Embrace The Dark Side: Decorating With Dark Colors

Dark colors have a profound effect on design, a dark and rich color can magically transform the look of any room.

It gives a bold and adventurous impact. Plus, it can create different depths, tones and moods.

Some people may worry that dark rooms might feel small and claustrophobic.

But when dark palettes are executed properly they are cozy, dramatic and full of life.

There are several ways to add some dark colors to a room, from going all the way and using some light accents to just accentuating with dark colors.

Here are some ideas that might inspire you to use dark colors in decor.

Use dark flooring or carpets

Dark colored flooring makes everything in the room pop. They can add a sense of elegance or boldness, depending on the color you choose.

Go with dark wood floors for a rustic chic look, or a rich dark carpeting for a modern look.

Dark flooring can add considerable depth to a large space, and make a small space feel more intimate and cozy.

This can be specially practical in Kids’ bedrooms because they see lots of activity, so a dark carpet is ideal. It is more durable while still fun and eye catching.

Plus, you can tone the dark floor down and brighten up the space anytime you want by adding a light colored rug. The contrast will make the whole design more interesting.

Use dark paint

Dark paint colors make any room feel more intimate and cozy. For some rooms, such as a bedroom or large living space, this is the desired effect.

Moreover, a dark wall color highlights the other design elements in the room.

And you can choose a dark color for one wall, make it a statement wall or an art gallery for your framed photos.

Or use the contrast between a dark color and a light one to highlight architectural features in a room.

Plan your lighting ahead

In any given room, thinking through the lighting plan upfront allows flexibility in using a darker tone on the walls.

If you provide enough lighting you will not have to worry about dark colors darkening the whole room.

Do not hesitate to use different colors

Dark colors are not limited to charcoal and brown, think deep dark purple for example; It is immensely elegant.

Or dark blue, it goes with almost everything just like jeans, it pairs well with accessories in a wide range of colors.

Opt for dark furniture

Dark furniture offers a safe choice, because it is easier to change than paint or flooring so you can experiment as much as you want with dark colors.

It also adds a lovely contrast sometimes, nothing shows off white china better than a deeply colored background, such as a dark mahogany cabinet for example .

Or dark accessories

If the thought of doing a whole room in a deep shade feels overwhelming, try using darker tones as accents.

Even a single piece in a dark color can bring warmth and elegance.

Maybe add some throw pillows in purple or indigo, or hang a dark piece of art.

Or layer on blacks and grays and shaggy pillows and plush throws to a bed To keep white bedding from looking or feeling chilly.

Be careful with patterns

Having different patterns in every room is always a good idea, but in a dark room it is better to limit that to only one or two patterns.

Dark rooms are inherently eye catching so you do not want to overdo it.

Use different Textures instead; Such as wood and metal, and different fabrics.

This will add depth to the space without making the room feel cluttered as  adding too many patterns would.

However, you can always choose a single bold patterned element, keeping it at that will make that element pop even more.

Choose rich dark palettes

When you decide to choose a dark color palette it is important to choose some rich darks.

You may also want to consider using glossy finishes on some of the architectural details.

Too many matt colors may give a dark room a dull and gloomy feeling. So try to keep your dark colors interesting and fresh and mix them with some bold accents.