How to Decorate Dark Colors & Dark Spaces

Paint the room with a dark color that feels warm and inviting. Even light colors, such as white, can look gloomy and dingy in a dark room. Embrace the darkness, instead, by painting the walls a shade of charcoal gray, navy blue, burngandy, violet, chocolate brown or burnt orange. Paint one wall, or the trim, a lighter shade of the same color if you don't want too much of the darker shade. Painting the ceiling a lighter shade of the same color can make the room feel larger.

Use light or bright-colored furniture to contrast with the dark walls and prevent a gloomy-feeling in the room. For example, a tan sofa, lavender chair, birch wood or white furniture will stand out against the dark walls and brighten the space. Choose a couple pieces that are the same color as the walls so the room doesn't look choppy.

Add colorful linens to the room for contrast. A yellow and white floral comforter or mint green curtains will add a pop of color and make a huge impact to the room in small doses. Include a rug with a large pattern featuring light and dark colors present elsewhere in the room to draw the eye.

Hang colorful artwork or pictures on the walls. Choose frames in light or bright colors, such as white, pink, blue or yellow. Add large mirrors where they will reflect natural light to visually open the room.

Accessorize the room with bright items, such as lamps, pillows, clocks, vases or candles. Plants and flowers can make the room feel more open and airy, as well.