Dark Cork Panel Ideas

Focal Point Wall

• The look of a dark cork wall works in several ways. With wood floors, the warmth of the natural brown earth tones are carried onto the walls. In a light-colored, seemingly montonous room, the shift of the eye to a cork wall livens up the room's interest. For a room that mixes several design elements, a dark cork-paneled wall introduces tangible texture whose natural nooks and crevices add dimension and drama to the space.

Half Wall Wainscoting

• Use dark cork panels to create the effect of adding wainscoting around a room. The cork's shock-absorbing material makes a cushioning barrier between the wall's bases and any accidental bumps. The effect is a contrast between a painted upper wall and a natural-surface lower wall. Trim the line where the two walls meet with ornate wood molding, either stained a complementary color or painted an accent color that marries the two wall finishes.

The Ceiling

• Bring the effect of a high ceiling downward with dark cork panels. Even on the ceiling, the dark cork will create a dramatic mood in a room. This may be a suitable option for a dining room, with its edges lined with crown molding, or in a bedroom, office, study or man's cave, where the rich depth of the cork's darkness creates a desired mood in the space.

The Floor

• Cushioning beneath the feet on a floor covered with dark cork panels feels different than the hard surface of hardwood floors or the plush surface of carpet. This is a strategic floor solution that works well in a room, depending on its purpose. A recreational room, playroom, den or office featuring a cork floor will offer a popular option.

Tables and Message Centers

• Cover an old, yet functional table with dark cork tiles to make its surface comfortable for projects, such as quilting, sewing, crocheting, scrapbooking and crafts of all types, or for other activities, such as board games and other tabletop play. A cork surface may be comfortable for managing business assignments as well, or as an interesting top to a small accent table. Cork brings to mind the very common cork-board or bulletin board. With dark cork panels, this purpose can be replicated along any wall, cabinet or closet door, but most boards are not as dark as these tiles. The color gives these tiles a sophisticated appearance, a step up from the traditional cork-board appearance.