Decorating
Welcome to the Dark Side: Decorating With Deep-Toned Carpets
Lay down some vivid and confident foundations with a richly coloured carpet that will create the ultimate comfort zone
A dark and richly coloured carpet can transform the look of a room in a flash, not only because of the bold and adventurous message it conveys, but because of the way it can create different depths, tones and moods.
In the past, dark carpets have been associated with dated room schemes of the ’70s and ’80s. However, the rich, contemporary palettes that are available today offer elegant and sophisticated alternatives to old-school colours, all while anchoring those neutral interior schemes we tend to favour. If you’re unsure whether your home could handle an intensely coloured floor, take a look at these captivating spaces… and think again.
In the past, dark carpets have been associated with dated room schemes of the ’70s and ’80s. However, the rich, contemporary palettes that are available today offer elegant and sophisticated alternatives to old-school colours, all while anchoring those neutral interior schemes we tend to favour. If you’re unsure whether your home could handle an intensely coloured floor, take a look at these captivating spaces… and think again.
Purple’s on the rise
Want to dazzle guests with a striking hallway? Then you can’t go wrong with an intense purple that will create a strong, contemporary contrast against paler, crisp walls. Visually, the dark carpet will accentuate the height and length of staircases by drawing attention to the entire floor area, making it feel longer and larger, while disguising any marks or dirt in high-traffic spots.
Want to dazzle guests with a striking hallway? Then you can’t go wrong with an intense purple that will create a strong, contemporary contrast against paler, crisp walls. Visually, the dark carpet will accentuate the height and length of staircases by drawing attention to the entire floor area, making it feel longer and larger, while disguising any marks or dirt in high-traffic spots.
Turn down the pace
Cool blue is not a natural choice for bedrooms, which generally call for a warm and cosy ambience, but opting for an icy-blue carpet that has a subtle shimmer will add a touch of luxury and instantly ramp up the comfort factor. You can then heighten the decadence with complementary tactile fabrics that will make you want to curl up and hibernate.
The 6 secrets to designing a luxury bedroom
Cool blue is not a natural choice for bedrooms, which generally call for a warm and cosy ambience, but opting for an icy-blue carpet that has a subtle shimmer will add a touch of luxury and instantly ramp up the comfort factor. You can then heighten the decadence with complementary tactile fabrics that will make you want to curl up and hibernate.
The 6 secrets to designing a luxury bedroom
Set a formal tone
If you’re going to use carpet in a dining space, not only is it best to go dark for the practical benefits, but it’s worth sticking with a short pile that can be easily vacuumed. Warm tones such as earthy browns will set a calm and sophisticated backdrop in a formal dining space, while artwork with complementary tones will ensure the walls and floor are working in harmony.
If you’re going to use carpet in a dining space, not only is it best to go dark for the practical benefits, but it’s worth sticking with a short pile that can be easily vacuumed. Warm tones such as earthy browns will set a calm and sophisticated backdrop in a formal dining space, while artwork with complementary tones will ensure the walls and floor are working in harmony.
Let other features sing out
Dark, neutral carpets are a great support act to the starring role, whether that’s a piece of statement furniture, a stunning floor lamp or a standout wall finish. A dark base works so much better than a pale one for adding impact to a special feature, and if there’s a strong contrast against the flooring, then the feature will pop even more.
Dark, neutral carpets are a great support act to the starring role, whether that’s a piece of statement furniture, a stunning floor lamp or a standout wall finish. A dark base works so much better than a pale one for adding impact to a special feature, and if there’s a strong contrast against the flooring, then the feature will pop even more.
Make a practical choice
Kids’ bedrooms see lots of activity, therefore a dark carpet is ideal for coping with the spills that often occur. If you’re struggling to find a wall colour that will adapt and grow with your child, maybe introducing colour on the floor is the answer. This way you can stick to simple, timeless white walls and still ensure the room is packed full of personality and jollity.
9 tips for bedrooms that will grow with your kids
Kids’ bedrooms see lots of activity, therefore a dark carpet is ideal for coping with the spills that often occur. If you’re struggling to find a wall colour that will adapt and grow with your child, maybe introducing colour on the floor is the answer. This way you can stick to simple, timeless white walls and still ensure the room is packed full of personality and jollity.
9 tips for bedrooms that will grow with your kids
Find the perfect all-rounder
Creating a hallway that’s not only practical but stylish can often be a tricky task. However, adding a dark carpet ticks both of these boxes. Just keep the walls light and bright and the passageway won’t feel too enclosed.
Creating a hallway that’s not only practical but stylish can often be a tricky task. However, adding a dark carpet ticks both of these boxes. Just keep the walls light and bright and the passageway won’t feel too enclosed.
Highlight natural tones
Adding a light, contrasting rug to a dark carpet, such as a natural hemp design, will create a gentle tension within the scheme that’s interesting and captivating. You can then continue this drama with similar-strength natural tones that will evoke a classic monochrome, combination.
Adding a light, contrasting rug to a dark carpet, such as a natural hemp design, will create a gentle tension within the scheme that’s interesting and captivating. You can then continue this drama with similar-strength natural tones that will evoke a classic monochrome, combination.
Shades of grey
If you can’t escape the allure of grey, then create interest with a soft graduation of the shade from dark to light. The colours of varying depths create a simple look that’s steady and reassuring, yet still conveys a bold character.
See more grey bedrooms
If you can’t escape the allure of grey, then create interest with a soft graduation of the shade from dark to light. The colours of varying depths create a simple look that’s steady and reassuring, yet still conveys a bold character.
See more grey bedrooms
Evoke true opulence
Just as a luxurious silk fabric can conjure up instant glamour, a sumptuous carpet can have a similarly decadent effect, as long as the pile is deep and the finish has a glossy sheen. A dark and deliciously rich carpet will create the perfect gentleness that your bedroom deserves, so you can climb out of bed each morning safe in the knowledge that your toes will be toasty.
Tell us
Have you chosen a dark-coloured carpet for your home? We’d love to hear about it in the Comments below.
Just as a luxurious silk fabric can conjure up instant glamour, a sumptuous carpet can have a similarly decadent effect, as long as the pile is deep and the finish has a glossy sheen. A dark and deliciously rich carpet will create the perfect gentleness that your bedroom deserves, so you can climb out of bed each morning safe in the knowledge that your toes will be toasty.
Tell us
Have you chosen a dark-coloured carpet for your home? We’d love to hear about it in the Comments below.
Create a whole world of drama and impact in your living room with a deep-purple carpet. The playfulness of purple creates an energetic, cheerful vibe, making it ideal for lively, social spaces. The addition of dark flooring can add depth to a large space and make it feel more intimate and cosy.