How willing are you to either paint or even remove some of that panelling (e.g. ceiling and/or some walls)? Either that or put in a skylight.

We had wood walls in some rooms upstairs.Someone stained them dark.We pickled the wood I like it.Its correct for our 1700 farmhouse.

I can't remove any of the dark wood; apparently too attached:) We are pondering putting in shutters on the three windows and wondered if painting them in a cream color would help the situation. Not sure how the painted shutters will look against the dark wood. If anyone has photos, would love to see your project. Thanks for your suggestions!

we have a similar problem, especially now that it is winter. for us it is dark paint colors (that we chose) and some dark furniture. lights don't seem to help really...some things like light curtains, white woodwork, and especially anything on a horizontal surface that is white (like a white tablecloth) spreads the existing light around more. if i were you i would try some fabric (use a light sheet as simulated curtain/shutter for a few days) i actually sort of like it dark, but i understand what you are talking about! kren

Use things shiny metal things as decorative accents in the room, like brass lamps or whatnot. Shining brightly colored porcelain items also brighten an interior.
This is why the Victorians were fond of brass, crystal, mirrors, porcelains, etc. These things reflect the light and perk up a dark room.

Put as many lamps, uplights, etc. that you can around the room. People don't realize how poorly their lighting is until they find themselves in the dark. LOL Uplights behind a plant or anything that is in the corner will reflect light onto the ceiling and wall, floor lamps bring a lot of light into a room. Also, when chosing bulbs you may want to consider broad spectrum or "blue" lights, i.e., Reveal Bulbs by G.E. is one brand, but there are others. This give you bright white light as opposed to yellow light. Make sure your lamp shades are light in color.

Hang art on the wall that has light backgrounds. If you can, place lighter colored area rugs on the floor and get some pillows for the sofa, etc. to coordinate with the rugs. If you haven't already, place a throw across the back of the sofa that has a light background.

Would love to see a photo. Can you post one?

Unadorned windows with maybe a small 'eyebrow' valance at the top will let in more light; in an early farmhouse, this should be an acceptable look especially if there are other features to add warmth. And super clean window panes make a room look noticeably brighter.

Boy, I'll certainly agree with the last post! I had never had the problem in Victorian aged homes, especially town homes, where windows were practically floor to ceiling and plentiful. However, when one gets into the older homes of Federal Vintage, glass and windows were expensive and homes heated by hearths, and windows were smaller and fewer.

Every window in my 1820s house has just such a treatment. I use valances and skip the curtains. We are rural and it is starting to develop a bit now so I have installed wooden blinds to the downstairs windows for privacy at night now, but they pull up and are hidden behind the valances in the day hours.

You would be very surprised how much of a difference spotless glass makes. I go into the winter now cleaning the windows and try to keep them that way, and it's difficult since I use gas heat and it does gum them up rapidly, when coupled with the dust of an old home.

I painted one wall of my kitchen dark red and it's very important which wall you consider for going dark. The one I did was opposite the bank of south facing windows. MISTAKE! I noticed immediately how the winter's light was absorbed into the dark paint and not reflected. Your walls opposing window light need to be light to reflect what sunlight does come in.

We also went to very, very light wooden floors in the living room area. It brightened the room up immeasurably. Also got rid of any paint or carpeting with grey tones. The warmer side of the spectrum like camels, ecru and beige helps to make a room look sunnier. Lamps.......lamps and more lamps all with the CFL bulbs, so we can afford to use them generously.