How to Lighten a Dark Room With Exposed Beams

Paint one or more walls in the room a light color, such as white, cream or off-white. Painting a room lighter is ideal if the room has a dark appearance because of dark walls. Even if you're only able to paint one wall a light accent color, it will add more brightness to the room.

Install wall sconces in two or more locations in the room to help send light upward toward the exposed beams. Wall sconces are ideal for projecting beams of light toward the ceiling. If the room's exposed beams create dark shadows, sconces will help provide light overhead.

Place lighting around the room in locations that are suitable. If you have a seating area, place a floor lamp at each end of the couch. Place table lamps on any tables that are in corners to add more light.

Mount a large mirror to one wall in the room so that it picks up a reflection from one or more of the room's lights. Mirrors are an effective way to give a room a brighter appearance without increasing your electric bill. They pick up the light and reflect it around.