Dark furniture can add an elegant and timeless appeal to any room but it can also be tricky to decorate around. Whether it’s black, espresso or dark brown, dark furniture can easily overpower a room and make it appear smaller than it is. However, with the right decorating tips and techniques, you can create a beautiful and balanced space and accentuate the beauty of your dark furniture pieces. Here are some tips on how to decorate around dark furniture and make it work with your decor:
1. Use a light-colored wall paint
When decorating around dark furniture, it’s important to create a contrast between the furniture and the walls. One way to achieve this is by painting the walls in a light or neutral shade. This will not only create a visual contrast, but it will also make the room feel brighter and more spacious. Some good options for wall paint colors include light gray, beige, off-white, and cream.
2. Add pops of color
To add interest and balance to a room with dark furniture, consider adding pops of color throughout the space. You can use colorful accents such as throw pillows, rugs, and curtains to add some vibrancy and texture to the room. Bright and bold colors that contrast with the furniture can create a fun and playful ambiance. However, you don’t have to go too crazy with the color, as you still want to maintain balance with the dark furniture in the room.
3. Play with pattern and texture
Mixing and matching different patterns and textures can break up the heaviness of dark furniture and create a more dynamic space. For example, you can add a patterned rug or throw pillows to a room with dark furniture to add some interest and texture. Mixing different types of fabric – like faux fur, velvet, and linen – can add a cozy and luxurious feel to the space.
4. Utilize natural light and artificial lighting
Dark furniture can easily make a space feel heavy and dark. To counteract this, make use of natural light and lighting fixtures to brighten up the room. Opt for sheer curtains that allow natural light to flow into the room. For artificial lighting, consider installing overhead lights, floor lamps or table lamps. Adding light sources throughout the room can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
5. Opt for reflective surfaces
Mirrored or glossy surfaces can help add brightness and sophistication to a room with dark furniture. For example, a mirrored side table, glossy coffee table, or a framed mirror on the wall can add some light reflection and make the space feel bigger and brighter. Reflective surfaces make a great addition to a room with dark furniture by adding a striking and elegant ambiance to space.
In summary, decorating around dark furniture can be challenging but with these tips, you can create a bright, inviting and balanced space that highlights the beauty of your furniture pieces. Use light-colored wall paint, add pops of color and play with texture to counterbalance the heaviness of dark furniture. Natural light, artificial lighting, and reflective surfaces can help lighten up the space and make it feel more open, bright, and airy. With these decorating tricks, you can showcase your dark furniture pieces in a beautiful and chic way.
