Dark, moody paint colors are becoming more popular and for good reason. Benjamin Moore even chose “Shadow” as their 2017 Color of the Year. Dark colors create drama and sophistication. As sunlight enters the room, there is this amazing interaction between light and dark. Striking shadows and muted tones morph throughout the day as the sunlight changes from morning brightness to evening softness. Furniture and art pop against a dark backdrop. When done well, dark walls are nothing short of dreamy!
Shadow 2117-30 by Benjamin Moore
Many people believe that dark wall colors will turn a room dark and dreary. Actually, rooms with dark walls can be full of light. The trick is to allow natural light into the room, regardless of which type of window treatment you choose.
Window Treatment Ideas for Dark Walls
When choosing window treatments for a room with dark walls, the first thing you need to decide is if you want to continue the dark palette onto your window treatments or if you would like your window treatments to create a moment of relief in the room.
Here’s some examples of how dark on dark can look:
This dark grey room is anything but dark and dreary! The grey, wall-to-wall drapes allow in plenty of natural light when pushed open. The light colored bedding, furniture, and artwork pop against their dark grey backdrop.
This photo proves that a room with black walls can still be light and bright. The black sheer drapes let in lots of light which bounces off the metallic chairs, drapery rod, and crystal chandelier.
Dark walls showcase the amazing artwork over the fireplace. The drapes carry the accent wall color over to the neutral wall, blending the two together seamlessly.
Dark grey drapes frame the bay window and tie the accent wall together with the main walls. Pops of yellow give the room a bit of playfulness.
Window treatments can also be used to break up the dark colors on the walls and create a moment of relief. This can be done in various ways: a bold print, vertical or horizontal stripes, a contrasting color, or a neutral color.
Here are some examples of how window treatments can provide a moment of relief from dark walls:
The drapes in this room still contain a lot of dark tones, but the pattern and addition of white helps break up the wall color and creates a focal point in the room.
The soft beige drapes pairs beautifully with the muddy blue walls. Light passes easily through the sheer fabric and create an airy feel in the room.
Horizontal striped drapes are used here to tie together the dark walls and the bright yellow ceiling.
White shutters brighten this dark brown room and highlight the beautiful window casings and crown molding.
The earthy, deep green on the walls pair perfectly with the neutral beige drapes in this bathroom that is full of light. We love how the drapes pull the beige out of the floor.
Don’t be intimidated by dark wall colors. The risk is worth the reward! And there’s no risk in consulting with one of our design experts to help you choose the perfect window treatments for your room. After all, our design consultations are free! Our designers will show you fabrics and Hunter Douglas products that will look striking against your dark walls. They’ll be sure to help you choose products that will allow light into your room so you’ll prevent it from looking drab.
