A lot of people prefer light spaces for their homes. And it’s easy to see why. A light room creates a feeling of space and openness, making rooms look much larger than they really are. Light rooms are also typically neutral, making them easy to decorate.
But there’s something really special about a dark room. Darker colour schemes add character and intrigue, and can also add a degree of warmth to your home. As a way to try something a little different, a darker shade could be just what your home needs to feel fresh again. Done well, a dark room could make a big and lasting impression.
Learn the secret to making a dark room pop with the help of the following tips.

Let’s start by finding the perfect shade. There are many popular home interior colours to choose from, including green, navy, and even black. You should experiment with some paint samples to help you choose the right shade and consider how the colour looks in different light – including natural light and artificial light.
Check out the paint pros Farrow and Ball’s guide to the best dark colours for your living room to help you find inspiration:
Check out the paint pros Farrow and Ball’s guide to the best dark colours for your living room to help you find inspiration:
@farrowandball Looking for a dark, cosy colour for your living room? You’re welcome ???? #FarrowandBall #darkdecor #livingroom #paint #homedecor #cosyhome #cosy ♬ Calling My Name-JP – Pandicio Del Toro
Dark paintwork needs to be done right to do it justice. Darker paint colours can be really unforgiving when it comes to poor paintwork, so always ensure your paint is prepped and primed properly. Learn how to paint your home like a pro to ensure you get the best finish, and choose paint that is designed to last. Brands like Little Greene and Farrow and Ball can be expensive, but they are well-known for their smooth finishes, especially in their darker shades.
Adding some contrasting features can help keep your darker room looking spacious and bright. Consider contrasting your wall shades with lighter furniture, light or neutral curtains and other touches such as bright white chamfered skirting boards and door frames. These features will make your room pop, while helping to break up the space.
With darker shades, you’ve got the opportunity to add some extra elements to your decor. Adding metallic elements to your decor will really add a luxurious touch, making your space look more elegant and expensive. Think about stylish elements like a copper curtain pole or metallic home accessories to elevate your decor. These contrasts will make a nice touch and will stand out even more against a darker backdrop.
Many people shy away from dark decor because they think it will make the space look to moody or small, but the truth is that done well, dark colours can bring a lot of style to your decor. Be bold with home decor and add some darker touches, they could be just what your home needs to make it your own.
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