Dark Paint Colors for a Rich, Moody Look
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that moody, dark paint colors are absolutely everywhere right now. We all remember the early 2000s accent wall, but today, designers are going bolder than ever with wall-to-wall color that exudes so much sophistication and nuance.
If you’ve been following our reno journey of The Austin Tudor over on YouTube you know I could talk about paint colors at length. And while I personally like creating a mood within the white and off-white realm, that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a more dramatic hue when I see one.
To embrace the moody winter season, I rounded up the most deliciously dark interiors with all the best paint colors to get the look. It’s time to take a walk on the dark side, friends.

Design by Light & Dwell, Photo by Amy Bartlam


(L) Design by Moore House, Photo by Erin McGinn | (R) Design by Heidi Caillier, Photo by Haris Kenjar

Design by Anne McDonald, Photo by Canary Grey

Design by HAUS LOVE, Photo by Linda Pordon


(L) Design by Light & Dwell, Photo by Amy Bartlam | (R) Design by Moore House, Photo by Erin McGinn
THE BEST DARK PAINT COLORS
Black and Charcoal
We’re kicking off with the absolute boldest of the bunch. These shades are not for the faint of heart, but dang do they deliver some serious drama. Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball continues to be a designer favorite (as seen in the Moore House bedroom image above), but if you want to take things a step further, I’d recommend Black Jack by Benjamin Moore in a heartbeat.
TRY THESE SHADES
Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore
Cheating Heart by Benjamin Moore


Design by Jean Stoffer, Photo by Stoffer Photography Interiors

Design by Light & Dwell, Photo by Amy Bartlam


(L) Design by Moore House, Photo by Erin Little | (R) Design by Yond Interiors, Photo by Erin Little

Design by Ashley Montgomery Design, Photo by Lauren Miller
THE BEST DARK PAINT COLORS
Chocolate Brown
We recently covered the 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. Personally, I’m considering Townsend Harbor Brown by Benjamin Moore for The Austin Tudor and find myself so drawn to its burgundy-like undertones.
TRY THESE SHADES
Townsend Harbor Brown by Benjamin Moore
Mississippi Mud by Benjamin Moore
Tanner’s Brown by Farrow & Ball
Morning Coffee by Benjamin Moore


Design by Billy Cotton, Photo by Stephen Johnson

Design by Billy Cotton, Photo by Stephen Johnson

Design by Thomas O’Brien and Dan Fink

Design by Park & Oak
THE BEST DARK PAINT COLORS
Olive and Sage
There are so many different variations of green, but I’m really feeling shades of muted olive at the moment. In particular, Gloucester Sage by Benjamin Moore has caught my full attention. When applied wall-to-wall, I think olive acts like a neutral, yet delivers that moody drama we’re all craving these days.
TRY THESE SHADES
Gloucester Sage by Benjamin Moore
Southern Vine by Benjamin Moore


Design by Becca Interiors, Photo by Rikki Snyder


(L) Design by HAUS LOVE | (R) Design by Ashley Montgomery Design, Photo by Lauren Miller

Design by Banner Day Interiors, Photo by Christopher Stark

Design by Jake Arnold, Photo by Michael P. H. Clifford
THE BEST DARK PAINT COLORS
Deep Blue
If you’re going to make a statement, why hold back? These shades of blue-meets-green are for anyone looking to create a mood. You can’t go wrong with Gale Force by Sherwin-Williams or Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball. They’re both deep, dark blues that really anchor a space, and look incredible next to a wide variety of wood tones.
TRY THESE SHADES
Gale Force by Sherwin-Williams
Aqua Via by the Paint and Paper Library
Homburg Gray by Sherwin-Williams
Newburg Green by Benjamin Moore


Design by Jake Arnold, Photo by Michael P. H. Clifford


(L + R) Design by Heidi Caillier Design, Photo by Haris Kenjar
THE BEST DARK PAINT COLORS
Berry and Plum
This category of dark paint colors might feel like an outlier, but I promise you that purple interiors are the next big thing. For a super dark and moody look, Camelot by Benjamin Moore is a winner, while Muskoka Dusk by Benjamin Moore also gives a moody vibe without the full commitment.
TRY THESE SHADES
Expressive Plum by Sherwin-Williams
Muskoka Dusk by Benjamin Moore
Plum Brandy with Paint & Paper Library

BY: ANASTASIA CASEY
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