Painting your walls dark colors is treated as a bit of a no-no. But is there a real reason that whites and light grays are standard paint colors? Why can’t you paint your living room royal blue, emerald green, or even black? Or, can you?

The truth is that you can paint your walls whatever color you like, but there are important factors to consider with each color. Light colors may be the norm; however, they’re not the only option. Dark colors come with some significant pros and cons, but the results can be striking.

Pros of Dark Colors

• They look luxurious: When done right, dark wall colors can add an air of luxury to any space. Your home office will transform into a study; your living room will become a salon.
• They blend well: Different light colors can look great together, but if you put the wrong pair side-by-side, they can clash. Dark colors, on the other hand, tend to blend seamlessly.
• They make a room feel cozy: While warm and cozy isn’t the design goal that most Floridians are going for, dark walls can certainly contribute if you want a more cabin-like feel in your home.
• They’re perfect for displaying art and frames: If you have wall art in your home, darker colors might be the perfect choice for your gallery wall. Against their high-contrast background, frames will pop.

Cons of Dark Colors

• They may make the room look smaller: Popular wisdom is that dark colors make rooms look smaller. While there’s actually some evidence that the opposite is true given that dark colors usually look further away, many people still believe dark paint will make their room feel constricting.
• They can show dirt or damage: You might think that dark colors would hide damage, but think again. Anyone who’s had a dark vehicle knows that dark colors can sometimes show marks more than light colors. That’s why it’s especially important to pick the right finish with dark walls.
• They can make the room too dark: If you’re painting a room dark colors, make sure you have sufficient natural or artificial light. It can be very hard to see without good light sources.

Consider an Accent Wall

Painting doesn’t need to be all-or-nothing. If you’re thinking about painting your walls a deep color, you can always paint an accent wall. This way, it can stand out in the space and draw your eyes to any artwork you would like to highlight, all without significantly diminishing your space’s natural light.

And if you decide you want your whole room painted that color, you can always keep going!

Don’t Forget the Finish

The right finish can make or break your dark color choice.

Matte works best for colors you would like to tone down. They also tend to absorb light, making the room look darker than it already is. Matte finish is tricky to clean, so only use it in areas that are unlikely to see much dirt, dust, and damage.

Gloss is great if you’re concerned about getting adequate lighting for your dark room. Its shine can also make your walls look more modern and add to the artistic drama of your color choice.

Satin adds a bit of a shine, but it’s much easier to clean. For most dark color paint jobs, satin will likely be the safest bet.

How to Paint Dark Colors Well

Prep work is always important with painting, but this is especially true with dark walls. Make sure your walls are cleaned and primed, that tape is firmly in place, and that you have the right number of coats.

Consider painting the trim a complementary color. The contrast between dark walls and light trim can make the room feel smaller, so if they’re a similar shade, that can help the room feel larger.

You should also consider your light sources before beginning your project. This will help you have the right lighting while painting, so that you know what your room will look like in its intended light.

Consult the Experts!

It’s always a good idea to work with professional painters, and when you’re picking a bold, dark color, it’s almost essential. Our team at CorsPaint will make sure that your area is perfectly prepared and that your paint job is long-lasting and well-executed. We’ll help find a paint solution with the right finish for your design vision.

And if you need additional guidance on whether dark colors will work and have adequate lighting in your space, we’re happy to answer any questions. Consider working with professionals, like our team at CorsPaint, to ensure the best results.