Exploring Dark Paint Colours with TH2 Design
The colour you choose can redefine the mood and atmosphere of an interior space. Dark paint colours – whether it’s a sophisticated navy or a moody charcoal hue – have a transformative effect on any scheme.
Explore a gallery of schemes from interior design studio, TH2 Design, to gain inspiration for utilising some of the darkest paint colours in the Paint & Paper Library palette…
1. Create a strong focal point
Introducing dark paint colours within an otherwise neutral scheme is an excellent way to draw your eyes to a particular area of the space, creating an interesting focal point.
Gail Taylor adds: “The use of deep tones can draw attention to architectural features such as a fireplace, staircase and wall panelling. We often paint built-in joinery and shelving to create a striking contrast that anchors the space.”
Achieve a harmonious finish by choosing a contrasting dark hue complements the other elements of the scheme, such as the surrounding paint colours and soft furnishings. Monument is a deep, earthy purple that coordinates flawlessly with the gentle, purple-toned greys in the Salt Architectural Colours.
2. Add depth to small spaces
Often the best place to incorporate dark shades is within small spaces. Consider embracing a deep, moody hue on every surface for an immersive feel. Or paint a piece of shelving or cabinetry in a richly coloured shade to bring unexpected character to a functional room.
Gail Taylor writes: “Hallways, bathrooms and boot rooms are the perfect spaces to experiment with bold and dark colours. We find that rich hues like midnight blue, moody charcoal, or deep forest green can add depth, transforming a simple room into a more interesting space.”
Consider Hunter Dunn, a rich verdant hue that adds impact to walls whilst recalling the tranquillity of the natural world. Pair with Sand I as a complementary neutral.
3. Harness the natural light in your home
If there is an area of your home that is bathed in natural sunlight, consider incorporating a dark paint colour within the scheme. As the light moves throughout the day, you will begin to perceive the rich underlying pigmentation of your chosen paint shade, producing a truly exquisite effect.
Gail Taylor writes: “Using a deep hue in rooms with ample sunlight help to create depth and a sense of warmth. The play of light and shadow adds a dynamic, almost theatrical ambience.”
Even just painting your woodwork in a deep inky blue that complements your wall colour will elevate the overall look. Squid Ink looks very elegant on woodwork in a hallway scheme, paired with cool, blue-toned neutrals such as Lead II.
4. Add character to your home
With their rich pigmentation and alluring hues, Paint & Paper Library’s dark paint colours are the ultimate shades to infuse a space with character. Use deep paint colours in rooms where you want to instil a sense of intimacy and reflect your personal style, such as bedrooms, libraries or snugs.
Gail Taylor adds: “Dark colours can help set the tone of a room and help create a mood for the room depending on its use. They can help evoke feelings of warmth, cosiness, and comfort, making spaces like bedrooms feel more inviting.”
Pure Flat Emulsion is the perfect paint finish to pair with dark hues, with a chalky 2% sheen that enhances their charismatic depth of colour. Consider the profound Stable Green in Pure Flat Emulsion to create an inviting, cocooning effect in your bedroom scheme.
5. Define zones in open-plan spaces
Using paint provides an excellent way to segment your living space, according to the way you use it. Bold and impactful, dark paint colours will create sufficient emphasis to define the different parts of the space.
Gail Taylor suggests: “Painting a specific area like a dining corner or reading nook in a dark shade creates a visual separation, creating the effect of different living zones within one large space.”
Squid Ink is a versatile, charcoal blue that works beautifully in most interior settings to accentuate architectural features and achieve a statement finish.
Explore the palette of dark shades in the Paint & Paper Library palette, or browse schemes featuring black, blue and grey hues for more inspiration.
