13 Master Dark Maximalism with These Ideas
Do you love the idea of a home that feels like a treasure trove? If you swoon over saturated colors, unique decor pieces, and a sense of luxury, you might be a dark maximalist at heart.
There are no rules when it comes to decorating your home.
If you love it, it works! That said, dark maximalism can be a bit trickier to pull off than other styles.
How do you stay true to your love of dark, moody colors and make it look intentional instead of like a Halloween party? These 13 ideas will show you how to master dark maximalism in your home.
1. Start with the walls
As with any room, the walls are a great place to start when creating a design.
In this case, the dark and moody wall color is the perfect backdrop for the maximalist design.
The bold and saturated color of the wall will help the furniture and decor pop and stand out.
It also creates a cozy and intimate vibe that’s perfect for a sitting room.
2. Add in some luxe fabrics
Another way to add in some visual interest is through the use of luxe fabrics. Think velvet, silk, and wool.
This living room uses a variety of patterns and colors, but the use of velvet on the sofa, silk on the throw pillows, and wool in the rug adds a layer of texture and sophistication.
3. Choose a dark
If you’re not ready to go all in with a dark maximalist design, you can still incorporate this style into your home.
Start by choosing a dark, moody color for a room and then build your design around it.
In this living room, the designer chose a rich blue for the walls, which makes the room feel cozy and inviting.
They then added in other dark colors with the fireplace tile, rug, and artwork.
dramatic bed
If you’re a fan of dark maximalism, you may already be familiar with the concept of a dramatic bed.
This design trend is all about adding layers and textures to your bed to make it look oh-so-cozy and inviting.
To achieve a dramatic bed in your dark maximalist bedroom, start with a dark-colored comforter as your base.
Then, add throw pillows and a throw blanket in coordinating colors and patterns. Top it off with a canopy or a bed crown to complete the look.
4. Consider a dark
If you want to try out dark maximalism but you’re not ready to commit to the entire room, start with the walls.
Not only will a dark color make the room feel more intimate, but it will also make your art and decor pop.
Try a deep blue, green, or even a black paint color to set the stage for a maximalist display.
Pro tip: if you have a lot of art, consider painting the ceiling a dark color to help break up the wall space.
dramatic bed canopy
If you want to create a dramatic and moody vibe in your bedroom, a canopy bed is the way to do it.
This four-poster bed takes up the majority of the space in this bedroom, and the canopy adds an extra layer of intimacy to the space.
Dark floral wallpaper and a rich, maroon velvet headboard make the bed the focal point of the room, while the rest of the decor is kept simple and minimal.
5. Go with dark
If you’re starting with a white room, it might sound counterintuitive to fill it with dark colors.
But it’s a great way to create a cozy, inviting space that feels anything but stark.
The key is to use dark colors in a variety of textures and patterns and to mix in metallics and other reflective surfaces to keep the room from feeling too heavy.
This living room by Elizabeth Lawson Design is a great example of how to do it right.
The dark blue and black hues are balanced by the white walls, curtains, and artwork and reflective surfaces like the coffee table and lamps.
The result is a room that’s moody and maximalist but still feels light and bright.
dramatic bedding
If you’re hesitant to dip your toe into the dark side of maximalism, the bed is an excellent place to start.
This is a great way to add a bold pop of color without committing to a paint color or wallpaper.
Look for a set with a super bold pattern that incorporates a lot of dark colors.
Then, you can use that to pick out your wall color and the other elements in the room.
6. Add in some dark
If you’re a fan of dark maximalism but still love your bright space, don’t worry.
You can still incorporate dark, moody colors into your design without going overboard.
This room is a perfect example of how to do it.
The majority of the space is bright and light, but the navy blue ceiling and matching curtains add in a touch of that dark, moody vibe.
dramatic art
The art in this room is a great example of how to use this style to make a statement.
The dark, moody colors in the painting are repeated throughout the room, and the gold frame of the painting is also repeated in the gold accents throughout the room.
The art and the bold color palette are the main focus of the room, and the rest of the decor is kept simple to make sure the art takes center stage.
7. Choose dark
If you love the look of maximalism but are a little hesitant about using so much color, a dark palette is a great place to start.
This moody dining room is a perfect example of how to create a space that’s full of visual interest without being too loud.
