How do I brighten up dark efficiency apt with paint?

GloriaKay...You are definitely on the right track with the light colors. Make sure it is okay with your landlord that you paint. Due to your circumstances with COPD...if the landlord has no problem with the painting... why not call some friends, family, etc. and ask them to come to a painting party? It could be done in no time if you have help and everybody could enjoy the time you are able to share! Hope things work for you! and God bless you also.

I like a Color like Magnolia. It is an off white with a tint of yellow i believe. It works well with just about any other colors.

Hi, Gloria,

Given your COPD, it would be best to have friends or family paint for you, first washing the walls (who knows when they were done, previously?), then prime and paint in a warm white shade or soft yellow, using a paint low in VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are less likely to bother your lungs.

Using newer LED lightbulbs with a "warm" rating of 860 lumens or more, and a Kelvin rating (should appear on the package) of 2700 Kelvin should brighten your space. Look for bulbs having 11-15 watt ratings, for the best lighting. You'll need at least 4 in each room to brighten your larger room's areas. Ideally, several floor lamps with white or pale beige fabric shades will brighten corners, as will similar tall table lamps. These bulbs use much less electricity and last forever.

Do not place LED bulbs into closed fixtures unless the packaging states they may be used in such fixtures.

,

Try using Whipped by Clare paint. It's a gorgeous creamy white that brings a little warmth to a space while also brightening it.