How can I brighten up a dark room?

Use layers of lighting. Floor lamp, end table lighting and task lighting. My small living room is dark too due to the front porch overhang. I have a floor lamp, buffet lights on a console table in the front window and an end table lamp. I also have a small reading light there too. Painting the room a light shade will help as well. And don't overlook using framed mirrors to bounce light around the room.

Hi Marion, you can make a faux window to add some natural feeling light,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xquMx-mF3i0

Lighting and reflective materials will help. Don’t bother with white or light paint as it will always look dirty and dingy in a dark room.

Here's a post that might help https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/room-ideas/g3464/how-to-brighten-a-dark-room/

Go on Amazon [because they are much cheaper] and purchase some 150-200 watt LED bulbs. These are LED so they do not consume a lot of electricity. I bought the 150's for my bedroom, because of the same reason you state. And then I was able to paint my room a soothing green.

I would add some mirrors as well as layered lighting. The mirrors will help to reflect the light and make the room feel much brighter and lighter. You can always pick them up for very little at thrift shops.

Here's a bunch of ideas:

https://www.kenarry.com/how-to-brighten-a-dark-room/

White walls, mirrors and LEDS would brighten up the room. Home and Garden DIY Ideas | Hometalk

When was the last time that the room was painted?

Painting just the ceiling can lighten a room a great deal, as over time, ceilings can get dirty, and look dingy.

How in love are you with the conifer? Removing it completely would allow much more natural light to come into the home.

Hi Marion,

Lighting that floods the walls (String lights). Mirrors. Are you unable to cut the conifer down or into a shape that could be more pleasing?