When I do both paint estimates and color consultations, I find that many people are intimidated by dark colors. I understand that dark colors may seem scary because of all the things you hear people say about them –
“They make rooms look small”
“They can make rooms too dark”
“You have to use too many coats and it’s too hard”
“They are hard to match”
These are reasons I hear people use for not wanting to use dark colors when painting.
While all of these statements can be true, they are not always true. If you know when, where, and how to use dark colors you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of them.
Dark colors are cool because they are more bold and expressive than lighter ones. They are, however, more difficult to use. No pain, no gain, right? Let’s discuss how to minimize the pain.
First off, painting is not permanent. You aren’t choosing a tacky spring break tattoo, you choosing a paint color. Worst case scenario, you have to repaint. So the stakes aren’t really that high.
Now that we have everything in perspective and no one is worried about destroying their house with a dark color, let’s discuss places where dark colors can always work.
- Powder Rooms – Who cares if it’s dark in a powder room? It is supposed to be tranquil and serene. And I am leery of anyone who needs a ton of light for whatever they’re doing in there.
- Dining rooms – Dark colors like reds and blues can evoke hunger or passion. That is why they can work really well in dining rooms and…
- Bed Rooms – Bed rooms can be tricky. If your bed room doubles as a work space or family area, then you probably should stay neutral. But if you have large or private bed room, dark colors are conducive to bed room activities.
- Libraries – Not all homes have libraries or studies, but if you do have one, then you should explore dark colors when painting them. These rooms usually will have judges paneling or wainscoting which can add to the beauty of these areas.
Now that you know where dark colors are appropriate to use, we will discuss when to use them.
Whenever you want. That is the beauty of painting in your home – you can do whatever you want. It looks good if you like it, Shallow Hal!
I want to address the limitations of dark colors. These are the cons of using dark colors:
- They don’t touch up.
- They show wall imperfections, lap marks, and bad drywall finishing much more than light colors.
These limitations are real. If you have kids or animals that are going to abuse the wall, then I don’t recommend dark colors. If you have poorly hung or finished drywall, I don’t recommend dark colors.
Now that you know a little bit more about dark colors, I hope that you are feeling bold and ready to make a room in your house look like a magazine picture.
I do have one trick up my sleeve that makes using dark colors easier. Sherwin Williams’ Color To Go quarts. For $5, you can get a quart of sample paint in any color of the rainbow. Buy these and use them. Also, look at the color during morning, afternoon, and night. Dark colors can change their appearance based upon natural light, artificial light, and shadows.
GreenWave Solutions offers color consultations and interior painters in Roswell. We are offering Roswell house painting specials so call today to schedule your estimate when you need a Roswell painter – 404-549-7776. We also serve Atlanta and its affluent suburbs.
By Daniel Macris
GreenWave Solutions – Simply the best painters in Atlanta
