The myth of dark paint: Does it make your room look smaller?

One of the most persistent myths in Interior Design has been that dark paint makes a room look smaller. While it is true that colour can influence the perception of a space, dark paint can actually enhance the beauty and depth of a space when used thoughtfully. In this post, we are going to explore why dark paint does not necessarily make your room look smaller and how you can use it to your advantage.

Embrace depth and dimension

Dark colours, such as navy blue, charcoal grey, deep green, or even black, can add a sense of depth and dimension to a room. Instead of shrinking the space, these colours create an illusion of a more expansive area by drawing your eye to the boundaries of the walls. This effect can make a room feel more intimate and cozy without feeling cramped.

Highlight architectural features

Dark paint can be a powerful tool to highlight architectural features. By painting trim, mouldings, or built-in shelves in a contrasting dark colour, you can draw attention to these elements and make the room feel more dynamic and interesting. This contrast can also create a sense of structure and order, which can make the space feel larger and more organized.

Create a focal point

Using dark paint on an accent wall can create a stunning focal point that anchors the room. This can then make the space feel more cohesive and balanced. When your eye is drawn to a dark wall, it can distract from the room’s size and instead focus on the design elements and decor that you do want to highlight.

Enhancing natural light

Contrary to popular belief, dark paint can enhance natural light in a room. When paired with light coloured furniture and decor, dark walls create a striking contrast that makes the light stand out even more. This interplay between light and dark can make the room feel brighter and more open.

Add sophistication and elegance

Dark colours exude sophistication and elegance, especially in classic or jewel tones. They can transform a plain room into a luxurious feeling space and the richness of dark paint can make the space feel more refined and polished. This can be a very inexpensive way to your your space a high-end look that lighter colours might not achieve as effectively.

I have personal experience of this phenomenon when I painted my basement office black. The previously taupe walls, while lighter, actually made the room feel dull but when I painted all the walls black, the light that I got from the windows seemed to be enhanced. The room feels larger and more elegant, and with some built-ins in the same colour and well as a bright accent chair in the room, I have created myself a cozy little corner in the house that is my oasis. I can spend all day in my office and still feel like spending more time there because of the feel I have been able to create.

You can see the pictures of my updated home office in my portfolio page and also read the blog post I wrote about it. In another post, I will share with you some of my favourite dark pain colours as well as tips on how to use dark paint effectively in your space. For more updates, sign-up for my newsletter and follow me on Instragram.