Brightening up a dark space is a common challenge when designing a room. While a major renovation can certainly correct the issue, knocking down walls or adding windows are thankfully not the only options. In fact, there are foolproof tricks that the pros use to add light through design details. From painting the ceiling to layering in accessories, we rounded up our favorite tips to help you let the light in.

THE BRIGHTER THE ART, THE BETTER

While dark rooms are cozy, adding vibrant artwork will elevate the mood and look of the space. A bold painting in yellow and turquoise pops against travertine tiles in this Manhattan apartment.

DAZZLE WITH A CRYSTAL CHANDELIER

The many facets of a crystal chandelier will reflect other light sources, including the sun and lamps, throughout a space. In this Lebanese mountain home, a Turkish chandelier is centered in a room with oversize windows.

BRING IN THE COLORS OF THE SUN

A tried-and-true trick to making a dark space feel brighter is to fill it with the colors of the sun, like reds, yellows, and oranges. ED A-List designer Jaques Grange covered the walls in this Venice apartment with custom Marmorino Venetian plaster.

PAINT THE CEILING THE COLORS OF THE SKY

Blue skies brighten the world. By painting the ceiling a light blue, designer Rodney Lawrence created an optical illusion that opens up this Quogue, New York, living room.

EMBRACE MAXIMALISM

If an all-neutral room is not your style, there’s no need to worry. Going for a bold accent wall and a palette of daring hues, like this design by Mary McDonald, can energize a room and make it appear brighter.

TRY A HIGH-GLOSS CEILING

One of the best ways to bring more light into a room is with a high-gloss paint color, and a ceiling is the perfect spot to experiment with this design choice. A glossy ceiling finish reflects light well, and it adds an unexpected element to a room.

CONSIDER LIGHT WOOD FLOORING

When a space is in need of additional light, it’s best to choose light wood flooring to brighten up the room. Light stains are also perfect for high-traffic areas, since they’re better at masking scratches.

EMBRACE THE POWER OF A COLORFUL RUG

A large, colorful area rug is not just a solution for defining a specific area in a home. It can also be used to inject personality into a room and show off your aesthetic.

HANG PLENTY OF MIRRORS

Double the amount of sunlight in your room by allowing it to bounce off reflective surfaces. Hang a large mirror directly across from the largest window in your room, or arrange an array of smaller mirrors to help brighten a dark staircase.