Dark Color Schemes Creating Striking Living Rooms

Dark colored living rooms are gaining immense popularity, moving beyond traditional large spaces and opulent decor. Darker colors like deep greens, navy blues, and charcoal greys not only add drama but can work wonderfully in any sized room. From cocooning small spaces to elegantly defining larger ones, the right dark colors add character and blur room boundaries. With creative touches, you can craft a striking living room with dark color schemes.

When done right, dark walls make other colors pop and textures sing. They can also make ceilings appear higher while drawing focus to key furniture pieces and decor. Dark color schemes add a moodiness--an intimate yet sophisticated vibe. The rich tones provide the perfect backdrop for metallic accents, vivid artwork, and eye-catching textures. From modern to bohemian, dark living rooms make a statement.

Choosing Paint Colors and Tones

When embarking on a dark living room design, carefully choose features tones and colors. Deep, moody hues like navy, charcoal, plum, and emerald green create an enveloping effect. Accent walls spotlighted in these dramatic colors prevent an overwhelming feeling. If opting for bolder all-over dark colors, incorporate plenty of properly placed lighting. Combine colors like:

• Rich purple with accents of gold and cream
• Vivid navy with brass fixtures and wood furniture
• Deep charcoal greys with lighter grey tones and white

Whatever color combo you choose, test samples first. Paint large swaths on walls in both natural and artificial light. This shows how the tones interact in varied conditions. Verify colors work with your existing furnishings and decor as well. A shade appearing too bold or dull next to a beloved couch means more shopping! Coordinate all elements for a cohesive, visually striking room.

Lighting Considerations

Properly illuminating a dark living room proves pivotal. Use a mix of lighting techniques:

• Natural light from ample windows prevents a cave-like feeling
• Sconces for accent walls provide directed brightness
• Dimmable overhead fixtures allow modifying mood
• Table and floor lamps illuminate living areas

Place lighting strategically to avoid uneven bright and dark spots. Dimmers give full control over mood and brightness. Test angles and positions with the colors and layout chosen. Lighting shifts the way the tones appear--customize accordingly. Sufficient brightness prevents eyestrain without negating the dark, intimate ambiance.

Furniture and Decor

Furniture and decor choices make or break a dark living room. Monochromatic color schemes work wonderfully--deep blue walls sing against navy couches and slate floors. Rich textures like velvet and leather add dimension while metallic accents and matte black fixtures amp the glamour. Use wood furniture to warm spaces but opt for dark-stained to match the sophistication.

When adding accents, layer on the textures with wool throws, sculptural pillows, graphic rugs, and extra-plush curtains. Gallery walls filled with vivid photography, abstract art, or graphic prints enliven. Curating visual interest proves vital so spaces don't feel one dimensional. Counterbalance colors and textures while creating defined spaces for sitting, dining, and lounging. Light, breezy elements prevent heaviness.

Creating a Cozy Feel

While many dark living rooms lean modern and sleek, the color scheme also lends well to coziness. Use plush fabrics, warm metallics like brass, and natural wood tones for inviting appeal. Layer rugs over carpeting and hang full-length velvet curtains high and wide over windows. Add ambient lighting with crystal chandeliers, candle wall sconces, and tabletop lanterns.

Finish the warming effect with furniture positioning--face sofas and chairs inward for intimate conversing areas. Hang an ornate mirror above the mantel to reflect flickering fire glows. Arrange shelving to display travel souvenirs, framed photos, ceramic vases, or other mementos for a collected look. Keep surfaces and floors clear to prevent clutter from overwhelming.

Color and Pattern Touches

Vivid colors and playful patterns keep cozy dark living rooms from skewing too somber. Add vibrant emerald and sapphire throw pillows to neutral couches. Roll out an attention-grabbing floor rug under a rustic wood coffee table. Showcase orchids and succulents in colorful ceramic planters atop bookshelves. Use whimsical art prints and abstract wall hangings for personality.

