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Decorating a dark bedroom


20 dark bedroom ideas for a cozy and stylish design |

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

These dark bedroom ideas prove that going bold with your paint choice can make all the difference in transforming a bedroom into something stylish and dramatic.

Deep and mood modern bedroom ideas will create an enveloping atmosphere that's perfect for a good night's sleep. So we've sifted through our archives to find the most beautiful dark bedrooms, featuring moody charcoals, gorgeous greys and inky blues.

Summer or winter, dark paint colors or wall-coverings are also a great remedy for rooms that don't receive much natural daylight, whether that's due to a lack of windows or a north-facing aspect. Rather than trying to brighten a dark room with bright or light colors (which may seem like the logical thing to do), resist the temptation as pale or vibrant colors just end up looking dull and drab if the room is naturally dark.

Instead, play to the room's strengths and use the lack of light to your advantage. Dive in with dark painted floors or walnut woods, and drown your walls with deep navy blues, smokey greys, or earthy tones. The result will be a room that cocoons you.

1. Go all over with a dark shade 

(Image credit: Barbara Corsico)

Don't just stick to a dark hue on the walls, take it onto the ceiling for a really cozy, cocooning look that works especially well in small bedrooms. Pick a dark but soft blue for a look that has depth but doesn't feel overly dramatic and add in some statement accessories in lighter hues to give the room a lift. 

Taking pride of place in this master bedroom is a statement beaded chandelier, adding a pale, bright contrast to the dark walls and ceiling, and injecting further drama due to the oversized proportions.

2. Make colors pop against dark walls 

(Image credit: Jon Day)

Bold colors pop even more against dark walls than they do white, so give a dark bedroom a colorful update by pairing deep hues with bright shades. See how the inky teal walls in this loft bedroom are the perfect backdrop for the vivid oranges, reds, and yellows of the bed linen. It creates the ideal balance between a fun and sophisticated bedroom color scheme. 

3. Add a focal point with wallpaper

Get the look: The Night Indigo wallpaper is from the Calico Collection at Calico. The bedside table and mirror are by B&B Italia. The lamp is by Porta Romana.

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Paint is not the only way to bring darker colors into a bedroom.  A bold dramatic wallpaper can create just as much of a deep color scheme and can be the perfect focal point. 

There’s a certain sumptuousness to this space, with its rich textures and colors. bed throw and accent cushions add some welcome color, and tie in with the color scheme dictated by the bedroom wallpaper.

4. Contrast deep hues with soft neutrals 

(Image credit: Matthew Williams)

Love a neutral bedroom? Well as this space proves, not all dark bedrooms need be super dramatic either, to tone down the black feature wall in this bedroom, it's paired with lots of lovely soft, neutral layers and crisp white bedding to give the room a lift and a much more livable look.  

5. Blend furniture with the walls

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

In dark bedrooms, you don't want to break up those swathes of lovely dark walls with furniture, so reduce the visual clutter in a room by painting (or sourcing) furniture that matches the walls. In this small bedroom, the cream headboard provides all the contrast you need with the deep denim blue walls, so the side table blends in with the walls behind, creating a stylish monochrome scheme that's simple and chic, perfect for the rooms smaller proportions.

6. Contrast dark walls with white floorboards

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

If you have been blessed with wooden floorboards, why not paint them white for an instant lift to a dark color scheme? 

This space has a warm, cocooning feel thanks to the rich color palette and bold textiles. The white-painted floorboards create a sense of balance, while the upholstered headboard resting on the bed frame creates drama. 

7.

Soften a dark bedroom with curves 

(Image credit: Lauren Bamford)

The doorway to the wardrobe in this black bedroom is soft and arched and makes the all-black color scheme feel less imposing and intense. And if you don't have a need for an arched doorway (this one leads into a closet) then bring in those soft shapes with other furniture, – note the custard-colored rounded chair used here – circular cushions or smoothly shaped bed side lamps.

8. Bring textures into a dark bedroom

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

Tone down the intensity of a dark bedroom and give it a more relaxed feel by layering up plenty of soft textures. Wood can really pop against a dark wall as you can see in this space, and adds a slightly rustic touch, which is only added to with he slubby linen bedding and textured matelassé style throw. There's a very welcoming vibe against the moody backdrop. 

9. Add depth with dark furniture 

(Image credit: David Lovatti)

The grey/green walls of this bedroom may not be super dark, but the overall feel of the room is moody thanks to the striking dark wood four-poster bed. The deep blue throw and moss green cushions help too, creating a space that's not too dark on the whole but still has a cozy atmosphere.

