Light Accents in Dark Rooms

Last week a few of you encouraged me to consider sheer white curtains for my small and dark-colored guest bedroom. And I'm taking your advice to heart. In doing so, I've come across quite a few light accents in dark rooms:

While my little room doesn't have the space for much additional furniture and accessories, these inspiring images definitely have me leaning toward a white accent at the window treatments. Other places to lighten up a dark space:

bedding

ceiling

upholstery

furniture

pillows and other decorative accessories

rugs

Images: Better Homes & Gardens, White & Wander original source unknown, Skona Hem, Sunset, Ishka Designs

Comments (9)

my current favorite dark room with light accents is Hip House Girl's art/sewing/craft/music room. Dark walls, light curtains. Love.

I guess I don't get having dark walls and light furniture; it looks great in pictures, but it's so much more practical to have light walls and dark furniture. Light furniture gets dirty and old looking so much quicker.

Scotchguard the light furniture for longer wear.

Beautiful.

Photo 3 is Atelier Abigail Ahern. The designer's living room.

Does anyone know the source of the duvet cover (hoping is a duvet cover) in photo 5?
Thanks!

General rule of thumb is that if your walls are dark you should go with light accents. If your walls are white and the room is just dim because there's little sunlight, go with bright colors, not light colors.

Is it really a light "accent" if everything in the room besides the paint is light?

loving every one of these photos!