Have you ever thought about trying out a room comprised of dark paints and dark decor? Some may say it’s a gothic, but interior design in black can yield some pretty fantastic, classy, and elegant results. Here’s what to look for in dark decor and dark painted rooms.

“I wore black because I liked it. I still do and wearing it still means something to me. It’s still my symbol of rebellion—against a stagnant status quo, against our hypocritical houses of God, against people whose minds are closed to others’ ideas.” - Johnny Cash

You Can Still Let the Light In

There's nothing to it. Using dark colors can be really cool
Making bold statements with dark colors. Source: HGTV

Just because the paint and decor are dark doesn’t mean you can’t have sunlight. Throw open those black curtains and let the room bathe in the sun. Dark colors tend to look different once exposed to light, and you may notice a few things about your decor that you literally didn’t see before.

Painting with dark colors on walls can create a very complex atmosphere for any room, especially the living room. Set the following dark decor items up to see how they are affected by rays of sunshine.

  • Buttoned pillows
  • Glass mirrors
  • Antique furniture
  • Victorian pillars
  • Glass decor
  • Stained glass
  • LED lighting
  • Wall art
  • Vases
  • Unique lamps
  • Ebony wood

Elegant Darkness

The quiet elegance of dark colors in rooms
The elegant dark colored living room. Source: Trendir

There is a sort of grace that comes with an all dark interior decor design. Something almost regal despite the absence of color in the room. Of course this tends to pair best with white accents here and there, but what really makes it is the decor. This is where wall art can come in especially handy. Dark paint colors in small rooms lend a sort of sophistication that is difficult to match with other more commonly colored rooms.

Deep Black with Light Accents

Look at how comfortable a bedroom can really look
The comfort of dark colors in the bedroom. Source: Apartment Therapy

Nothing is quite as eye-catching as a really dark room with tiny hints of color. Not only does this provide a unique atmosphere but it also provides a very interesting talking piece. You can try a similar approach in the bathroom. When it comes to dark paint in bedrooms you really create something rare and special.

Dark Tones for Modern Homes

Some homes look fantastic with darker colors
Dark doesn't mean Gothic. Source: Home Designing

There’s an old stereotype that dark rooms have to look Gothic or dreary, and that’s simply not true. Living rooms that cross over to the dark side actually look surprisingly modern, stunning, and elegant. There’s a sort of beauty in brown paint colors for living rooms, especially when coupled with gray or black. So for an entirely new look using deeper shades of the visual spectrum, try dark decor and wall coloring.


Looking to get some dark colors in your home? Need a fresh coat of black paint on your walls? Contact a professional to get started.

Continue Reading:

Join the conversation