The Best Dark Paint Colors for Walls and How to Use Them

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In recent years, dark paint colors have become increasingly popular in interior design. While pastel shades and neutrals were once the go-to choices for home decor, bold hues like navy blue, forest green, and charcoal gray are becoming increasingly popular.

These days, homeowners are turning to darker hues when they want to add interest and sophistication to their spaces.

But how do you use dark colors on walls? What are the best dark paint colors for interior walls? And what to do you need to know before taking plunge with dark walls?

In this post, we’ll explore the best dark wall paint colors and the best way to use them in your home design scheme.

The Best Dark Paint Colors

Painting walls dark colors can be a bold choice for any room, but when done right, dark paint colors can add drama, depth and dimension to any room in your home.

Whether you’re looking for a bold statement or a subtle backdrop, consider my choices of some of the best dark paint colors for walls to help you achieve the look you want.

Here are my picks of the 5 best dark wall paint colors:

Navy Blue

Navy blue is a classic and sophisticated color that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in bedrooms, living rooms, or dining rooms.

It’s also ideal for creating a cool and tranquil mood. Dark blue pairs beautifully with metallic accents like gold or copper.

You just can’t go wrong with dark blue, and in fact, celebrity feng shui expert, Hanz Cua, has claimed blue as the lucky color for 2023!

If you want something a bit different from the classic Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore, try their Old Navy or Sherwin-Williams’ Naval.

Charcoal Gray

If you’re looking for a dark neutral that’s not too harsh, charcoal is an excellent option. It’s a versatile color that’s easy to use in any space, and it works well with both warm and cool tones.

It can create a moody atmosphere when combined with other darks or use it with lighter tones and metallic accents for a brighter effect.

A cool and elegant charcoal is Thunder Gray by Sherwin-Williams, or I love Behr’s Graphic Charcoal for atmospheric richness.

How about my favorite, Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron. I’ve used it in several spaces in a couple of my homes, like the accent wall in my sunroom.

Forest Green

Deep forest green is another timeless classic shade for walls, and it’s particularly effective in hallways, dining rooms and kitchens. Green paint colors provide a sense of nature and tranquility and can be very effective as a backdrop for a neutral color scheme.

A deep forest green is a great way to add some natural elements into your decor while still keeping the overall feel cozy and intimate.

Farrow & Ball’s Duck Green is a strong but muted shade that is contemporary yet classic. For a more striking green with gold undertones, Courtyard by Sherwin-Williams is hard to beat.

Deep Red

Dark red is a bold, warm and dramatic choice. It has warm undertones that make it perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home.

Deep reds add depth and richness to a room, making it feel comfortable and welcoming. Along with black, red creates a dramatic effect when you want to make a powerful statement with your decor.

One of the absolute best dark reds for a feature wall is Caliente by Benjamin Moore.

It’s soft enough to use on a large area while retaining a stunning vibrancy. Sun Dried Tomato from Sherwin-Williams is a good choice if you prefer a more muted, brick red.

Eggplant Purple

When you would like a very dark shade but feel that black is too harsh, consider a deep eggplant purple. Dark purple is a warm, calming color that can be used in many different design styles, from traditional to modern.

It pairs exceptionally well with neutrals like gray, beige or white. But if you want to add a little drama, try combining it with other jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue.

For a rich true eggplant shade, Majestic Purple by Sherwin-Williams will provide both depth and soft color. Sultana from Behr is a great choice for a dark purple with a little more violet for added vividness.

Tips for Using Dark Paint Colors

If you’ve never experimented with dark wall paint colors before, then it might seem daunting at first.

But with the right technique and color choices, you can create a stunning space that feels both cozy and sophisticated.

Here are some tips on how to use dark wall paint colors.

1. Start small

If you’re hesitant about using dark colors on your walls, start by painting one accent wall instead of an entire room. This way you can experiment with different shades without committing to a full makeover.

2. Choose the right shade

When selecting a dark paint color, consider the room’s natural lighting and furniture style. If you have plenty of natural light or bright accent pieces in the room, opt for cooler tones like navy blue or charcoal gray.

If your space is more traditional or has warm wood accents, choose warmer hues like deep reds or chocolate browns.

3. Balance with lighter elements

To prevent a room from feeling too heavy or cramped, balance out the dark walls with lighter elements such as white trim, light-colored furniture pieces, or colorful artwork.

4. Layer textures

Dark paint colors can create a cozy atmosphere when paired with layered textures such as plush pillows and throws or woven rugs. This is a particularly effective way to use dark paint colors in bedrooms.

5. Experiment with finishes

Using a matte finish gives a modern, organic look while glossier finishes feel more glamorous. My Essential Guide for Choosing the Best Paint Sheen will help you choose the best finish for your project.

Sophisticated Design Choice

Using dark wall paint colors can be a bold design choice to add depth and sophistication to any room. By following these tips for using dark wall paint colors effectively, you’ll be able to transform your space into a stunning showcase of style and creativity.

Remember that the key is to experiment with different shades and textures until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste and personality.

So the next time you’re considering a home renovation project or simply looking to update your living space, don’t be afraid to embrace the darkness!