Dark Paint Colors for a Rich, Moody Look

While dark paint colors may pose a design risk, they promise to deliver serious drama. Whether it’s deep blues, bold blacks, or chocolate browns, moody color palettes continue to dominate interiors. Explore the most deliciously dark hues with designer-approved colors to get the look.

We all remember the early 2000s accent wall. While that trend has long since fallen out of favor, the concept of rich, mood-driven spaces has not. Today, designers are reclaiming the look by going bolder than ever with wall-to-wall color that exudes sophistication and nuance. We’ve rounded up some statement-making interiors with curated paint selections to get the look. It’s time to take a walk on the dark side.

Design by Light & Dwell, Photography by Amy Bartlam

Design by Patrick Maziarski, Home of Kelli Lamb, Photography by Amy Bartlam

Paint Color: Greenblack by Sherwin-Williams

Design by Light & Dwell, Photography by Amy Bartlam

Black + Charcoal

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As far as dark paint colors go, black and charcoal represent the boldest of the bunch. These shades are sought-after for creating a moody vibe in more enclosed spaces like snugs and powder rooms, but are equally appropriate in primary spaces like the kitchen. Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball is a longtime designer favorite, but to take things a step further, Black Jack by Benjamin Moore is also a strong contender.


Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball

Black Jack by Benjamin Moore

Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore

Cheating Heart by Benjamin Moore

Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams

Greenblack by Sherwin-Williams

Design by Yond Interiors, Photography by Erin Little

Design by Heidi Woodman Interiors, Photography by Sarah Shields

Design by Yond Interiors, Photography by Erin Little

Chocolate Brown

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There’s been a recent resurgence of brown in everything from flooring to upholstery to wall color. It’s the neutral everyone wants to get their hands on, and not without good reason. Chocolate brown is the perfect dark color for that cozy vibe, and it mixes and matches with just about everything. Townsend Harbor Brown by Benjamin Moore is a trusted choice for its burgundy-like undertones, while Tanners Brown by Farrow & Ball is an even deeper, drama-driven option.


Townsend Harbor Brown by Benjamin Moore

London Clay by Farrow & Ball

Mississippi Mud by Benjamin Moore

Black Fox by Sherwin-Williams

Tanner’s Brown by Farrow & Ball

Coffee Date by Clare

Morning Coffee by Benjamin Moore

Design by Heidi Woodman Interiors, Photography by Sarah Shields

Design by Light & Dwell, Photography by Tim Lenz

Paint Color: Pantalon No.221 by Farrow & Ball

Design by Avery Cox, Photography by Lindsay Brown

Olive + Moss

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There are many variations of green, but muted olive shades are currently trending. In particular, Gloucester Sage by Benjamin Moore has captured attention with its moss-like tones and elegant adaptability. When applied wall-to-wall, shades of olive act like a neutral while delivering just the right dose of moody drama.

Pantalon No.221 by Farrow & Ball

Gloucester Sage by Benjamin Moore

Southern Vine by Benjamin Moore

DKC-26 by Donald Kaufman

Treron by Farrow & Ball

Design by Avery Cox, Photography by Lindsay Brown

Design and Photography by deVOL Kitchens

Deep Blue

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For those looking to make a bold statement, embracing shades of blue-meets-green is a surefire way to capture a mood. Gale Force by Sherwin-Williams and Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball are favorites in this color spectrum. Both deep, dark blues really anchor a space and pair beautifully with a range of wood tones.

Gale Force by Sherwin-Williams

Goodnight Moon by Clare Paint

Aqua Via by the Paint and Paper Library

Homburg Gray by Sherwin-Williams

Newburg Green by Benjamin Moore

Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball

Design by Heidi Caillier Design, Photography by Haris Kenjar

Design by Yond Interiors, Photography by Erin Little

Berry + Plum

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Dark paint colors in the purple category may seem unconventional, but they are emerging as a major trend in interior design. For those seeking a deeply atmospheric look, Camelot by Benjamin Moore is a winner, while Muskoka Dusk by Benjamin Moore also gives a moody vibe without the full commitment.

Camelot by Benjamin Moore

Expressive Plum by Sherwin-Williams

Muskoka Dusk by Benjamin Moore

Brinjal by Farrow & Ball

Plum Brandy with Paint & Paper Library

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