10. Add warmth to a dark bedroom with wood

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

This dark grey bedroom makes a strong case for pairing plenty of wood with dark walls. The warm wood of the feature wall and built in bedside table add texture and interest to the space, giving that flat matte grey a real lift. The blush pink headboard only helps further soften the grey walls, creating a room that feels dark and dramatic but doesn't feel imposing.

11. Bring in texture with reclaimed pieces

In this eclectic dark bedroom, the wood wall was made from old reclaimed pallets, add a ton of texture to the space and tying together the dramatic colors with the more rustic aesthetic. The warmth of the wood is added to with the pop of yellow and those rusty brown tones of the fur throw and mix of cushions. 

12. Go for a lighter scheme 

(Image credit: Lindsay Salazar)

Dark bedroom ideas aren't all about going all over your walls and ceilings with a deep shade, you can still create a scheme that's heavy on the drama but just feels a little bit lighter. Be inspired by this space and choose a chic dark grey color palette, paired with crisp clean whites and blacks – the high contrast is just as striking as a room that's been painted in a darker hue.

13. Go for a glamorous vibe with dark metallics

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

Gold may not be a color you think of when it comes to dark bedroom ideas, but a deep metallic wallpaper can bring all the drama of a navy blue wall and more as this space proves. Vintage gold wallpaper covers the walls and ceiling of this small bedroom, bouncing around a warm, moody light and giving a gorgeous eclectic look that blurs the boundaries of the room. 

14. Play with paint effects 

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Rather than drowning the whole room in darkness, the walls of this bedroom have only been flirted with deeper hues to create an elegantly decayed look. Layers of paint and varnish were built up and then distressed to resemble the musty mystique of an old château.  

15. Combine black and blue 

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

Black and blue aren't a color combination you see all that often, but in a dark bedroom this pairing can work. The deep blue teal walls and black headboard in this bedroom create an almost monochrome scheme, but that slight difference makes the room less imposing since the blue has a much softer look than just going all over with black. 

And that gold headboard? How gorgeous, adding an expectedly glamourous feature to this bedroom. 

16. Test the dark waters with a feature wall

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

Play it safe and opt for just a feature wall in a dramatic shade. Bring it to life with crisp linens and metallic accents. The pink undertone of the surrounding walls soften the grey and prevent the room from looking too cold. 

Are dark colors good for a bedroom?

Dark colors can be the perfect shades for a bedroom, creating a space that feels cozy, inviting, and stylish. Deep blues, greys, greens and blacks are all the perfect backdrop for a calming and soothing space and can work with any style from uber-modern to boho and rustic. Plus they are ideal colors for smaller bedrooms and a more on-trend alternative to an all-white scheme, as they can blur the edges of the room making it feel larger.

What colors are best for a dark bedroom?

The best colors to choose for a dark bedroom will mostly come down to personal tastes and the overall style you are after. Dark blues are a classic choice, and look wonderful as a four-wall color, or even taken onto the ceiling too. Pair these deeper blues with white for a clean crisp look that still feels light and fresh. Deep forest greens as part of a dark bedroom scheme too as an alternative to the more traditional blues and greys. 

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.

5 Tricks and Tips for Brightening a Dark Bedroom

By

Michelle Ullman

Michelle Ullman

Michelle Ullman is a home decor expert and product reviewer for home and garden products. She’s currently the commerce editor for home improvement and tools on The Spruce. She has been writing about home decor for over 10 years for publications like BobVila.com and Better Homes & Gardens, among others.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 05/20/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

When it comes time to sleep, the darker your bedroom, the better. Light disrupts the brain’s production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep cycle. But what if your bedroom is dark even during the daytime? It’s a common problem, but one that is difficult to solve because the typical causes––few windows, windows facing north, windows shaded by outside trees or structures––are not easily fixed without major remodeling. But don’t despair––you aren’t doomed to live in a bedroom that resembles a cave, nor do you have to break your budget and hire a contractor. There dark bedroom ideas are simple decorating tricks that can bring light into even the gloomiest bedroom.

Bring in Extra Light

If your bedroom isn’t receiving enough natural light, then you are going to have to provide the light yourself. But don’t set one lamp on your nightstand and call it done. Having only a single light source creates a lot of shadows, giving your bedroom a creepy feel and leaving the space outside the lamp’s circle of light just as dark as ever. Instead, illuminate your room with at least two, and preferably three, sources of light.

