Decorating
How to Use Dark Shades to Best Effect in Your Home
These 12 bold and beautiful spaces will inspire you to move to the dark side with confidence
With colour a key factor in defining the mood and balance of a room, it would be a shame to shy away from rich, dark hues. Black, navy and charcoal are versatile shades that can work to wonderful effect – and not only in large spaces. Take a look at how these rooms combine dark and light for a classic yet ultra-modern style statement.
2. Get the lighting right
Lighting plays a key supporting role in the success of your newly dark walls, so it pays to consider this element at the time you’re planning to paint. Is the room dimly lit or does natural sunlight pour in? Light colours expand a space and dark colours contract it, so dark shades might not be best if you’re trying to achieve an airy, open feel.
Lighting plays a key supporting role in the success of your newly dark walls, so it pays to consider this element at the time you’re planning to paint. Is the room dimly lit or does natural sunlight pour in? Light colours expand a space and dark colours contract it, so dark shades might not be best if you’re trying to achieve an airy, open feel.
3. Pick the perfect paint
We’re not just referring to the colour here – the finish counts for a lot, especially with dark, bold paint colours. Gloss can be the most unforgiving but also the most durable, so look to semi- or high-gloss for bathrooms and kitchens. For bedrooms and living areas, matt is a more subdued option.
We’re not just referring to the colour here – the finish counts for a lot, especially with dark, bold paint colours. Gloss can be the most unforgiving but also the most durable, so look to semi- or high-gloss for bathrooms and kitchens. For bedrooms and living areas, matt is a more subdued option.
4. Highlight architectural features
Window trims, crown moulding, cabinetry and detailing around light fixtures can often be lost when blanketed in a neutral palette. Using white sparingly will allow features such as a fireplace to make a bold statement against a dark wall.
See more dark-toned contemporary interiors
Window trims, crown moulding, cabinetry and detailing around light fixtures can often be lost when blanketed in a neutral palette. Using white sparingly will allow features such as a fireplace to make a bold statement against a dark wall.
See more dark-toned contemporary interiors
5. Go monochrome
Like the opposing yet complementary energies of Yin and Yang, there’s no simpler way to make black work than by pairing it with white. It’s a classic look that never dates, but try keeping decor to a minimum with the exception of some lush greenery, which injects just the right amount of colour and texture to a monochrome scheme.
Like the opposing yet complementary energies of Yin and Yang, there’s no simpler way to make black work than by pairing it with white. It’s a classic look that never dates, but try keeping decor to a minimum with the exception of some lush greenery, which injects just the right amount of colour and texture to a monochrome scheme.
6. Up the personality
Grey, charcoal and navy can feel utilitarian, so don’t be afraid to add a burst of colour to a dark space. Colourful, printed textiles or a striking artwork will inject personality and make a pared- back space unique in an instant.
The dos and don’ts of displaying art
Grey, charcoal and navy can feel utilitarian, so don’t be afraid to add a burst of colour to a dark space. Colourful, printed textiles or a striking artwork will inject personality and make a pared- back space unique in an instant.
The dos and don’ts of displaying art
7. Try an edgy exterior
For a look that says ‘non-conformist’, turn to dark charcoal hues on the outside of your home. This look is particularly suited to those who love Scandi minimalism or industrial chic – think clean lines and exposed brick paired with a chalky, matt finish.
For a look that says ‘non-conformist’, turn to dark charcoal hues on the outside of your home. This look is particularly suited to those who love Scandi minimalism or industrial chic – think clean lines and exposed brick paired with a chalky, matt finish.
8. Start with flawless walls
Just like your favourite dark nail polish, small chips and bumps in a dark painted wall will be much more obvious than with lighter, more forgiving hues. Ensure every little hole, lump and crack is filled and smooth before reaching for the paint brush.
Just like your favourite dark nail polish, small chips and bumps in a dark painted wall will be much more obvious than with lighter, more forgiving hues. Ensure every little hole, lump and crack is filled and smooth before reaching for the paint brush.
9. Soften with textiles
A dark, moody shade can sometimes harden a space, so soften things up with sheer, lightweight curtains that drape from celling to floor. Introducing luxe textiles such as velvet and wool also aid in making a dark room welcoming.
A dark, moody shade can sometimes harden a space, so soften things up with sheer, lightweight curtains that drape from celling to floor. Introducing luxe textiles such as velvet and wool also aid in making a dark room welcoming.
10. Add texture for dimension
Bold, dark hues don’t need other colours to contend with. Instead, employ texture to create a sense of depth by using a lick of dark paint on brick, concrete and wood-panelled walls.
Bold, dark hues don’t need other colours to contend with. Instead, employ texture to create a sense of depth by using a lick of dark paint on brick, concrete and wood-panelled walls.
11. Decide on a feature wall
If your room is on the smaller side, or you simply want to test the waters, painting just one wall is a low-risk way to make a big impact. When choosing where to lay your brush, don’t automatically go for the largest wall – if the layout of the room naturally makes one wall stand out, go with that one to avoid competing for attention.
20 fabulous feature wall ideas
If your room is on the smaller side, or you simply want to test the waters, painting just one wall is a low-risk way to make a big impact. When choosing where to lay your brush, don’t automatically go for the largest wall – if the layout of the room naturally makes one wall stand out, go with that one to avoid competing for attention.
20 fabulous feature wall ideas
12. Play with contrasts
Painting the interior of your bookcase in a dark hue can help reduce the appearance of clutter. This works particularly well for hiding TVs and other electronics in entertainment units, as well as helping to make light-coloured decor items such as vases and photo frames really stand out.
Tell us
What are your favourite dark paint colours? Would you be willing to use them in your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More
See more contemporary home projects
Painting the interior of your bookcase in a dark hue can help reduce the appearance of clutter. This works particularly well for hiding TVs and other electronics in entertainment units, as well as helping to make light-coloured decor items such as vases and photo frames really stand out.
Tell us
What are your favourite dark paint colours? Would you be willing to use them in your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More
See more contemporary home projects
Some spaces are better suited than others when it comes to a dark and moody makeover. For example, grey – a colour associated with sophistication, seriousness and practicality – might be better in a home office as opposed to a rumpus room.