The Warm Neutral Paint Color That Brightens Up A Dark Room

A room that doesn't get much natural light or is drenched in a deep shade of paint can easily feel dark and dreary. Luckily, brightening up a space doesn't have to involve a major overhaul. A fresh coat of paint is a simple, cost-effective way to revamp a room and help it feel lighter and more inviting. The trick is finding a color that's light enough to lift the space without making it feel cold or sterile. If you're searching for a warm neutral that can instantly transform a darker room, Behr's Fresh Popcorn is a great shade to keep on your radar.

If you've ever seen freshly popped popcorn — the plain, unbuttered kind — you should have a good sense of what Fresh Popcorn looks like: a crisp white, with just a hint of warmth. The neutral shade has a high LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 89 out of 100, which means it reflects a lot of light and can make a dark room feel more open and airy. While Behr lists the color in its yellow color family, it doesn't actually read yellow at all, thanks to its cool undertone. The brand describes the shade as a "clean white", which makes it a great white paint choice to add cohesion to your home, whether you're looking to brighten up a living room, bedroom, hallway, or bathroom. 

Fresh Popcorn is a highly versatile shade that pairs well with a wide range of colors. If you're looking to inject some additional warmth into your space, consider combining it with an earthy color combination like a soft terracotta shade, such as Behr's Terra Cotta Clay, or a nature-inspired green, such as the brand's Eucalyptus Wreath. For a bolder look, you could also add deeper pops of color on trim or other accents. A steely blue like the brand's Blueprint shade, or a rich, moody red such as Behr's Red Pepper, could add a beautiful contrast to a room without overwhelming it. 

If you're looking to create a space that feels more serene, Fresh Popcorn also pairs well with other light neutrals and calming beige paint colors. Shades such as Behr's Swiss Coffee — a warm, creamy white — or Wheat Bread — a deeper beige with a rustic vibe – work especially well to create a warm, elegant, and inviting look.  While Fresh Popcorn can serve as a backdrop across walls and ceilings, it can also provide a great contrast as an accent on trim or moldings against walls painted a darker shade. For a transitional style living space, warm-wood accents, such as trim or furniture pieces, and natural stone look great against a Fresh Popcorn palette. If you're looking for a more modern look in a kitchen or bathroom, consider subway tiles and stainless steel fixtures to keep the space feeling fresh and contemporary.