Decorating your home with dark colours can create an incredible cool colour scheme that can instantly modernise a home! But, I’m not going to lie, painting your whole home black is a bold move…and you’re going to need expert advice to nail this look.
That’s where I step in. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my top eight dark decorating tips that will transform your space into a cosy and captivating haven which is bang on trend!
How to decorate With Dark Colours – 8 tips for you!
Dark colours are one cool way to create a moody and sophisticated ambiance at home. Get it wrong and you can end up with a gloomy pad.
Let’s break it down into eight tips which will help you introduce dark colours in your home.
1 Embrace Rich Colour Schemes
Let’s start at the top with choosing a strong colour scheme. When designing a dark interior you’re want to choose rich, deep paint colours that create an inviting atmosphere. You don’t have go for black either. Look for navy blues, charcoal greys, berry reds, ivy greens or even shades of deep pink.
These dramatic dark colours will create an intimate and luxurious feel making them perfect for TV rooms or rooms that you entertain in. These colours are also great for North-facing rooms that don’t get much daylight – rather than fight that, embrace the lack of light with dark wall colours and furnishings.
TIP: Always try paint samples on the walls. You’ll want to live with it for a few weeks before you make a big commitment. And start small, paint a feature wall, then your skirting, fireplace surround before you paint your ceiling!
Balance these dark hues with pops of contrasting colours, such as vibrant greens or jewel-toned accents, to add depth and visual interest. Add accessories. window dressings or art work in these colours for a sumptuous style.
2. Layer Textures
To keep your freshly decorated dark room from appearing flat and lifeless (which can happen) you need to integrate textures into your scheme. Add soft velvet upholstery, faux fur blankets, and woven rugs which will add depth and create a tactile experience.
Play with different materials, such as leather, metal, and wood, to avoid monotony and give the space a sophisticated touch.
The more touchy-feely fabrics you add, the more depth and texture you’ll add to your home decor which will make it look expensive and give it a designer look.
READ: 11 CHIC ROOMS THAT WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO PAINT YOUR WALLS DARK
3. Accentuate with Metallics
Metallic accents are an excellent way to add glamor and brightness into a dark room. Consider incorporating gold or brass elements, such as light fixtures, picture frames, or decorative objects, to create a stunning contrast.
These luminous details will catch the eye and bring a touch of opulence to the space. You can add these metallic elements with door furniture, light fittings, accessories like gold vases or candlesticks, gold framed artwork…look for items that will glimmer in your home.
4. Utilise CLEVER Lighting
Dark rooms require strategic lighting to create the right atmosphere and to stop the space looking gloomy during the daytime. You’ll want to do is incorporate a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces to create layers of light in every room.
If you’re clever with your lighting placement, you can draw attention to architectural details using up lights or wall lights. You can also place accent lights behind furniture or artworks to highlight particular features and add a warm glow to the room.
TIP: Invest in dimmer switches which will allow you to adjust the brightness based on your mood.
READ: THE BEST PAINT COLOURS FOR TRICKY ROOMS
5. SHINE BRIGHT WITH Mirrors
Mirrors are a foolproof technique to amplify light and give the illusion of spaciousness in dark interiors. Hang a large, ornate mirror on a prominent wall or create a cluster of smaller mirrors for a sense of grandeur.
Another way to do this by choosing mirrored furniture, like a coffee tables or sideboards, to maximise light reflection in your home. Think high shine!
6. CHOOSe COOL Wallpapers and Wall Art
Dark walls can be the perfect backdrop for bold patterns or statement wallpapers. Choose wallpaper designs that incorporate metallics or contrasting colours to create a visually striking focal point (and reflect under lamplight).
I love it when bold patterns (like the wallpaper above) have in a dark room. Not only will it create a wild statement in your home, but these types of patterns are ideal for intimate spaces like bedrooms and dining rooms.
Complement the wallpaper with carefully selected wall art, which will add personality and break up the dark wall expanse.
READ: HOW TO DECORATE WITH COLOUR
7. Increase the comfort factor
When decorating a dark room, comfort is key. Think plush sofas, oversized armchairs, and cozy throw pillows. In a bedroom, an upholstered headboards will boost up the comfort factor and cosy carpet under foot. Fill your dark home with lots of squishy cosy things that will turn your dark interior into an inviting retreat.
Layer seating areas with luxurious textiles like cushions and throws in rich textures, such as velvet or faux fur, to enhance the cosiness factor. Don’t forget to include layer up with rugs for added warmth under your feet.
READ: NEW TREND! 8 OF THE BEST WALL MURALS
8. ADD Natural Elements
Introducing natural elements like potted house plants and wooden accents can provide a refreshing contrast to the dark decor. Plants not only add vibrancy and texture to space but also help improve air quality too. Fill your home with your leafy friends, and place them in plant pots that are textured or metallic to bring your scheme to life.
Incorporate wooden furniture or elements, such as coffee tables or shelves, to add warmth and balance the darkness of the room.
8 Of The Best Dark And Moody Interior Design Tips and how to decorate with dark colours
I hope this blog post shows that with the right design choices and a little attention to detail, you can create a dark interior that will turn your home into boring and bland into dark and dramatic.
By following these tips you can create a truly impressive and inviting space that will impress.
Dare to be bold and embrace the allure of a dark colours!
