7 Elegant Dark Paint Shades Designers Love for a Bold Interior
Dark paint colors offer a bold and timeless way to add character to any interior.
When used correctly, they can enhance the sophistication of a space and create a stunning backdrop for art, furniture, and decor.
In this collection of 7 designer-favorite dark paint shades, we’ll explore the hues that top interior designers recommend to bring depth, warmth, and luxury to your home.
Farrow & Ball – Railings
Farrow & Ball – Railings blends elegance and comfort with its almost-black-blue hue, creating a space that feels both dramatic and cozy. Perfect for rooms where you want to add depth without overwhelming the space, Railings offers a subtle softness thanks to its blue undertones.
It pairs beautifully with neutral or white accents, making it ideal for bedrooms or living areas that need a touch of sophistication. When used on both walls and woodwork, it draws attention to the height of a room, making even low ceilings feel more expansive.
Benjamin Moore – Ashland Slate
Benjamin Moore – Ashland Slate brings a balanced medium gray with blue undertones that perfectly complements earthy neutral tones. The richness of Ashland Slate adds warmth without the harshness of deeper shades, making it a welcoming choice for living rooms or dining spaces.
You’ll notice how it works harmoniously with gold tones, warm wood, and soft greys, creating an inviting, cozy atmosphere that feels both elegant and approachable. It's a color that combines modern sophistication with a classic appeal.
Sherwin Williams – Inkwell
Sherwin Williams – Inkwell offers a near-black paint with subtle blue undertones, perfect for creating a snug, inviting environment. The gentle blue tint softens the intensity of the black, giving life to the color and making it less harsh.
This shade works well in spaces where you want a bold, yet comforting ambiance, like a study or home office. Paired with wooden furniture or lighter accents, Inkwell exudes a refined rustic charm that adds character to any room.
Benjamin Moore – Black Forest Green
Benjamin Moore – Black Forest Green delivers a deep, earthy tone with dark green undertones that immediately brings a sense of grounding and calm to any space. This color has gained popularity for its versatility and ability to blend seamlessly with both warm and cool colors.
Black Forest Green, with its rich jewel tones, creates a serene, natural atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for accent walls or entire rooms. Paired with warm lighting or lighter furnishings, it brings a subtle sophistication that's hard to overlook.
Benjamin Moore – Gentleman’s Gray
Benjamin Moore – Gentleman’s Gray offers a bold, dark teal that strikes the perfect balance between navy and blue-green. This shade gives rooms a sense of depth while remaining vibrant enough to feel inviting.
Ideal for those who want to embrace bold, dramatic colors without losing warmth, Gentleman’s Gray works well in dining rooms, kitchens, or smaller living areas. Paired with bright accents, it creates a stunning contrast, while its rich tone gives the room a modern and cozy vibe.
Testing samples on your walls first helps ensure it works beautifully with your lighting and decor.
Farrow & Ball – Paean Black
Farrow & Ball – Paean Black brings a rich, deep tone with hints of red that add a touch of glamour and drama. The subtle red undertones make it feel luxurious, especially when used in high-gloss finishes.
Paean Black is perfect for those who want a bold statement color that still feels elegant and timeless. This shade excels in bedrooms or accent walls, creating a sense of depth and character.
Dark colors like Paean Black can actually expand a space by absorbing light, making rooms feel more intimate yet open at the same time.
Farrow & Ball – Off Black
Farrow & Ball – Off Black is a warm, deep gray that softens the usual intensity of black. Slightly less blue than Railings, Off Black offers a more subdued, cozy atmosphere, perfect for kitchens or rooms with lighter accent colors.
This shade pairs exceptionally well with warm whites, creating a balanced contrast that feels luxurious without being stark. Its understated elegance makes it versatile enough for both traditional and modern spaces, offering a sophisticated backdrop that enhances the warmth of any room.
