DIY Hacks to Brighten Up Your Spare Room

If your spare room feels more like a forgotten corner of your home than a space full of potential, you’re not alone. Whether you’re preparing for guests, turning it into a rental, or just want to give it a new purpose, brightening up your spare room can breathe new life into your home and luckily, you don’t need a full renovation to do it.

With a bit of creativity, elbow grease, and a few budget-friendly supplies, you can transform your spare room into a cheerful and inviting space. Here are some DIY ideas to brighten up your spare room and make it a space you’ll be proud to show off.

Top Tips to Brighten Up Your Room

1. Let There Be Light

Lighting is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to brighten up a room, especially rooms that might not get a ton of natural sunlight.

You can start by replacing heavy drapes with sheer curtains to let more daylight in. If the room doesn’t get much sun, layer your lighting with a mix of ambient (ceiling or overhead), task (desk or reading), and accent lighting (fairy lights or wall sconces).

You can install dimmable LED bulbs to adjust brightness levels depending on the time of day or mood. Want a cosy reading nook vibe? A warm-toned table lamp and some twinkly lights strung above the bed or along the wall can do wonders.

You could even paint your lampshade interiors white or use reflective bulb covers to diffuse the light even better.

2. Pick the Right Paint Colours

Choosing the right colour palette is so important when trying to brighten a dark or dull room. Light, neutral tones reflect more light and give the illusion of a larger space.

Soft whites, pale greys, pastel blues, and warm beiges are excellent choices for small or underused rooms. If you want to add some personality to the space, go for an accent wall in a cheerful colour like peach, mint, or sunshine yellow.

Paint is one of the most affordable DIY tools in your arsenal; just a weekend project and a few gallons can completely transform the energy of a space.

Here’s a tip – if your ceilings are low, paint them a shade lighter than the walls to create an illusion of height.

3. Use Mirrors

Mirrors are a powerful secret weapon when it comes to brightening up a room. They bounce light around, making the space feel larger and more open.

Thrift or repurpose old mirrors and place them opposite windows or light sources to reflect light. Try creating a mirror wall collage using frames of different shapes and sizes for a stylish look.

You can also try mirrored furniture or accessories (like a reflective side table or a mirror-backed bookshelf) to really make the room brighter without going overboard.

4. Update the Door

Updating the door can be a quick and easy DIY hack, with there being multiple ways to do this. Repainting the door is the most obvious because of how much of an impact it can have. Then there are the slightly more subtle DIY hacks you can go with, too.

Replacing the door handle can be a great option. It’s just a matter of going with the right replacement for the room. Black door handles and similar options can always be some of the more notable options to go for.

5. Upcycle Old Furniture with a Lighter Touch

That dark, bulky dresser or side table may be dragging the room down. But before tossing it, consider a DIY refresh.

Sand and repaint furniture in light tones, think soft white, pastel green, or even blush pink. Swap out heavy handles or knobs with sleeker, modern ones in brushed brass or matte black.

Upcycling is eco-friendly and great for budget-conscious DIYers. It allows you to infuse the room with your personal style. Chalk paint is particularly easy to use and gives a charming, vintage finish with minimal prep work.

6. Embrace Minimalist Decor

A cluttered space can feel heavy and dim. Simplify your design choices to let the room breathe, and the light do its magic.

Stick to lighter fabrics, such as linen or cotton, and avoid heavy textiles like velvet or thick wool. Use neutral bedding, lightweight rugs, and simple furniture to create a calm, open space.

Consider floating shelves instead of bulky bookcases. And don’t be afraid of white space; sometimes, less really is more.

7. Bring in Plants for a Natural Glow

Houseplants purify the air and also add life, colour, and freshness to any space.

Place a few low-maintenance plants like pothos, snake plants, or ZZ plants near windows or on top of shelves. If your room doesn’t have a lot of sunlight, go for faux greenery or invest in grow lights.

You can also DIY your own planters. Paint terracotta pots in bright colours, hang macramé plant holders, or repurpose old mugs and bowls as quirky containers.

8. Incorporate Reflective or Glossy Surfaces

In addition to mirrors, other shiny surfaces can help reflect light and brightness. Choose picture frames, trays, or wall art with metallic or glass finishes. Glossy tiles or high-shine furniture accents also help reflect natural and artificial light throughout the room.

Even a simple trick, like using a lacquered desk or a high-gloss white shelf, can make a subtle but powerful impact.

9. Turn It Into a Multi-Use Space

If your spare room sits empty most of the time, give it a dual purpose. A multi-functional space feels more intentional, and you’re more likely to keep it tidy, organised, and welcoming.

Create a home office or guest room combo with a Murphy bed or a fold-out sofa. Add a wall-mounted desk and floating shelves to save floor space. Use neutral decor so the space still looks good, whether it’s being used for work or rest.

Need extra motivation? If you’re in a city and you’re looking to rent out your spare room, sprucing it up can help attract roommates faster. Check out www.spareroom.com to find roommates in LA, NYC, Boston, or anywhere else in the US.

10. Add a Statement Piece

While keeping the room light and minimal is key, a bold element can really make the space pop.

Try a bright piece of artwork, a colourful armchair, or a patterned area rug. The contrast draws the eye and adds personality without overwhelming the room. You can even DIY your own art using canvas, stencils, and acrylic paint, customised exactly to your colour scheme.

11. Refresh With Scent and Sound

Creating a bright space isn’t just about what you see. It’s also about what you feel. A room that smells fresh and sounds peaceful feels instantly more inviting.

Use essential oil diffusers or make your own room sprays with citrus, lavender, or eucalyptus. Add a small Bluetooth speaker and create a calming playlist to make the room feel like a cosy escape.

Final Thoughts

Your spare room doesn’t have to be a storage closet or a lifeless afterthought. With these DIY hacks, you can turn it into a bright, beautiful, and functional space without blowing your budget. Whether you’re transforming it for guests, roommates, or yourself, the key is to let in more light, simplify the design, and infuse it with thoughtful details.