8 Paint Colors That Will Instantly Brighten Dim Rooms, Designers Say

Setting Plaster by Farrow & Ball

When working with dim spaces, color choice becomes especially important.

“Rather than relying on cool grays or stark whites—which can feel flat or lifeless without ample natural light—we tend to gravitate toward warmer neutrals and softly pigmented hues that reflect light, while also adding depth,” says Jordan Cashman, principal designer and owner of Sage Interiors.

Colors with subtle warmth or complex undertones, like Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster, help a space feel intentional and inviting.

Greek Villa by Sherwin-Williams

You can still use white paint in dim spaces—the key is to choose a variation with some depth.

“Greek Villa by Sherwin-Williams is the perfect white for a dimly lit space because of its slightly warm undertone, which allows it to reflect light,” says interior designer Melissa Dyckman. “Its depth keeps a room from feeling stark, dull, and shadowy.” 

Natural Cream by Benjamin Moore

In this dim foyer, Benjamin Moore's Natural Cream swoops in to provide some airiness. It’s another warm, creamy hue that serves as a beautiful neutral.

“It reflects the light that's available without feeling stark or clinical,” says Ryan Mills, an interior designer with Mark Kennamer Design. “It gently brightens the walls, while still adding depth, helping the room feel more open and inviting.”

Shiitake by Sherwin-Williams

For another mid-toned paint color, Cashman is a fan of Sherwin Williams’ Shiitake.

“This color adds depth and richness without feeling heavy, especially when balanced with lighter trim, natural materials, and layered lighting,” she says. "It creates warmth and visual interest while maintaining a relaxed, timeless feel.”

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Mouse’s Back by Farrow & Ball

When designing this butler’s pantry, interior designer Katie Kiser immediately knew she wanted to use an earthy neutral to bring a sense of calm, without going too dark.

“Mouse’s Back by Farrow & Ball was the perfect shade to contrast with the softer kitchen tones, hide children’s fingerprints, and keep the light from the adjacent kitchen bouncing around,” she says. “It's the perfect middle ground between a light and a dark palette."

Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore

In some dim rooms, the most successful approach is to embrace the lack of light rather than fight it. This sitting room—situated next to a covered outdoor space—lends itself perfectly to that approach. Here, Mills opted for Benjamin Moore’s Newportbury Blue. 

“Deep blues can create a rich, enveloping atmosphere that feels intentional and refined,” Mills says. “Instead of reading as gloomy, the color plays off the furniture and creates drama, making the space feel cozy and interesting.”

This approach works especially well in intimate rooms where mood and character are more important than brightness. 

Gunmetal by Benjamin Moore

Dyckman agrees that using a moody color like Benjamin Moore's Gunmetal in an already dark space can actually make a room feel larger, blurring the edges and minimizing contrast.

"It's technically a gray, but it reads as a deep blue, and because of that, it keeps its clarity over other grays in dark spaces," she says. Paired with light cabinets in this bathroom, it's a perfect mix of light and dark tones.

Yorktowne Green by Benjamin Moore

Moody greens, like Yorktowne Green by Benjamin Moore, are another beautiful choice for low-light spaces.

“These tones absorb light in a way that creates softness rather than harsh shadows,” Mills says. “When paired with reflective finishes like brass or lacquer, the depth of the paint color feels balanced and intentional.”