Dark bedroom ideas for a space that is stylish and snug

Dark bedroom ideas are the perfect way to create a space for rest, allowing homeowners to introduce shades that encourage a sense of warmth and safety –something very welcome in the room that we often go to switch off and reset. 

While the approach you take towards your bedroom design needs to take into account the size of the space you are working with and how you plan on using the room on a daily basis, it should also be based on the ambience you are after –relaxing, serene, energising and so on. 

The great news here is that darker shades can help create all kinds of looks and moods, from sultry and cosseting to lively and fun.

Take a look out our brilliant collection of ideas for bedrooms using colours that lie towards the darker end of the colour spectrum and inject some personality and drama into your sleeping space. 

Dark bedroom ideas are nothing to fear

When thinking about the best bedroom colours, many people shy away from using dark shades, worried that they could result in a space that feels oppressive, gloomy or smaller than it really is. However, there are many examples of successful bedroom colour schemes out there that feature bold, dark hues yet remain looking stylish and soothing. 

"It’s all about personal preference depending on what mood you wish to create. If you want something that is energising to wake you up in the morning, a bold shade will invigorate your morning routine," explains Victoria Yardley, managing director of Victory Colours. "Alternatively, if you want a room that offers a relaxing retreat, dark might be the way forward. See how the natural light impacts your bedroom throughout the day, as this can have an impact on which way you go."

1. Match your woodwork to your walls

If you are going to go bold with colour then you really want to make sure you use that colour in a way that makes a strong statement. 

Matching your wall colour by painting skirting boards and woodwork in the same shade is an easy way to achieve a smart 'put-together' look in your bedroom and will help create a sense of calm and order.

"Opt for colour for maximum impact," suggests Victoria Yardley. "Painting the ceiling the same colour as the walls can make a large room feel intimate and create a cosy, cocoon-like retreat." 

In this super stylish bedroom, the moody grey used for the walls has been continued on the door and skirting – the crisp white ceiling ensures the overall look doesn't feel overwhelming. 

Victoria Yardley

Victoria Yardley, along with her brother James Yardley, grew up working in the family business at the weekends and holidays, and a love for decorating was born. As adults, the pair came up with the idea of developing paints that are high performing, solvent-free, with low toxins.

2. Pair deep shades with dusky pink

The key to any kind of successful colour scheme lies in the pairings you choose – that could mean using several different shades on the walls, or introducing additional hues through accessories and furniture. 

When it comes to darker colours, to really lift them and highlight their richness, bring in soft, dusky lighter shades, such as powdery pink, in order to contrast yet complement the complexity of these tones. 

Here, the sultry navy shade on the walls sits beautifully against the vintage pink of the bed and the warm copper elements used elsewhere - the perfect look for those after stylish master bedroom ideas.

The Vivian Bed Frame from Dunelm offers a similar look. 

3. Use your darker shades on the ceiling for a feature

Dark colours work brilliantly for all kinds of painted ceiling ideas, whether they are used to create a visual effect or to drench the entire surface. Using a bold shade that sits in contrast to your walls will draw the eye upwards. This works well for those with small bedrooms as it will distract from the proportions of the space. In addition, if you have a vaulted ceiling or a beautiful exposed oak frame or beams, this will help highlight them.

"In smaller spaces, using a bright fresh shade on the ceiling can add an airy feel, making the space seem bigger," points out Victoria Yardley. 

In this inviting bedroom, the rich red ceiling is really brought to life through the directional spotlights that shine over its surface.

4. Immerse yourself in green for a natural feel

Green is one of the most perfect shades for bedrooms, being restful, soothing and, bringing with it, connotations of the natural world around us.

It makes sense, therefore, to use it to make a real colour statement and in many cases, the best way to do this is to cover as much of the space as possible in the same green shade. 

"Colour drenching a bedroom in a deep green shade will bring the outside, inside, linking the room to the natural world," explains Bailey Oates, colour expert at Earthborn. "The dark tone will create a cosy, cocooning effect, ideal for a relaxing bedroom. Pair with wooden furniture, décor in earthy tones and fresh blooms for a truly nature-inspired design scheme."

Bailey Oates

With a passion for all things creative, colour expert Bailey Oates brings a wealth of expertise to the eco-friendly paint company Earthborn. Specialising in interior design and photography, Bailey has been an integral part of the Earthborn marketing team for over three years, where she is responsible for creating blog inspiration, marketing materials, and stunning visuals. Holding a BA Hons in Spatial Design from Liverpool John Moore's University, Bailey's keen eye for colour and design shines through in everything she does.

5. Create an exotic look with a sultry wallpaper design

It isn't just paint that can be used to introduce colour to your space – bedroom wallpaper ideas are the perfect way to inject more personality and individuality to your room and there are some fantastic examples around of designs that incorporate dark shades.

Here, Kubla Khan Night wallpaper from Feathr has been used. This is a Chinoiserie wallpaper, featuring exotic animals and cherry blossoms climbing a subtly distressed wall.

Our favourite dark wallpapers for bedrooms

6. Use bright dark shades for an energetic look

Dark colours needn't be dreary – there are some lovely deeper shades that exude cheerfulness. From sunset orange to spicy ochre, there are lots of warm and vibrant dark colours out there to choose from.

This bedroom features an eye-popping shade of blue on one wall that lends a lively, upbeat feel – perfect for getting you going first thing. At night, the bedroom lighting ideas allow the rich undertones of the blue to really shine through. 

