What easy and affordable way can I update my small, dark living room?

Painting is one of the cheapest ways to refresh a room and brighten it up. I've found painting the ceiling a bright white satin to reflect more light. I like lighter shades of color for walls which creates more openess. Use brights for accent pieces. Good lighting is key in creating a warm, bright inviting room.

I am decorating clients homes all the time who are on a very tight budget. I hunt down drapes, comforters, accent pieces, fabrics at thrift stores. Furniture is very cheap at Habitat for Humanity Restore, Human Society Thrift store, Goodwill, and for new stuff, I've had good luck with Wayfair.com and Overstocked.com for new pieces. Great slipcovers can update a room without having to replace the furniture if its functional. January is the best month to buy household furniture and linens, take advantage of sales.

I always start with decorating and home magazines for pictures to provide inspiration... once you have that vision, its hunting down the items to make it happen or creating them yourself.

I love Sharon's advice. I would add, go light with your favorite color, and hang at least two mirrors in your living room to bounce the light around. 😊

I'd like to add lightening up the window treatments makes a huge difference. There are ways to add privacy without heavy window coverings. An insulated shade, window films and curtains you only pull at night are great. Uncover the window for a day and try it out!

solatubes will make a big difference. under $500. have had them installed in 3 homes. great investment.

All good suggestions, especially mirrors, light paint and window coverings. I would also avoid heavy/ busy patterns, or too many small decorative items, since clutter seems to steal the light. Avoid heavy rugs. Beachy colours and light woven curtains seem to make everything light, airy and summery. Keep sofa legs visible and maybe have a glass top table. Add more lighting, with lamps or stronger bulbs. many discount stores sell lightweight fabrics.