Top 12 Paint Colors for Low Light Rooms to Brighten Any Space

When my brother bought his first fixer-upper, the living room was so dark it felt like a cave. With only one small window and dull gray walls, the space seemed to swallow any light that tried to sneak in.

He tried incorporating a lamp here, and a mirror there, but nothing was effective until he found the right paint color for that low light room.

Paint colors that work well in low light rooms include white, beige, yellow, blue, green, greige, pink, lavender, coral, taupe, teal, gold and plum. Each color is specifically suited to brighten and warm up a space, regardless of the natural light it gets.

The right wall paint color can transform a dark room from a dingy cave into a welcoming space. Let’s explore why the following 12 colors work so well in dimly lit spaces and get color suggestions from popular brands like Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and Benjamin Moore.

12 Best Paint Colors to Brighten Low Light Rooms

A low-light room doesn’t need to be dark and ominous. The following twelve hues are great options for lightening a space, and I’ve included my top picks from Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and Benjamin Moore to give you even more options.

#1. White

Soft whites are pretty much a no-brainer for dark spaces. They bounce light around the room, helping it look brighter and more open. I like to think of soft white walls as a blank canvas that works with any style; they provide a sense of instant calm in a space.

While soft whites can work anywhere, they can also be used in tiny offices or dim hallways to make the space appear larger and brighter.

Best White Paints from Popular Brands

Sunbleached by Sherwin Williams
Swiss Coffee by Behr
Linen White by Benjamin Moore

#2. Beige

If you want to combine warmth and brightness, creamy beiges are the way to go. Unlike stark whites, beiges add a touch of coziness without sucking the light from a room. The color gives me chilled coffee shop vibes, where you want to relax and chat in an ambient space.

If you have wood floors or furniture, creamy beige will beautifully complement the natural tones. It’s ideal for a bedroom or living space where you want to relax without feeling boxed in.

Best Beige Paints from Popular Brands

Kilim Beige by Sherwin Williams
Comfy Beige by Behr
Clay Beige by Benjamin Moore

#3. Yellow

Pale yellows are like sunshine in a can for low-light rooms; it’s a color that can make even the gloomiest room feel alive. They bring cheerful energy to a space, especially rooms that don’t get much natural light.

My sister used a soft yellow in her kitchen, which doesn’t get much natural light and has dark wood fittings. The yellow completely transformed the space, especially with its retro wall fixtures. She used white trim to complement the pale yellow and natural wood accents, which helped take her kitchen from drab status to fun and inviting.

Best Yellow Paints from Popular Brands

Sunny Veranda by Sherwin Williams
Yellow Brick Road by Behr
Good Morning Sunshine by Benjamin Moore

#4. Green

Soft greens are nature’s neutral, and they’re trending again. Greens bring a fresh, organic feel to a room, even those with barely any natural light — like having a breath of fresh air on your walls.

My neighbor has a north-facing den, and she painted it with a soft green. She can’t believe how the color transformed the space into something so inviting. Soft green pairs beautifully with light woods and soft whites for a clean, harmonious look.

Best Green Paints from Popular Brands

Great Green by Sherwin Williams
Green Bank by Behr
Cedar Green by Benjamin Moore

#5. Greige

Warm greiges are a versatile choice for dim spaces as they combine the elegance of gray with beige’s warmth. They offer just enough depth to add character without making a room feel darker.

A few years back I helped a friend redo her home office in greige paint; the transformation was remarkable. The once-pokey cave turned into a cozy yet professional space. Greige works well with cool and warm accents, so it’s a win-win.

Best Greige Paints from Popular Brands

Windsor Greige by Sherwin Williams
Greige by Behr
Stone Castle by Benjamin Moore

#6. Pink

Blush pinks aren’t just for nurseries; they’re ideal for adding subtle warmth and softness to low-light rooms, creating a welcoming atmosphere. My friend used a blush pink wall paint in her basement guest room, making the room feel like an upscale boutique hotel.

Blush pink works well in low-light spaces that require a hint of color that isn’t overpowering. Pair it with soft grays or whites for a modern look or gold-trimmed mirrors or picture frames for some bling.

Best Pink Paints from Popular Brands

Charming Pink by Sherwin Williams
Old Fashioned Pink by Behr
Ciao Bella by Benjamin Moore

#7. Lavender

Lavenders — specifically lavender grays — bring a touch of sophistication to low-light rooms. They’re light enough to brighten a space but have a unique undertone that adds personality. My friend recently redid his dining room in lavender gray, and it felt modern and cozy — a tricky combo to nail.

This color works exceptionally well with metallic accents or soft textiles like linen. It’s a delightful choice if you want something different but not too bold.

Best Lavender Paints from Popular Brands

Modern Lavender by Sherwin Williams
Lavender Bouquet by Behr
Lavender Mist by Benjamin Moore

#8. Coral

Pale coral is an excellent choice to bring warmth and energy to a low-light space without overwhelming the senses. It’s a versatile shade that works well in casual and elegant settings.

My cousin lives on a farm, and she painted her mudroom pale coral. The color completely transformed what was once a dark, forgotten space. Pale coral is a great option if you want a subtle, uplifting color to let other decor elements shine.

Best Coral Paints from Popular Brands

Corallite by Sherwin Williams
Coralette by Behr
Antique Coral by Benjamin Moore

#9. Taupe

Light taupes are understated and timeless colors, perfect for low-light rooms. They add the right amount of warmth while keeping things neutral. I used a light taupe in my spare room, which doubles as a home office, and it made the space feel calm but still focused.

Light taupe works especially well with black or white accents, creating a modern yet approachable vibe. It’s ideal for spaces that need a little versatility.

Best Taupe Paints from Popular Brands

Taupe of the Morning by Sherwin Williams
Parisian Taupe by Behr
Weimaraner by Benjamin Moore

#10. Teal

Soft teal brings a hint of color and a lot of charm to dim spaces. They feel cool and refreshing without being cold.

I used it in our laundry room and it brightened up the space immensely and even had a coastal retreat feel.

Teal pairs beautifully with white trim and natural textures like wicker or light wood, making it perfect for spaces where you want to create a relaxed yet polished look.

Best Teal Paints from Popular Brands

Calypso by Sherwin Williams
Teal Zeal by Behr
Kokopelli Teal by Benjamin Moore

#11. Gold

Warm golds bring a cozy, welcoming glow to low-light rooms. They’re rich but not overpowering, making them great for dining rooms and dens.

My friend redid her bedroom and en-suite in a pale, warm gold because she wanted the depth and to feel like royalty, and it did the job!

Light, warm golds pair beautifully with warm wood tones, creams, deep reds, and greens for a classic, inviting feel.

Best Gold Paints from Popular Brands

Empire Gold by Sherwin Williams
Golden Chalice by Behr
Princeton Gold by Benjamin Moore

#12. Plum

Edible shades of purple, like plum, have fiery red undertones, making them ideal for north facing rooms. Choose this unusual purple shade to create coziness in a chilly living room.

This ripe pigment will add glow and energy to a dark, shaded study in summer. Pair plum with blush pinks and forest greens for retro charm.

Pluck one of these rich plum paints:

Expressive Plum by Sherwin-Williams
Plum Royale by Behr
Plum Perfect by Benjamin Moore

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right paint color for a low light room can completely change how the space looks and feels. The key is selecting a shade that enhances light and adds personality to your space. Excellent options include neutrals like soft white, taupe, beige, or greige, or more vivid options like coral, yellow, pink, plum, green, lavender, gold, and teal.

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