You’ll always need a lamp on the nightstand or mounted to the wall near your bed, and if you share your bed, you’ll want a lamp on each side. Add to that a ceiling fixture if possible––go with a ceiling fan and get twice the benefit––and a second lamp positioned across the room, preferably on a diagonal, from your bedside light. Make the second lamp a floor lamp for added visual interest.

Choose Your Wall Color Wisely

It seems counterintuitive, but if your bedroom is dark, white walls are not the best solution. While light colors can help a small room appear bigger, they aren’t so great at making a dark room feel brighter. White and other light colors look bright and cheerful when reflecting light, but in a room without sufficient illumination, there isn’t enough light to reflect. This causes the white walls to take on a gray, shadowed hue, leaving the room feeling dim and uninteresting.

Instead, choose a richly saturated, mid-tone paint color for your walls. You can even go a bit bright if you desire. In a dark bedroom, the bright color will lose intensity, and the mid-tone color will look a little darker. Deeper colors don’t rely on reflected light to look their best the way lighter tones do; instead, they absorb shadows, so your strong walls will add color and warmth to your dim bedroom. Cool, moody, deep hues of green, blue, gray, or even purple are best for creating the relaxing atmosphere you want in a bedroom.

Mirrors Do Double Duty

A large mirror in the bedroom is a must regardless of light levels. In a bedroom with little light, however, a mirror also works to reflect whatever light is there, and also adds shine to the space, dispelling some of the gloom. If possible, hang your mirror across from the window that lets in the most natural light to further bounce light around the space.

Keep Your Window Coverings Sheer

A dim bedroom isn’t the place for heavy draperies or window coverings that block out what little natural light might otherwise reach the room. Instead, use sheer draperies over a blind that can be lowered for privacy at night, or use blinds on their own for a more informal style. Stick with light-colored window coverings to add some contrast against the strong walls.

Bedding and Accessories Should Add Contrast

In a dark bedroom, furniture and accessories can disappear into the gloom if you aren’t careful. If you paint your walls a saturated mid-tone or bright color, add contrast with furniture in a medium finish, and complete the brightening effect with bedding and accessories in white or another light color. This makes the most of the room’s limited light and gives enough contrast to keep things interesting.

A room that receives little natural light doesn’t have to be a bad thing––it stays cooler in the summer and doesn’t wake you up with the glaring sun on those happy weekend mornings when you want to sleep late.

design features and photos in the interior

Dark interior design features

Before you start decorating a bedroom in a dark color, read the designers' advice:

What colors can be used?

When it comes to dark tones, many automatically think of black. Of course, this is one of the ways to create a chamber space. For a bedroom in light dark colors, a combination of black with white, gray or beige is possible. Accessories, textiles or furnishings can be made in this range.

See also

Black bedroom design

But black is not the only option:

Blue. Blue-black, azure, sapphire, ultramarine - the colors of the sea or the night sky. In combination with white, they create a spectacular contrasting tandem, with light blue - a natural, soothing bedroom design in dark colors.

Green. When choosing a shade for the walls, remember the beautiful natural stones: malachite, emerald, jade. The greenish range of any brightness is relaxing, so it is ideal for a bedroom. Warm light colors will serve as a wonderful addition to the chosen tone.

Red. Burgundy is not the only one in the rich range of scarlet tones. Burgundy, pomegranate, ruby, port wine, sangria - a choice for the brave. But it is thanks to the red palette that the interior will look stylish and expensive. The most dramatic can be achieved by adding dark green, brown and black accents.

The photo shows an example of a bedroom in dark colors

Brown. Delicious shades of coffee or chocolate are the best base for northern rooms. They warm and relax. To maintain a warm range, add peach, honey or mustard.

Grey. The reverse side of warm brown is cold coal, anthracite, granite, marengo. Feel free to paint in any of the shades of southern bedrooms in a dark color - a cold range will balance the bright sun. It is combined with any pastel and muted colors: blue, pink, lilac, yellow.

Do not be afraid to paint not only the walls, but also the ceiling. A dark bedroom will not become visually lower if there is white molding or light lamps in the setting. And in the case of a deep shade of the floor, ceiling and furniture, but light walls, the space will generally expand.

How to dilute dark tones?

We have already touched on the subject of additional accents for the bedroom in dark colors, now let's dwell on this important point in more detail.

Light. Even a large monochrome room will seem like an uncomfortable cave, but light spots will prevent this from happening. The simplest idea is to use light textiles - bedding, curtains, headboard upholstery.

Bright. The black background is the canvas on which any color will burn. Pure contrasting light green, turquoise, crimson actively attract attention to themselves, so you can not overdo it with them.

