I guess I don't really see this a that big of a dilemma. There are two types of light: natural and artificial. if you don't have enough natural light, you fix that with artificial light. I read something once where it said every space should have 5 sources of lighting and that is a motto I still go by in general. Your living room needs lamps. That is how you will get light in there. Get your couch out of that bay window and bring it into the center of the room, and either put a console table behind it with two lamps on it, or get two end tables and put a lamp on each. This is not an issue you're going to fix with paint.

Hello. I'm not a pro and currently have my own design dilemma going on at this moment and have been receiving very helpful advice! I have a couple comments: many brands of paint list 'light reflecting value' on the shades they offer. The values vary quite a bit. The higher the value, the brighter it will be. That might help. Am also thinking a warmer shade instead of white on your walls; something with yellow undertones.... even blues & greens can have yellow undertones. White can be very drab even though it's light. Possibly add a colorful rug under your table? Colorful placemats or a runner on the table? A bright centerpiece? As cpaul suggested, definitely add lamps. The corner next to the smaller sofa is very dark and needs a lamp or floor lamp. Framed art and/or a mirror (opposite the windows) will reflect light around the room too. Avoid dark frames. Hope some pros comment on your dilemma.

I noticed that your furniture is also dark - sofa and dining chairs. I have some dining chairs shaped like your and used cream colored Ikea slipcovers to brighten my dining room. You might be able to slipcover the sofas too. I agree with checking to see if you can put a mirror across from the bay window or the sliders. I agree with adding recessed lights and solar tubes if you can.

The mini blinds aren't helping. Maybe you put them down for the camera, but they need to be up all the time. If you posted a few pics from other angels we could see what other light you have.

If you don't have a second level, have you thought of a solar tube or two to bring in more natural light?

Try placing mirrors opposite of the windows to bounce light. Also try changing out the bulbs in your lights, adding lamps, and adding lighter decor around. Perhaps if we see more photos of the room we can help more?

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I would try moving your couch to another spot that is not right under the window. I can tell by the side window that it is blocking about 12-15" of the lower window and casting a shadow toward the center of the room. Just doing that alone should bring more light into the room.

I also like to paint with Semi-Gloss paint (ceiling and walls). This will reflect the light and make the room much brighter

You have not responded as to whether your home is one story or not. If one story, I wholeheartedly agree with the addition of a solar tube or two. My living room, oak paneled (ugh!) and poorly lit from windows, was very dark. DH wouldn't hear of painting the sacred wood, and I hated how dark it was. Two solar panels later...presto change-o! It has made a huge difference.

I agree with others to move your sofa so it wouldnt block the light from the window.. and then I suggest you change your shades, instead of using vertical blind like it was, you can change into a rolled shades, the one that can be rolled out completely so that you can maximise the natural light that come in.. and then I would suggest to change your furniture to a lighter color, including sofas, curtains, dining chairs.. And I can see on the left side that there is a space where you put artwork above the sofa, instead of artwork you can change that into a nice big mirror, the mirror will reflect the natural light

Sorry for the delay, but the home is two stories, so the solar tube option won't work unfortunately.

There is no miracle wall color or furniture that are going to fix your space. You must use artificial lighting. The ideal lighting is such that you can adjust both the brightness of the light as well as the color (bright cool light during day, dim warmer light in the evening).