside cabinets to spotlight interiors
- Over the kitchen sink
- Over the dining table
- Over islands or peninsulas
Choose task lights with bright, focused beams of light. LED lights work well for energy efficiency and longevity. Go for lighting with high lumen levels, like 800+ for under-cabinet lighting and 1200+ for overhead lighting.
Let In Natural Light
When possible, increase the amount of natural light entering a dark kitchen. This can make a big difference in brightening up the space. Ideas for letting in more daylight include:
| Option | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Install more windows | Brings in direct natural light |
| Use skylights | Bright, overhead daylight |
| Enlarge existing windows | Increases light from existing windows |
| Use sheer curtains | Allows light to filter through |
| Keep windows clean | Removes barriers to natural light |
If adding more windows is not feasible, consider investing in a solar tube skylight. This tunnels natural light from your roof into the kitchen through a tube lined with reflective material. Make the most of existing windows by using sheer curtains, keeping the glass pristine, and avoiding dark blinds.
Choose Bright Flooring
The flooring has a big visual impact in a kitchen. For a dark space, go for light-colored, reflective flooring materials that will open up the room. Some great options include:
- White or light gray wood
- Light hardwood with a natural or whitewashed finish
- Light-colored stone or tile, like white marble or travertine
- Linoleum in pale hues
Dark floors like black timber, brown hardwood, or slate tile will only absorb light and make the kitchen feel more closed in. Lighter floors with some sheen or glossy finish reflect the light to brighten the entire room.
Keep the Space Clutter-Free
Clutter absorbs light and makes any room feel more gloomy and closed off. To keep a dark kitchen looking bright and open:
- Organize items in cabinets, drawers, and pantries
- Don’t leave appliances and kitchenware out
- Use racks or shelves to get items off countertops
- Clean frequently to avoid pile-ups
Keeping counters, floors, and tables clear of clutter ensures light can circulate throughout the kitchen. Store items inside cabinets or drawers and minimize what is left out.
Add Mirrors and Light-Colored Decor
Strategically placed mirrors and light-colored accents make a dark kitchen brighter and more spacious-feeling. Ideas include:
- Hanging a mirrored pendant light over islands or tables
- Displaying glass vases, bottles or canisters
- Placing a mirrored backsplash along one wall
- Using metallic accents like chrome, stainless steel or silver
Avoid dark, heavy decor like black wrought iron, antique woods, or heavy draperies. Instead choose items with reflective, light-catching surfaces. A few perfectly positioned mirrors can really amplify the light.
Conclusion
Brightening up a dark kitchen comes down to two main strategies – reflecting as much existing light as possible throughout the space, and bringing in abundant new light sources. Painting walls, cabinets and floors in pale, light-reflecting colors opens up the room. Adding glossy backsplashes, glass cabinet doors, metallic accents and mirrors bounces light around. Proper task lighting combined with natural daylight streaming through skylights and windows significantly improves illumination. With the right combination of colors, lighting and reflective surfaces, even the darkest kitchen can be made to feel bright and airy.