13 Dark Decor Ideas To Revamp Your Living Room

I love a good white room, but one of the challenges that comes with creating a white room is making sure it doesn’t feel too stark or clinical.

One of the best ways to add warmth and texture to a white room is by using a variety of different shades of brown.

In the living room of a home in the Hollywood Hills by designer and architect David Ming-Li Lowe, a custom chair is in a Jasper leather, the cocktail table is custom, and the painting, which is from the 1920s, is by Roger de La Fresnaye.

1. Paint The Walls A Deep Charcoal

If you’re going to go dark, go dark. A good way to start is by painting your walls a deep, dark color.

The last time I moved, I painted a wall in my bedroom a deep navy and I’ve never looked back.

It’s the perfect backdrop for my art and plants.

If you’re not sure which color to go with, ask a pro.

You can talk to a designer for free at a place like Clare, where you can also purchase paint.

They’ll be able to give you a good idea of what color would work best.

2. Or Cover Them With A Bold Wallpaper

Dark walls can make a space feel a little cozier, but you don’t have to cover every inch of your walls in a deep hue to get that same effect.

Instead, consider adding wallpaper to the top half of your walls and painting the bottom half a coordinating color.

In this living room designed by Ailana Michelle Ralph, the top half of the wall is covered in a bold, floral wallpaper that sets the tone for the rest of the space.

The bottom half of the wall is painted a deep green color that coordinates with the green in the wallpaper.

The dark walls are balanced out with a lighter rug and neutral furniture.

3. Go For A Black Ceiling

When you think about painting a room black, you probably think about painting the walls, but have you considered the ceiling? Hanging a black light fixture from a black ceiling can create a cozy, warm vibe in a living room.

In this space designed by Emily Henderson, the black ceiling adds interest without making the room feel too dark.

The light and airy walls and furniture help to balance the space, and the black ceiling brings the eye up to create the illusion of a taller room.

4. Add A Dark Floor

If you’re in the middle of a renovation and you’re looking for ways to incorporate a dark design into your living room, consider the floor.

You can opt for a dark wood floor or a dark tile to set the tone for your space.

In this living room designed by the team at Arent & Pyke, the dark wood floors provide a solid base for the rest of the room, which includes a dark sofa and dark walls.

5. Combine Different Shades Of Black

The options are endless when it comes to the color black. You can either stick to one shade or mix and match different hues to create a dynamic look. Here, the dark gray walls and black fireplace create a moody vibe, while the black coffee table and side table add contrast to the space.

6. Use Dark Walls To Highlight Other Features

You can still incorporate dark walls in your living room without making the space feel too heavy. In fact, dark walls can actually help to make your favorite features stand out, like in this living room designed by House of Chais.

In this space, the dark blue wall color helps to highlight the beautiful trim and the fireplace. The dark walls also make the white ceiling and the white furniture pop in the space.

7. Create A Cosy Seating Area

When it comes to dark decor, it’s all about the lighting. A big, bright room can feel just as cosy and inviting as a dark one if you get the lighting right. Use a mix of table and floor lamps to create pools of light around the room, and add a couple of wall lights to create a soft, ambient glow.

A dark living room is the perfect place to create a cosy seating area. Choose a comfy sofa or a couple of armchairs and position them around a rug. Add a couple of side tables and lamps to create a welcoming space where you can sit and chat with friends or just curl up with a book.

8. Add A Lot Of Light

While the color scheme here is still relatively dark, the white walls and light wood floors help to balance out the use of black and gray. The large windows also allow for a lot of natural light to come in, which can help to make a room with a darker color scheme feel more open and airy. Not to mention, the contrast of the natural light and the dark colors makes for a stunning visual effect.

9. Decorate With Dark Art

If you’re not ready to commit to dark walls or furniture, you can always add some edge to your space with some moody artwork. You can go with a traditional framed print or even try a more modern approach with a wall decal. Pro tip: If you’re renting or just not ready to put holes in your walls, leaning your artwork on a floating shelf is a great way to add art to your space.

10. Add Some Glam With Mirrors

If you want to try out the dark decor trend, but are worried about the potential of a room feeling too dark, mirrors are going to be your best friend.

Mirrors are a great way to reflect light and add a little bit of glam to your living room.

This space by Emily Henderson features a large mirror that reflects the light coming in from the windows.

The gold frame adds a touch of sophistication and a pop of color to the dark walls.

Mirrors are also a great way to fill up empty wall space and add visual interest to a room.

11. Use Black In Unusual Ways

If you’re looking for a way to bring in a moody hue without it taking over your space, consider using it in unexpected ways.

In this living room from Studio McGee, the designers used black on the built-ins, the fireplace, and the artwork, but the rest of the room is a light and bright white.

The contrast of the black elements against the white creates a modern and sophisticated look, while the texture from the wood and leather adds warmth to the room.

I also love the way the black accents in the room are balanced on both sides of the space.

12. Add Some Greenery

It’s no secret that adding plants to your space can help bring in some life.

But in a dark living room, the greenery can help break up the moody color palette and introduce a little bit of brightness.

If you have a green thumb, you can go with a few larger indoor trees.

But if you’re more of a black thumb, you can opt for some low-maintenance options like snake plants or pothos.

13. Add A Pop Of Colour

If the idea of a completely dark living room is a little too much for you, break it up with a pop of colour.

Here, a dark blue wall is contrasted with a bright yellow sofa and a few other yellow accents.

The rest of the room is kept relatively neutral, with a white ceiling and white curtains, and a few wooden accents to break up the blue and yellow.

Conclusion

If you’re not ready to go all-in on dark decor, consider incorporating a few black pieces or accessories throughout your space. This living room by designer Sarah Sherman Samuel features black window frames and accents that make a statement without feeling overwhelming.