7. Don't be scared of using black in the bedroom

While black might not be the first shade to spring to mind when thinking about cosy bedroom ideas, don't be too quick to dismiss the idea.

"Black bedrooms may seem a rather dramatic departure from the perceived norm but it can be a surprisingly successful option, especially in a naturally poorly lit room or small room as darker walls tend to recede," explains Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. "Black will also create a wonderful backdrop to pictures on the wall, allowing them to register in a new light."

The type of black you use will play a role in the success of this kind of dark colour scheme. 

"Consider more nuanced blacks, such as the charcoal-toned Off Black from Farrow & Ball," suggests Patrick. "Or try the perennially popular Railings with it’s subtle blue note for a slightly softer look. For a fully immersive colour experience, paint your woodwork in the same colour (especially if the room has quite low ceilings - this will help accentuate the height of the room) and choose a more empathetic white (such as Strong White) for your ceiling."

Patrick O'Donnell

As Brand Ambassador for Farrow & Ball, Patrick O’Donnell knows exactly how to bring a room to life. Patrick has been at Farrow & Ball since 2012. He’s always had a flair for interiors, with an ISVA Fine Art & Chattels qualification and having studied specialist paint decoration at the Leonard Pardon School. 

8. Use internal windows to bring in lots of light

Dark colours respond well to both natural light as well as artificial sources and ensuring you illuminate the space thoughtfully is key to a room that doesn't feel overly cave-like.

Internal window ideas not only look stylish and add an unexpected extra design touch, but they also help with a good flow of light.

In this stormy blue scheme, a beautiful arched window not only suits the classic style of the house - it also ensures it feels well lit.

9. Choose deep yellows for a cheerful bedroom scheme

Not all yellows are going to work for bedroom ideas. Those that are overly zingy and bright can feel all wrong in a room that should inspire feelings of calm and rest.

However, there are many shades of yellow that feel warming and inviting and these are the hues to opt for in the bedroom. Turn your attention towards ochre, mustard and sunset yellows and either soften them with stormy greys, or go for an Andalucian look by adding in touches of earthy red.

10. Use restful greens for a nurturing space

Green bedroom ideas are popular for a reason. This is a shade that is extremely calming and helps soothe by injecting a sense of nature to interior spaces. In addition, there are so many different greens around that it is easy to pair with all kinds of patterns and hues.

In this room, a deep emerald green has been chosen and paired with rich-toned wooden furniture. The pale linen bed helps give the whole space a little lift.

11. Conjure up a cocoon with warming reds

Red is one of those colours that needs careful consideration if you are going to achieve the look you are after – a touch too bright and you risk a space that is akin to a children's play area.

That said, with the right approach, red can feel warm, inviting and is perfect for creating a cocooning bedroom that you can't wait to retreat to.

This bedroom has been colour-drenched in a spicy red which pairs beautifully with the warm wooden flooring and cream elements used for the bedroom decor ideas. 

12. Use earthy neutrals for a calm atmosphere

Earthy shades are the ideal way to ensure neutral bedroom ideas remain feeling soothing and characterful and in no way bland. 

While many people assume neutral means beige or white, this isn't strictly true - those with undertones of green, pink and grey are all great options.

This room features a backdrop of an earthy khaki tone that is both strong as well as grounding – perfect for a soothing solace and a great match for richly-toned wooden furniture and flooring. 

13. Reserve your dark colours for just one wall

If you are worried about using a dark shade all over your bedroom walls and want to find ways to create a personal touch without overwhelming the space, consider creating a feature wall with a bold shade instead.

Whether you choose a deep hue to cover one wall or opt for a wallpaper design with a dark backdrop, this is a great way to introduce drama and a little of your own personality into the room and works particularly well for those after modern bedroom ideas.

The sparkly navy wallpaper used here is sophisticated and reminiscent of a night sky -  perfect for the wall that you'll rest your head against to sleep.

Check out this Starry Night Peel and Stick Wallpaper from Etsy for a similar look.

14. Select moody grey for a sultry, opulent bedroom

Grey is anything but dreary - used in the right way this can be a shade that exudes a sense of intimacy and grey bedroom ideas are perfect for those after a sultry feel. Opt for warmer greys, such as those with undertones of deep blue and a little purple or red, as opposed to icier shades. 

In this beautiful bedroom, the space has been colour drenched in a stormy grey and the addition of rich burgundy and bronze further adds to the warm, luxurious look that the room enjoys.

FAQs

What is colour drenching?

You may well have heard the term 'colour drenching' doing the rounds lately and this is an idea well worth considering in the bedroom, particularly if you want to ensure your dark colours really have maximum impact.

It basically means using the same shade all over - walls, woodwork, ceiling, even for soft furnishings.

What paint finish works best for dark shades?

For a really rich, impactful result, matte finishes tend to be the best option when it comes to dark shades - those with a glossy finish can look way too garish and take something away from the depth of colour. 

"Dark washable paints, that often have a sheen, show every imperfection," warns interior designer Kirstin Eriksson of InsideOut Interior Design. 

While matte finishes are undoubtedly harder to clean than those with a sheen - so not ideal for those after children's bedroom ideas -they give a sumptuous velvety finish that is hard to beat in a sleeping space. 

Just as important as the colour you use to finish off your space are the bedroom layout ideas you choose. Everything from the positioning of your bed to the spot you choose for your wardrobe will have an effect on how the room feels to spend time in.