When blending patterns, mind the scale--combine a wide buffalo check with a smaller herringbone print. Stick to two or three patterns so rooms don't get too busy. Anchor spaces with large-scale solids like plush shag carpets or smooth velvet sofas. The quiet foundation allows bolder colors and prints to shine. Follow the 70/30 guideline with 70 percent neutrals and 30 percent vivid hues and graphics. Find the invigorating yet balanced blend perfect for relaxation.

Tips and Tricks

Certain techniques and best practices make executing a dark painted living room easier. Heed these tips for stunning, seamless results:

Prep Properly

Wall preparation marks a pivotal first step with any paint job but especially darker colors. Any unevenness, cracks, repairs or imperfections will show. Fill holes, lightly sand, then spot prime repaired areas after they dry.

Next, apply high quality primer to the entire wall for maximum adherence. Primers like Zinsser's Bulls Eye 1-2-3 fill pores in finish for smoothing. Complete with two coats. Allow drying fully between applications. Investing in prep saves future frustration.

Use Premium Paints

Quality paint equals quality results. Pay a bit extra for highly rated brands known for deep hues like Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams. Compare several black, charcoal and deep brown paint swatches to find the right richness. Test top contenders on walls before finalizing.

Apply two coats with foam rollers using the crisscross painting method. Roll top to bottom then left to right, overlapping slightly. This achieves the most even application without visible streaks. Let the first coat fully dry before adding the second for proper adhesion and intensity.

Mind the Lighting

Lighting shifts paint colors, sometimes significantly. Colors showing too bold under bright overhead lights often look perfect amid just table and floor lamps. Test painted swatches at varied times of day and with different lighting solutions in place. The perfect tone for nighttime ambiance may overwhelm by sunshine.

Add lighting in layers with dimmers. Overhead fixtures provide general glows while directed lamps illuminate sitting areas. Wall sconces cast artful accenting. Mix lighting temperatures from crisp white to warmer yellows. Match intensity and colors to activities like mood setting versus task needs.

Common Problems and Solutions

While stunning when done right, dark living rooms also come with challenges. Prepare for these common issues:

Visible Flaws

Surface imperfections and drywall flaws become glaringly obvious with deep, dark paints. Fix divots, scratches and nail holes with joint compound then reprime. Inspect closely under bright work lights pre-paint. Address anything compromising an ultra-smooth finish.

Feeling Closed In

Dark walled spaces risk appearing or feeling smaller and more compressed. Counteract with room layout--pull furniture away from walls, leaving walking areas open. Add mirrors and polished metallics to reflect light. Keep windows unobstructed.

Strategically paint only one or two walls very dark. Use lighter tones of a color on surrounding walls. Squint and preview the tone's undertones--red or yellow-based blacks appear darker. Define spaces with area rugs and well-positioned lighting fixtures.

Clashing Tones

Wood furniture, floors or cabinetry turning orange against grey walls or drab against navy screams disconnect. Test decor pairings by painting swatches directly on walls or large boards. Move pieces around and observe undertones clashing or complementing.

If wood furniture clashes, replace or refinish pieces in a coordinating stain. Switch metal finishes on fixtures from bronze to silver or vice versa. Crisp white molding pops nicely or, conversely, matches wall color to blend away.

Managing Reflections

Gloss or semi-gloss paints reflect light sources prominently on darker walls. While this adds dimension, obvious reflection outlines ruin the effect. Solve by angling fixtures away from walls. Recess lights in the ceiling also reduce wall glare.

When using glossy or semi-gloss paint sheens, adhere to strict painting guidelines. Apply thin coats, avoid direct sunlight, paint slowly in cooler temps and use high-quality microfiber roller sleeves to minimize visible roller marks.