Deep. For the interior of a bedroom in a modern style, you will first need dusty, powdery and dirty shades. Choose any colors, depending on your preferences.

Pictured is a bedroom in a modern style with a pink bed

Warm. So that a gray, blue or green bedroom in dark colors is not too cold, dilute it with yellow, orange, red. Duets blue-orange, green-red, violet-yellow are considered classic.

Cold. The same goes for bedrooms that are too warm - add some coolness to them.

Which furniture is suitable?

Bedroom furnishing always starts with a bed - not only the style, but also the color of future furniture depends on it. Bed can be:

On the photo there is a bedroom with access to the balcony

The rest of the furniture can be either in the tone of the bed or in contrast to it. The shade of the walls is also important:

To make furniture absorb less light, order models with glossy fronts - their reflective ability will make a dark bedroom look more spacious.

Glasses and mirrors have the same effect: mirrored closet doors are a salvation for a dark bedroom.

The photo shows three light sources in a small room

Thinking over the lighting

Remember the main rule: there should be a lot of lamps in the bedroom and they should be bright. This means that the central ceiling chandelier must be supplemented with spotlights above the bed, on a work or dressing table, and the cabinet should be separately illuminated.

If there is a textured wall in the bedroom, light it up. Subdued light is used as a night light or turned on while getting ready for bed.

White, silver, gold or glass chandeliers can act as a decorative element and will catch the eye. Keep this in mind when buying lamps.

On the photo is a desktop by the window

What curtains and accessories are suitable?

Dark furniture and wallpaper stand out on their own, so there shouldn't be too many extra decorations. Hang one or more pictures above the bed, place figurines or books on the bedside tables, lay a cozy blanket or bedspread over the bed.

As for curtains, their presence and appearance depend on the location of the room. In the bedroom with southern windows, thick blackout curtains are required so that bright rays do not interfere with sleep in the morning. In the northern and western rooms, you can get by with light curtains or refuse them altogether.

On the photo wall decoration with wooden panels

What style is better to decorate?

Bedroom design is performed in various styles, but the most popular are:

The photo shows a multi-colored interior of a narrow room with an office

Photo gallery

Brief instructions for the design of a dark bedroom: choose the main color accent, dilute it with a contrast, arrange the furniture and add a small number of decorative elements.

How to decorate a bedroom in dark colors: design techniques

How to create a cozy bedroom using dark colors, basic rules. The choice of the base color for decorating the room, the main advantages of a dark shade in the bedroom. Interesting design techniques and original ideas for decorating the bedroom.

Author: Anastasia Gorbenko

An expert in expensive sofas. He will tell, select, plan the correct placement in the interior.

2021-08-26

Content:

In the interior of the bedroom, warm or pastel colors are most often used. However, in recent years, many designers have successfully begun to use a dark base palette to create stylish and spectacular interiors. This design attracts attention with its elegance. The bedroom creates a special atmosphere conducive to rest and relaxation.

Choice of color palette

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The dark color scheme is versatile and can be applied to any style. Having thought through all the elements of decor in detail, you can arrange a comfortable bedroom in which it will be pleasant to relax every day.

Designers recommend using the following shades as a basis:

Bedroom interior decoration in dark colors

When looking for a basic palette, it is necessary to start not from fashion trends, but from personal preferences.

A gray bedroom can be complemented with dark pillows

The right combination of a dark saturated tone with a neutral or contrasting shade will help to avoid the unpleasant oppressive impression of a dark room. It is recommended to beat the transition from light to dark.

Black accents in a gray bedroom

A combination of cold and warm colors will look spectacular. For example, deep green or blue can be combined with orange or ocher.

Black and white interiors are a safe bet. In this case, you can add variety with the help of a pattern on curtains or on other textile accessories. You can apply additional color accents.

Black accent wall in bedroom interior

An excellent solution is a combination of milky with coffee, gray with beige, brown with dark blue.

Glossy furniture fronts and mirrors look great in a dark bedroom. Walls can be brought to life with paintings or posters. Dark furniture against the background of walls of a lighter shade will additionally emphasize the original style of the bedroom.

Dark gray bedroom decoration

Advantages of a bedroom in dark color

According to the designers, a dark bedroom has a lot of advantages.

Versatility

The dark background is an advantage over any other shades, as it emphasizes them favorably. In such a bedroom, you can place furniture with bright upholstery, as well as use the original decor. In this case, you can choose any style of interior design for the bedroom.

Modern bedroom interior in dark color

Many people think that dark colors should not be used in small rooms. However, cold tones allow you to achieve visual deepening and removal in the room. It is also easier to relax and tune in to sleep in a dark bedroom.