The dark walls are the perfect backdrop for the eclectic mix of art, and the neutral rug and table help to break up the space a bit.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure where to start with art, try choosing a color palette and then finding pieces that fit within that color scheme.
dramatic lighting
When it comes to dark maximalism, a well-lit room is not a requirement.
In fact, dark, dramatic lighting is one of the key elements of this eclectic style.
This stunning living room by Ann Lowengart is a perfect example of how to use lighting to create a moody, dramatic space.
The combination of the dark walls and ceiling, the deep blue velvet sofa, and the rich wood accents is the perfect backdrop for the dramatic chandelier.
8. Add in some dark
If you’re not ready to go all-in on dark maximalism, you can start by adding in a few dark pieces to your space.
In this living room, the dark walls are accented with a variety of art prints, a dark sofa, and a few dark tables.
The result is a space that feels light and airy while still having a lot of depth.
dramatic curtains
Dark maximalism is all about creating a bold, dramatic space.
And what’s more dramatic than a pair of floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains? In this moody living room designed by 2LG Studio, the dark curtains add a sense of luxury and sophistication to the space.
A bold print on the back of the curtains adds a maximalist touch.
9. Choose a dark
If you’re not quite ready to go all in with a dark maximalist design, you can achieve the look in a more subtle way by choosing a dark, moody color for your walls.
In this living room, a deep green creates the perfect backdrop for a maximalist design.
The dark walls make the colorful accents pop, and the gold and brass accents add a touch of glam.
dramatic vanity
If you have the space for it, a dramatic vanity is a must.
This one is built into the wall and features a stunning black and white marble countertop.
The large mirror reflects the light from the window, making the space feel even bigger.
10. Go with dark
If you’re feeling bold, consider painting the walls a dramatic, dark color. Dark colors can help to create a cozy, enveloping feel in a room.
If you’re not ready to commit to painting the walls, you can create the same effect by adding dark curtains or other window treatments to a room.
dramatic bathroom tile
Don’t be afraid to mix materials and patterns in your bathroom.
Here, a marble sink and backsplash are paired with a black and white checkerboard floor and black subway tile walls.
The gold accents in the sconces and faucet add a touch of luxury to the space.
11. Add in some dark
If you’re not sure how to add dark colors to your space, start with your walls or floors.
These are the most obvious places to add color without it feeling too overwhelming.
In this living room by Studio L, the dark green wall color is the perfect backdrop for the colorful gallery wall.
The wall color helps add depth to the space while the artwork adds some fun and personality.
dramatic bathroom fixtures
When you’re designing a maximalist space, you want to be sure that every inch of the room is oozing with personality.
This means that even the smallest details, like the bathroom fixtures, should be a statement.
When it comes to selecting a bathroom faucet, there are endless designs to choose from.
Whether you prefer brass, copper, or chrome, you can find a finish that suits your style.
The same goes for the shape of the faucet. Some people prefer a more traditional design, while others might like a sleek, modern look.
For a maximalist space, you can’t go wrong with a dramatic, dark faucet.
This design by Studio McGee is a perfect example of how to incorporate this trend.
The dark faucet pops against the white sink, and the black-and-white tile floor adds even more contrast to the space.
12. Consider a dark
If you’re looking to make a big change to your space, consider painting the walls black.
This is particularly effective in a bedroom where the darkness can help you sleep.
Add in a few dark patterned textiles and you’ve got a room that’s both cozy and chic.
dramatic ceiling
If you’re going for a dark maximalist style, don’t forget about the ceiling.
This is an often-overlooked opportunity to add a pop of color, a fun pattern, or a bit of extra texture.
In this dining room, the ceiling is painted in a deep, moody blue.
It adds a bit of color to the space without overwhelming the other dark elements and bold patterns.
13. Add in some dark
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of a fully dark maximalist space, consider adding in some white or light decor.
This will help to break up the darkness and keep the space from feeling too heavy.
dramatic furniture
Dark maximalism doesn’t have to mean bold color.
Here, a moody, black living room is filled with dramatic furniture, like a curved sofa, a geometric coffee table, and a modern side chair.
The mix of shapes and textures keeps the space feeling stylish and dynamic.
Conclusion
Even though these spaces are dark, they are full of life and personality. These interiors are not for the faint of heart, but they are perfect for those who love to live outside the box. What’s your favorite dark maximalist room? Let us know in the comments!
