Here’s an interesting question we received recently: “Why is everyone painting their walls black? I thought this was a huge design ‘no-no’, but I’m seeing black walls all over Instagram, on home design shows on TV, and in magazines. Is this really a new trend?”
When a new trend in interior design emerges, it can certainly feel like everyone is doing it. Black, navy, charcoal gray, and even dark emerald green walls are one of those current trends. Although dark walls are making appearances in magazines, interior design blogs, and HGTV shows, our San Diego painting company hasn’t had a lot of homeowners request these colors for their homes (at least yet). So, while this appears to be a popular trend among interior designers, it isn’t necessarily popular among actual homeowners.
It takes a certain type of person to make this type of bold choice in their home. However, when done right, it can pay off big time! Dark walls can look stunning in a home. They can create a dramatic effect or they can a make a large space feel cozy.
Can I Paint a Whole Room a Dark Color?
Most homeowners opt to paint just one wall a dark color—often the wall behind the bed in a master bedroom or behind the couch in a living room. Or they may do an accent wall that contains interesting art or photographs. However, it isn’t unheard of to paint an entire room a dark color. A well-lit office or powder room could look amazing painted in a dark color.
Consider Lighting
Dark colors absorb more light than light colors. For that reason, the room with the dark walls should have good natural or artificial light. If it doesn’t, the room will feel very dark, small, and closed in. Even if the room appears to currently have enough lighting to accommodate the dark walls, you may find yourself needing to add more lighting once the painting is done.
Contrast is Key
If you’re going to go with dark walls, there needs to be some balance in the room. That could be some white trim or light-colored furniture, like a couch, a natural wood bookcase, or a bed with light bedding. Gold accents can also provide a nice contrast to dark walls (a mirror with a gold frame, a large gold pendant light, and/or pictures with gold frames).
Choose the Right Color
When you go with a bold color (any bold color), it’s especially important to choose the right shade. Even if you want to go with black, there are many options out there. There are “cool” blacks with blue or purple undertones, as well as “warm” blacks that have brown undertones. The shade you choose is crucial, so if you’re not confident in your ability to choose the right color, enlist the help of a color consultant or a friend with a good eye for color and design.
You also want to make sure you choose the best paint sheen. Glossy paint will tend to show every little flaw in your walls, whereas while matte paint will be a little more forgiving. The San Diego painting company you hire should be able to help you choose the best sheen for your room.
If you think you want to paint one or more walls in your home a dark color, we say, “go for it!” You only live once and it’s only paint. If you hate it, you can always paint over it or try something else.
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