A dark bedroom wall can be decorated with bright light bulbs

Relaxing interior

A bedroom in dark and soothing colors creates an atmosphere conducive to peace. The situation helps to quickly relax, distract from serious thoughts, relax. This room allows you to fall asleep quickly.

Dark colors in the bedroom will help you relax

Correcting the geometry of room

Dark color finish makes it easier to mask small defects on the surface of the walls, helps to visually correct the geometry of the room. Thus, it is possible to visually shorten a wall that is too long.

Modern interior with dark colors

The use of various rich colors will help to achieve the desired mood in the room, bring a little mysticism, brutality or glamour to the bedroom.

Dark wood panels can be used for accent wall

Practicality

Dust and various impurities are not so noticeable on a dark surface. In a dark interior, the most ordinary accessories acquire special expressiveness: table lamps and vases, photo frames and candlesticks.

Lamps and decor will help to add comfort to the bedroom

Bronze and copper, silver and gold decorative items, as well as chrome and steel fittings will organically fit in the dark bedroom.

Bronze figurine in harmony with dark interior decoration

Design Tips

Before using a dark color scheme for your bedroom, there are a few design tricks you need to know.

You can install a long shelf for decor above the bed

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To compensate for the lack of light in such a room, it is necessary to use high-quality natural lighting, additional wall and table lamps and a luxurious ceiling chandelier. Diffused light will make the room more comfortable.

An extra light near the bed will make the room brighter and cozier. In this case, the room will not bother, and the interior can be easily refreshed by adding new decor.

White decor and light pillows will look harmonious in a dark bedroom. This is not typical for these design trends. Spanish and French styles also call for warm colors.

The light bedroom can be supplemented with dark furniture

Corps for the bed can be selected under the color of the carpets

  • 9000 Leather bite will be harmonious. over a design project for a room of a small area, you can arrange only one contrasting wall in a dark shade. This is a great solution for a small bedroom. Black color in the interior is not recommended for people who often get depressed.

    To the light bedroom, you can add dark bedding and curtains

    Light walls are perfectly combined with the dark floor and gray sofa 9000 9000 . At the showroom in Moscow, the company's specialists will help you choose a bed, bedside table and wardrobe for the interior of a dark bedroom.

    Interior in white

    Whiteness in itself is attractive, but along with impeccability and nobility, it is associated with sterility and facelessness, therefore, in such an environment, either bright accents or harmonious halftones are always necessary. We offer a closer look at how to create a white interior.

    • Color Matching
    • Design Tips

    Decorating the Bedroom in Light Colors

    The importance of the sleeping room can hardly be overestimated, because this is the place where we relax and recharge, and therefore the situation in the bedroom should contribute to this as much as possible. The palette that surrounds us not only pleases the eye, but also subconsciously affects our psyche, and if we talk about choosing a color for decorating a bedroom, then light colors are the best option.

    • Color matching
    • Bedroom

    Interior in black

    Not everyone can decide on an interior in black, but having a certain character, a sense of proportion and taste, you can create a very interesting atmosphere in one of the rooms of the house or completely decorate your home in black color.

    • Color Matching
    • Design Tips

    Bedroom in Dark Colors

    Sleeping Room is ideal for dark interiors, provided that the approach to bedroom design is professional, and the inhabitants are far from conservatism, positive, devoid of suspiciousness and inclination to depression and melancholy.

    • Color matching
    • Designer's tips
    • Bedroom

    Blue color in the interior

    The color of the sky and the sea, cold ice and delicate forget-me-nots - blue is ubiquitous in nature, and therefore fits organically into the design of living space. White and blue colors create a businesslike atmosphere and stimulate brain activity, but it is enough to make a mistake with a shade and the interior will lose its individuality, causing only fatigue.

    • Color matching
    • Design tips

    Modern living room color: ideas for design

    Harmonious interior in soothing colors, furnishings devoid of unnecessary details and high functionality - this is how a living room looks like in modern apartments and private houses.

    • Living room
    • Color matching

    Pink color in the interior

    Interiors in pink color are rare, although they are among the fashion trends of recent years. It is enough to look at this delicate palette from a different angle and choose the right shade to create an interesting and cheerful solution for decorating any room in the house.

    • Color matching
    • Design tips

    Brown color in the interior

    Rich brown color gives the living environment respectability and solidity, as well as softness, coziness and comfort. The right combination of shades will bring confidence, calmness and constancy to the atmosphere, it is these qualities that are attributed to the color symbolizing the earth.

    Learn more