Decorating with Dark Paint Colors

We have come a long, long way from the days of traditional white walls and neutral paint. There is a misconception that dark paint makes a room or furniture appear somber and gloomy. Using dark paint is also perceived to make a room look small and closed in. The truth is, dark palettes explore a more sophisticated, cozy, and dramatic effect that can draw the eye and create a space full of life and interest. Dark shades are just one piece of the puzzle, when it comes to pulling an entire room together there are some things to consider when decorating with dark paint colors.

Executing Dark Paint Colors

Dark colors can be great for unifying a room. The use of dark colors pull together elements from all eras to create a cohesive, cozy feeling. Dark paint on the walls, dark curtains, even dark furniture and cabinets have a way of pulling separate elements together in the most satisfying, sophisticated way. The richness of dark hues gives smaller rooms a bigger presence, rather than making them seem claustrophobic and small. On the other hand, dark paint on the walls encourages large spaces to not seem so vast, and warms them up giving a cozy, inviting feeling.

Create Contrast and Balance

Dark hues bring a balance to a room, especially when paired with light neutral shades and bold, bright patterns. Dark paint, whether used on all the walls, as an accent shade, or paint for furniture or cabinets, can be very grounding.

Using a mix of materials, textures, patterns and hues help bring it all together providing a balance between contrast and complementary that gives any room a level of drama, pleasure, and warmth.

Textures such as wood, metal, rattan, and textiles with some texture to them such as velvet, linen, leather, and suede add depth to the room when paired with dark paint. While patterns should be used sparingly, don’t be afraid to introduce animal print rugs, bold and vibrant stripes, graphic art, even florals used appropriately and strategically throughout the space.

And, in keeping with the ever-popular trend of bringing the outdoors inside, natural textures from jute, macrame, wood, and lots of plants are also smart decorating elements to pair with darker shades of wall paint and dark accent pieces.

Complement Architectural Details

Using dark shades can really accentuate the architectural elements of a space such as vaulted ceilings, crown molding, applied molding, and ceiling medallions; these elements add to the interest and depth of a room.

Keeping the rest of the space neutral, or using natural tones, hardwood flooring, light window treatments and natural lighting will allow the dark paint to be the star of the show and really brings the space together. Add architectural elements into the mix—and you have chef’s or rather, designer’s kiss.

Choosing a Dark Color Palette

So where to begin when choosing your shade? Well, really there is not right or wrong, even black is an option for these sophisticated designs. Popular shades are deep, gunmetal grays, rich, deep greens, navy blue, jewel tones, deep blue shades, and brown. When paired with stark white, greige, natural neutrals these tones are breathtaking and lend themselves to an array of design aesthetics.

The concept of using dark paint in your decorating isn’t limited to one particular area of the home either. Dark tones work well in all spaces from bedrooms, living rooms, even hallways and dining spaces. Dark paint is particularly trending for bathrooms right now as well. Inherently cozy rooms like family rooms, living rooms, or bedrooms also work well for experimenting with darker shades.

Achieving the Right Palette and Execution

The possibilities of decorating with dark paint are plentiful. So narrowing down exactly what you want can be a bit tricky, and since using dark paint in any way is a bold move, you want to make sure the job is executed beautifully. Trust the experts at Flowers Painting to guide you through the selection process all the way to a finished space. Contact us today for your free consultation and in-home estimate.

About Flowers Painting

Flowers Painting is a full-service interior painting company that services the entire Charlotte metro area including Mooresville, Huntersville, Davidson, Concord, Rock Hill, and more. Call today to schedule your FREE estimate at (800) 699-4558. Flowers Painting provides full painting services including color consulting, interior painting, faux finishing, textured walls, cabinet refinishing, interior stairs, handrails, and more. To see pictures of our finished work be sure to visit our website gallery.

We have come a long, long way from the days of traditional white walls and neutral paint. There is a misconception that dark paint makes a room or furniture appear somber and gloomy. Using dark paint is also perceived to make a room look small and closed in. The truth is, dark palettes explore a more sophisticated, cozy, and dramatic effect that can draw the eye and create a space full of life and interest. Dark shades are just one piece of the puzzle, when it comes to pulling an entire room together there are some things to consider when decorating with dark paint colors.

Executing Dark Paint Colors

Dark colors can be great for unifying a room. The use of dark colors pull together elements from all eras to create a cohesive, cozy feeling. Dark paint on the walls, dark curtains, even dark furniture and cabinets have a way of pulling separate elements together in the most satisfying, sophisticated way. The richness of dark hues gives smaller rooms a bigger presence, rather than making them seem claustrophobic and small. On the other hand, dark paint on the walls encourages large spaces to not seem so vast, and warms them up giving a cozy, inviting feeling.

Create Contrast and Balance

Dark hues bring a balance to a room, especially when paired with light neutral shades and bold, bright patterns. Dark paint, whether used on all the walls, as an accent shade, or paint for furniture or cabinets, can be very grounding.

Using a mix of materials, textures, patterns and hues help bring it all together providing a balance between contrast and complementary that gives any room a level of drama, pleasure, and warmth.

Textures such as wood, metal, rattan, and textiles with some texture to them such as velvet, linen, leather, and suede add depth to the room when paired with dark paint. While patterns should be used sparingly, don’t be afraid to introduce animal print rugs, bold and vibrant stripes, graphic art, even florals used appropriately and strategically throughout the space.

And, in keeping with the ever-popular trend of bringing the outdoors inside, natural textures from jute, macrame, wood, and lots of plants are also smart decorating elements to pair with darker shades of wall paint and dark accent pieces.

Complement Architectural Details

Using dark shades can really accentuate the architectural elements of a space such as vaulted ceilings, crown molding, applied molding, and ceiling medallions; these elements add to the interest and depth of a room.

Keeping the rest of the space neutral, or using natural tones, hardwood flooring, light window treatments and natural lighting will allow the dark paint to be the star of the show and really brings the space together. Add architectural elements into the mix—and you have chef’s or rather, designer’s kiss.

Choosing a Dark Color Palette

So where to begin when choosing your shade? Well, really there is not right or wrong, even black is an option for these sophisticated designs. Popular shades are deep, gunmetal grays, rich, deep greens, navy blue, jewel tones, deep blue shades, and brown. When paired with stark white, greige, natural neutrals these tones are breathtaking and lend themselves to an array of design aesthetics.

The concept of using dark paint in your decorating isn’t limited to one particular area of the home either. Dark tones work well in all spaces from bedrooms, living rooms, even hallways and dining spaces. Dark paint is particularly trending for bathrooms right now as well. Inherently cozy rooms like family rooms, living rooms, or bedrooms also work well for experimenting with darker shades.

Achieving the Right Palette and Execution

The possibilities of decorating with dark paint are plentiful. So narrowing down exactly what you want can be a bit tricky, and since using dark paint in any way is a bold move, you want to make sure the job is executed beautifully. Trust the experts at Flowers Painting to guide you through the selection process all the way to a finished space. Contact us today for your free consultation and in-home estimate.

About Flowers Painting

Flowers Painting is a full-service interior painting company that services the entire Charlotte metro area including Mooresville, Huntersville, Davidson, Concord, Rock Hill, and more. Call today to schedule your FREE estimate at (800) 699-4558. Flowers Painting provides full painting services including color consulting, interior painting, faux finishing, textured walls, cabinet refinishing, interior stairs, handrails, and more. To see pictures of our finished work be sure to visit our website gallery.