Paint

Our Favorite Interior Dark Paint Colors

Although Henry and I love a good neutral light and airy color palette, there are times when a darker color is just what a room needs. Throughout most of our homes, we have stuck with some shade of white, but there are definitely those places we think dark paint colors look great!

Where Should I Use Dark Paint Colors?

Many people are kind of scared to use a darker paint color. I can understand it can be somewhat intimidating to not know what it will look like. I will admit, when trying to decide on an office color, I was kind of scared of going dark. But, after seeing it all come together, I was happy we did! The safer route probably is a lighter color, but being bold and adding in some darker colors definitely makes a design statement.

There are times when painting an entire room dark and moody works and looks great. But if you’re not brave enough to do an entire room, using pops of dark paint color throughout your home creates interest and contrast. Whether it be on cabinetry, an accent wall, or even some built-ins, it will create a memorable room that everyone will be loving.

Our Favorites

Here are a few of our favorites that we have even used in many of our homes.

Sample Before You Paint

Before you invest money in gallons of paint, it’s extremely important that you sample several paint color options first. You can do it the old-fashioned way which is time-consuming and messy. Or you can use Samplize to order large peel-and-stick paint samples with accurate color representation.

Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams

Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams is a great darker color to use on the interior of your home. It is a rich, natural black with no undertones. Tricorn Black is perfect for pairing with lighter colors like this white wall.

Here in our son’s bedroom, we created a faux wallpaper accent wall using Tricorn Black. This dark pattern created a nice pop of contrast with the white walls. Tricorn black is often used on accent walls and even interior doors against a beautiful white interior wall color.

Railings by Farrow and Ball

Railings by Farrow and Ball may be at the top of my list of dark interior paint colors. It is a black alternative that gives off a hint of blue. When you want to go dark, but not black, Railings is perfect. It is a dark, moody color that is very sophisticated. When painting in an eggshell finish it becomes more of a relaxed look.

We love Railings so much we decided to use it for our custom paint color on our kitchen and pantry cabinets. Combining a darker color on the cabinets with lighter countertops and walls is such a classic look. It creates a ton of contrast which is so pleasing to the eye.

Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore

Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore is another great dark color that can bring any space to life. It is basically a slightly muted version of black. Wrought Iron is very popular and is used on interior doors and kitchen islands. It is perfect for adding that dark touch with not being fully black.

Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore

Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore is a timeless, classic, deeper shade of navy. When I think of a kitchen or pantry that has been there for years, I think of this color. It offers so much character and tradition to a home. It is seriously the perfect shade of dark blue.

It’s also great for an accent wall. In our farmhouse, we used it on a vertical shiplap accent wall as you. can see in the picture below.

Naval by Sherwin Williams

Naval by Sherwin Williams is another dark blue, but with a twist. It is a very luxurious color that looks amazing. I have seen it used in dining rooms, offices, and even powder rooms to create a sophisticated vibe. It looks great paired with wood and antique brass finishes.

Inkwell by Sherwin Williams

Saving the best for last, Inkwell by Sherwin Williams is one we have used in our own home and love it! Inkwell is a deep, moody blue that looks great used as an accent wall or even entire rooms such as an office.

Here in our office, we used a flat finish on the walls and semi-gloss on the moldings and built-in bookcase.

I love the fact that you can always lighten up the color a little by adding in a lighter-colored rug and furniture pieces such as this desk. It creates a nice contrast with the dark walls.

Adding some darker colors to a room or home is a great way to add lots of interest and uniqueness without spending too much money. A beautiful dark color, a gallon of paint, and a paintbrush can go a long way.

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10 Comments

  • Reply Meg

    What color white did you pair w Railings in your kitchen? Thanks!

    July 8, 2020 at 5:14 am
    • Reply Henry

      The walls and trim are both painted in Sherwin Williams Pure White.

      July 8, 2020 at 4:32 pm
  • Reply Kelly Houghton

    What color did you use for your kitchen cabinets? They’re beautiful!

    August 12, 2020 at 1:09 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Hi Kelly. It is Railings by Farrow and Ball. There is more info about it in this article. 🙂

      August 12, 2020 at 1:25 pm
  • Reply Cheryl Tucker

    im thinking of painting a small accent wall in my master bedroom at our beach house in tricon black but im scared. could i send you a picture of the room and get your opinion?

    September 2, 2020 at 3:44 pm
  • Reply Lilliana Garcia

    Do you recommend GreenBlack from Sherwin Williams for an office accent wall?

    September 11, 2020 at 12:13 am
  • Reply Jenna Connors

    We are building a home now and looking at TRICORN black for the undertones of blue as the accent for exterior shutters and front door. Would that be a safe Color for exterior or any other suggestions ?

    September 20, 2020 at 4:25 pm
  • Reply Jamie

    Hi, what color paint are your white kitchen cabinets?? Ty

    October 12, 2020 at 7:24 pm
  • Reply Lisa Padilla

    The blue office is amazing. I am trying to replicate this for my foster children to have a quiet place to study. Can you please tell me where you got the square wall art, wood bench, rug and brass sconces.
    This is going to be the best room in the house.
    Also do you recall the size of this room.
    Just fabulous. I am afraid if I pains my whole room InkWell it will look off because it may be to small. But I am all about going out and trying something different.
    My young ladies will live this.
    Of course it will take me forever to do this as I have not one creative bone or building talent whatsoever ever.
    Also, your kitchens are beautiful, creative and so calming. A wonderful place to gather and create memories.
    If I had the money I would have you come to my home and work watch the magic happen. My teen foster children would be in awe of your work.
    Thank you for sharing your talents.

    January 5, 2022 at 8:48 pm
  • Reply Terri

    Beautiful home !!! What are the white oak floors ? The white walls with the Railings cabinets in the kitchen just make the floors pop.

    January 31, 2022 at 3:10 pm
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