What colors to use for a house that has very little lighting?
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I am guessing your are referring inside. Color suggestions are very personal so since there is very little lighting keep everything on a neutral side on the walls and pop color with accessories.
Janet has the right idea, neutral for the walls then add different colors in your decor. Is your furniture dark? Add pops of bright color with pillows, throws, etc.
1-Large mirrors and lamps may help reflect and multiply any light you do have.
2-Light toned floors and/or rugs really help lighten a room.
3-We had a dark, north-facing entryway and dining room in our townhouse: We hired a company to install a medium-size light-tube reflector into our ceiling. This isn't cheap - about $800, but it made all the difference in the amount of light we now enjoy, and it saves electricity because we don't need to turn lights during the day. Of course this would be cheaper if someone in your household is able to install this kind of thing.
Definitely a light carpet or area rug. Even if you have darker furniture, the light rug will help reflect any light in the room and help "ground" the room in a light color.
Your paint color should be light as well. Any neutral color works well such as Agreeable Gray (very light gray) or Accessible Beige works or any variation of those.
Lighten up your room with lamps and accent lighting as well.
My girlfriend has a stunning custom built home in a craftsman style. But due to the location, surrounding area and style of house, it is always dark inside in spite of all the windows. One must always put lights on in any room even during the day. She uses lots of color and all on the lighter pale shades, uses lots of mirrors and has a million lamps. Most of them are bought second or third hand, dumpster dived, garage saled and thrift stores. Then she gives them a makeover to suit the intended space in the house (it is over 5,000 sq. ft.) Might be something to consider. I love visiting as I live in a 1,100 sq. ft. Mid-80's tract box. My "guest quaeters wing" is bigger than my entire house. The closet is bigger than my bedroom and the bathroom is heavenly . . . Sorry for the tangent . . . Time for me to go visit her again!