An Interior Designer’s Guide to Using Dark Paint Colours
As an interior designer, I love experimenting with rich, deep tones to bring sophistication, depth, and warmth into a home. Recently, I’ve used COAT’s beautifully bold dark colours in my own living room, dining room, and hallway to achieve that perfect balance.
In the UK, where natural daylight can often be limited, many people shy away from dark paint colours out of concern that they’ll make a space feel smaller or gloomier. However, I’ve found the opposite to be true. A deep, rich colour can add incredible depth and warmth while enhancing the perception of spaciousness.
For example, in my living room, I used COAT Paint’s Darlington as a stunning backdrop for furniture, textures, and decor. I also incorporated COAT’s colours into my dining room (painted in Adulting) and hallway, demonstrating how versatile and impactful darker tones can be across various spaces.
Balancing Dark Colours with Lighting
Lighting is crucial when using dark colours. While natural light can beautifully highlight the depth of darker shades, layering additional lighting ensures the space remains inviting at all times of day.
In my living room, I paired natural light with pendant lights, table lamps, and wall sconces to maintain balance. This approach ensures the room feels bright during the day and cosy in the evenings, enhancing the warm, inviting atmosphere created by the dark walls.
Why COAT Paints?
As a designer, I’ve worked with many paint brands, but COAT stood out for a few reasons:
- Ease of Use: Their online colour consultation tools made selecting the perfect shade a seamless experience.
- Eco-Friendly: As a B-Corp certified brand, their low-VOC, sustainable paints align with my commitment to environmentally conscious design.
- Premium Quality: The pigmentation and soft matte finish add a layer of luxury that’s hard to beat.
The Colour & Design
Colours Used: Darlington (living room), Adulting (dining room), and [TBC for hallway].
Styling Tips:
- Pair dark walls with light furnishings to create contrast and keep the space feeling open.
- Incorporate textured elements like cushions, throws, or rugs to add depth and warmth.
- Use layered lighting to create a balance of brightness and cosiness.
If you’re looking for inspiration to incorporate dark paint colours into your home, or if you’re ready to start your own design journey, feel free to get in touch with Purefoy Interiors for tailored advice and services.
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