How to Decorate with Dark Colours

Introducing dark colours into your interiors can create a bold, dramatic and chic aesthetic, but it can feel a little intimidating to get started. Putting that first coat of dark paint on the wall makes an immediate impact and you want to ensure that it’s the right type of impact – one that adds depth, elegance and a touch of elegance to your space. Whether you’re thinking of painting, adding dark furniture or some moody accents, this blog will delve into decorating with dark colours and provide tips and guidance to help you embrace dark colours with confidence.

Why Choose Dark Colours?

Dark colours such as navy, charcoal, a dark green or deep burgundy can really transform a space, creating a sense of cosiness and elegance. These colours are incredibly versatile, working well in many design styles, from contemporary to industrial and classic. They offer the perfect backdrop for your lighter furniture and allow for bold accents.

Guide to Decorating with Dark Colours

Start Small

If this is your first time decorating with dark colours, start small and see what you think. You could start with an accent wall, an armchair or even some accessories such as cushions or curtains. This will give you an insight into whether this particular shade works in your space without you having to commit fully to the process.

Balance with Lighter Elements

To ensure that a dark room doesn’t feel too oppressive, think about how you can balance it out. This could be through introducing lighter furniture and accessories such as artwork or rugs. For example, pair a deep green wall with a cream or beige sofa, or use light wood floors and white walls to contrast a charcoal sofa.

Layer with Textures

While a dark wall can provide real character, these colours can appear flat – it’s easy to prevent that from happening by complementing them with a variety of textures. Think of materials such as velvet, leather or upholstery and add further textiles such as rugs, throws and cushions, all of which will create more depth and character.

Think about Lighting

A dark room requires good lighting. Consider mixing your lighting with ambient and accent lighting, which will help create a cosy and welcoming ambience. Wall sconces and floor lamps are a great option. And to ensure you get that warmth from your interior, opt for warm light bulbs – it makes a real difference.

Reflect Light

Create Contrast

A dark wall provides the perfect backdrop for bursts of colour. This could be artwork, vases or other decorative objects in lighter colours, all of which break up the space and bring your dark walls to life. Metallics such as brass or gold are also a great option, with a darker backdrop giving them an opportunity to shine.

A dark wall serves as an ideal backdrop for vibrant splashes of color. This could include artwork, vases, or other decorative objects in lighter shades that enhance the space and bring your dark walls to life. Metallics like brass or gold are also excellent choices, as the darker background makes them stand out beautifully.

Try Before You Commit

If you’re nervous about going for a bolder, darker wall colour – try painting some of your chosen colour onto some paper and stick it to the wall. Live it for a few days to get a feel for it before committing to anything.

Furniture Ideas

Furniture has a large role to play in a darker room, creating a balanced aesthetic. And with a dark backdrop, you have the opportunity to choose some bright, bold colours that will really stand out.

• Light-coloured sofas and chairs: A soft, neutral sofa or chair will provide the perfect contrast to your dark walls. Shades such as ivory, taupe or light grey work particularly well.
• Dark furniture: If it’s not dark walls that you’re interested in but dark furniture, there’s a plethora of beautiful options available. Think about rich textures such as a velvet navy sofa or a leather armchair. If you do introduce dark furniture, think about how to balance that out in other areas of your room – ie lighter walls and lighter accessories.

Overcoming Common Concerns

Choosing a darker colour for your room will inevitably create concern but with careful consideration, these can all be allayed.

If you’re worried that dark colours will make your room feel small, that is definitely not the case. Dark colours can blur the edges of a room and create a cosy cocoon-like effect. If you keep the ceiling a light colour, this will enhance the sense of space.

Another concern about darker colours is that it will make your interior feel gloomy or depressing. It’s actually quite the opposite! With the right lighting and furniture/accessories to balance the space, dark colours add a real richness and warmth to your interior.

The key to decorating with dark colours is to do your research. Look at colour combinations, order samples, consider contrast and look at lighting and accessories that will bring out the warmth of your chosen shade. Dark colours shouldn’t be feared in interiors, they should be celebrated!