Exploring The Dark Side: Tips And Tricks To Effectively Use Dark Colours For Home In Your Home!

The mantra about dark colours is – Use it right, and you will never go wrong!

There is hesitation among homeowners and even designers when it comes to using darker colours in homes. It could be due to the several misconceptions associated with dark colours. Some believe that dark hues can make a room look smaller, dimmer or even claustrophobic.

Not anymore! If you have wanted to make your walls come alive with a splash of beautiful colours, now is the time, for Dark Colours for Home are no longer passé. In fact, they are trending right now!

Dark Colours for Home Are Beautiful!

Dark Colours (5).jpg

The 2018 Milan Design Week sets the tone for trends related to all types of design and was all about bright colours. Bright red, bold yellow, dark blues, green and lemon yellow were some of the colours that dominated the event.

If you also look at the ‘colour of the year’ put forward by experts, they are all about colour vibrancy. The Pantone Color Institute, the consulting services which forecast world colour trends, has named ultra violet as the colour for 2018. Benjamin Moore, one of the most renowned paint companies in the US, has named ‘Caliente AF-290’ as the colour of 2018. It is a captivating shade of red, again a bold colour.

It’s time to let go of your doubts about using dark colours in your home, and take the plunge! 

There is hesitation among home owners and even designers when it comes to using darker colours in homes. It could be due to the several misconceptions associated with dark colours. Some believe that dark hues can make a room look smaller, dimmer or even claustrophobic. But, that's not the case anymore!

5 Things To Remember When Using Dark Shades For Your Home!

Dark colours are also known as strong colours. Did you know that bright colours denote different emotions? Burgundy, for instance, can evoke a studious feel. Dark grey colour or black gives a feeling of strength. The dark purple shade brings sophistication to any room.  

Dark Colours (3).jpg

When it comes to incorporating dark hues in your rooms, it is all about styling them right. It can give your rooms a cosy feel, and a dramatic look and add life to your space. 

1. Pay attention to balance! 

An essential factor to note when you are using dark colours is to ensure that there is enough contrast to striking a balance. If your walls are painted in dark colours, then allow the accessories to be light in colour so that they stand out. The fabrics you use or the hard surfaces in the room can have different textures so that they pop out against the dark background. Look for a mix of colours or shapes. An unbalanced room will look cluttered.  

For example, if your walls are dipped in solid colours, you can add geometric patterns to create a contrast.

2. Opt for vibrant colours!

When you are using dark colours, remember to choose brighter shades because they are more enlivening. It is better to stay away from washed-out colours as long as there isn’t any specific theme to go with it. You can opt for bold accents such as art pieces, pillows, fabrics, carpets, furniture, etc. Try to mix them up.

Dark Colours (1).jpg

3. Bright colours go well with eclectic décor! 

Many people love eclectic decorating, that is using a mixture of décor elements from different time periods, places, colours or styles to design their homes. Dark shades can be the right choice for such a décor because these colours tend to unify the various elements, lending the room a consistent and more interesting look. Your elements will be able to stand out appealingly.

4. Small or large, all spaces look great with dark hues! 

Many opine that small spaces shouldn’t be painted in dark colours for they are believed to make the rooms even smaller. It is really not so. If you are keen to use a dark colour, then you should because bright shades can lend drama to small spaces making them more prominent.

When dark hues are used in large or spacious rooms, you can lend a cosy feel to the rooms.

Dark Colours (2).jpg

5. Limit patterns to one or two! 

Patterns are a beautiful addition to any room. Patterns in home décor are referred to designs such as floral, checks, zig-zag lines, geometric designs, motifs, etc. Generally, patterns are used to give a bit of colour and drama to a room but when the dark shades are themselves the stars, too many patterns can be a bit jarring. You should take a decision on the number of patterns to be used depending on the room and space.

Three tricks to remember before painting with dark shades!

Dark Colours (4).jpg
  • Test your colour before painting. Choosing a colour based on a chart is not enough. Paint a small portion of your walls with sample paints of different colours. You will instantly know what to keep.

  • The use of multiple dark colours in a single room isn’t a great idea. Stick to one shade to keep your room elegant and to maintain the drama.  

  • The right colouring of the trims can make all the difference. If you have used warm colours, then paint the trim white with a yellow undertone, but for cool tones, a white with a cool undertone is the one that will stand out.

  • At the same time, if the room has a low ceiling, the trick is to paint the trim also with the same colour as the wall because it makes the trim invisible lending a tall look to the wall.

Don't be afraid of Dark Colours for Home anymore! If you are looking for some expert advice on getting your home done up, get in touch with Hipcouch today!

If you would like to know how much would it cost to get your home interiors done and save nearly 25% in hidden charges, use our free interior design cost calculator today!

Get Interior Designing Cost Calculators Interior Design Tips, Guides to help you make Smart Choices for your Interiors & Decor without filling up your email inbox!