5 Dark (But Not Daunting) Paint Colors

Love the look of dark rooms you see on Pinterest, but feel a little intimidated about painting one of your own? Dark paint colors don't always have to be daunting. Here are four favorites you might consider to create a space that awes—but doesn't overwhelm—you.

Urbane Bronze by Sherwin-Williams

Urbane Bronze by Sherwin-Williams is one of my go-to dark paint colors because it works in so many places. It's a little mysterious, often reading as a deep gray with brown undertones. It's dramatic but still soft enough to not feel overpowering. I've used it in a small powder room (with no natural light), in a hallway as the backdrop to a gallery wall, and on the back of bookcases to make books and accessories really pop.

Image: Caroline Lima Photography

Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore

Looking for a straightforward charcoal gray? Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore is the perfect choice. It instantly ups the coziness and looks terrific with white trim and woodwork. Layering this wall color with lighter shades of gray furnishings and a pretty chandelier creates a warm and inviting dining room.

Little Black Dress by Clark + Kensington

I had always wanted to try a black room in our house and just recently painted the sitting room Little Black Dress by Clark + Kensington. I paired it with white upholstery, natural wood tones, and brass accessories. The color actually falls within the purple family in the paint palette, and in certain lights, it definitely reads as navy-black. It's a great choice if you're on the fence about which dark color to try!

Inkwell by Sherwin-Williams

Think dark colors are just for certain rooms? This teen girl's bedroom is proof that dark paint can be pretty and feminine. The walls are painted Sherwin Williams Inkwell—a deep, moody blue. White furniture and an oversize pendant light keep the room feeling light.