Dark Colors in Small Spaces: Insights from Professionals + Examples

Are you still unsure that dark colors can be used in a small space? Then our guide today is definitely for you. We've prepared a list of tips that designers successfully use in their projects — take note.

Daylight

To maintain color balance and avoid turning a tiny room into a storage space, you'll need a good dose of natural light. Therefore, try painting the wall opposite the window in dark color.

Design project: Geometrium

Accent on Long Walls

Designers recommend painting the long walls of a room in black. This will emphasize its strengths and make it appear slightly larger than it actually is.

Design project: Buro5

Matt Finish

Choose dark paint with a matt finish. This trick not only makes the space look slightly larger but also adds a more restrained and stylish touch.

Design project: бюро INT2architecture

Black & White

However, designers do not recommend going to extremes and painting all the walls in black in a small room. But playing with contrast is worth it. For example, paint two walls in dark color and the other two walls and ceiling in a light shade.

Design project: Татьяна Шишкина

Dark Furniture

Another trick for decorating a room with dark walls is to place large furniture pieces in the same shade on their background. For example, this could be a shelf or dining table. Thanks to the color, they blend with the walls and make the space visually lighter.

Design project: Татьяна Шишкина

Reflective Surfaces

Use reflective surfaces. This could be a glossy kitchen cabinet or just a mirror. Place the reflective surface on the opposite side from the window. In this way, natural light will scatter throughout the apartment.

Design project: Buro5

Contrast Decor

Yes, decor can save the situation here too. If you play with contrast and choose items in light shades. A beige sofa, light textiles, and posters in white frames will look great against a black wall.

Design project: бюро INT2architecture

On the cover: Design project by Buro5 studio.