Design Inspiration and Examples

Dark colored living rooms exude luxury and elegance. While bold, the dramatic colors offer versatile design options from modern to bohemian. Navy blue, charcoal grey and black stand as top choices but deep greens, ruby reds and eggplants create lush, enjoyable rooms too. Get inspired by stunning spaces:

Modern Dark Rooms

For contemporary edge, paint walls jet black or charcoal grey. Choose sleek, low-profile furniture in grey or tan leathers and brushed steel. Use cowhide rugs, matte black light fixtures and colorful abstract art. Add bright pops with crimson throws and emerald plants.

Boho Chic Rooms

Channel bohemian luxe with eggplant purple or indigo blue walls, long striped curtains and ornately patterned rugs. Choose curved velvet sofas in warm metallics like bronze and brass paired with glass coffee tables. Use gold frames gallery style to display vibrant paintings and photography.

By Color

Navy blue living rooms feel crisp yet cozy with white trim, natural jute rugs, bleached wood floors and accents of red. Charcoal grey spaces modernize with black and white photography, mod black and white chairs and bright pops of orange and chartreuse.

Shopping Checklist

The devil's in the details when crafting dark, dazzling living rooms. Gather these supplies for stunning DIY transformations:

• Paint swatches in 2-3 dark hues
• 1-2 gallons premium quality paint per wall
• Primer for wall prep
• Angled brush for cutting in edges
• Premium microfiber roller sleeves
• Painters tape for baseboards
• Drop cloths for protecting floors and furniture
• Additional decor like throws, pillows, plants
• New furniture pieces if needed
• Lighting fixtures and smart bulbs

Check each item off as you load up carts then get ready to spend a relaxing weekend transforming your space. The dramatic colors breathe new life into tired living rooms.

Cost Analysis

Like any home project budget proves important. Dark living room makeovers range wildly depending on factors like:

• DIY or hiring professional painters
• Premium paints cost more
• New furniture and lighting buys add up
• Special tools may require purchasing

For DIY makeovers, quality paint costs between $25 and $50 per gallon. Primers run $15 to $30. Factoring two coats per wall allow for extra. Addition expenses link to prep materials, new rollers, drop cloths, etc. New decor and furniture raises budgets to the thousands.

Hiring professional painters speeds the process but at a price. Labor plus high end paint with accent walls or special treatments adds $2000 or more. This ensures flawless application and no mess though. Determine the valuedivide for your goals and timeline.

Resale Value

Dark colored living rooms offer great resale value, with homes painted in darker neutral and palette tones selling quicker. Rather than dated bright colors, moody hues have mass modern appeal. Of course condition and application matter too.

Chips, scuffs, uneven coats and poor lighting detract. When selling, thoroughly clean walls, add fresh grout if needed, and style spaces with neutral furnishings. Staging minimizes darker colors overwhelming future homeowners. Done gorgeously, dramatic rooms become sought after.

FAQs

What are the best dark paint colors?

The top dark paint color choices include rich navy, charcoal grey, black for modern edge and deep emerald green and eggplant purple for an elegant feel. Each moody hue adds drama and sophistication. Combine with crisp white trim for pop.

How dark should I go?

Determine room size and ceilings height when selecting the intensity. Small rooms with low ceilings may feel oppressive in very dark black. Choose dark gray or deep blue instead. Larger rooms handle black beautifully. For uncertainty, start lighter then go darker in future redos.

Should all walls be dark?

Darkening every wall risks creating a batcave effect without careful planning. For best results, paint one or two adjoining walls your deepest dramatic color. Use 50% lighter shades of that color on surrounding walls. This maintains the allure without heaviness.

Darker color schemes create striking living rooms full of intimate allure. The rich navy blues, charcoals and deep emerald greens or eggplants add moodiness and character. Layering metals, textures and patterns prevents spaces feeling one-note. Strategic lighting balances the bold colors for defined, livable areas.

Amplify architecture with high ceilings and choose furniture carefully to avoid heaviness. Accent walls spotlight colors without risk of overwhelm. Prepping properly leads to flawless painted finishes. When Thoughtfully designed, dark living rooms make captivating statements brimming with possibilities. The dramatic colors breathe new life into once mundane spaces.