White walls often expand a space, but dark hues can work their own type of magic in small places, and more often than not the result is dead classy and much harder to get wrong. Dark colors recede. When a room is painted a dark to medium color, the color will actually make the room look larger rather than bringing the walls in, which is a common concern.I first dabbled in dark paint when we painted the back wall of our master bedroom a dark, chocolate brown in order to make an arrangement of white plates stand out. I was really scared when we started painting, but when it was done I noticed something cool.If you have a long and narrow room, you can consider painting the end walls a darker shade than the long, narrow walls. The darker colors will recede and will create an illusion of width in this instance. Light colors will advance.
Dark walls have been quite popular lately, and I think this bedroom makeover from Molly Molina Crawford provides a perfect example of why this trend is here to stay. The patterned rugs, the gold accents, the colorful artwork — everything just pops against those rich, sultry walls. Colors seem more vivid, whites feel super crisp and every pattern feels a little more special and sophisticated when it’s offset by a dark hue.
See bellow image. This photo is of Privet House, an antiques and curios shop in Connecticut; it shows what Krane considers to be a good use of dark color on walls. The space’s size and abundant natural light keep the dark hue from making the room appear smaller. So do you have crazy angles in your space? No worries! Enveloping your room with a dark solid color on both the walls and the ceiling will give it warmth and make the most of its unique personality!
Think light cabinets and darker walls such as Spanish Tile (1010-5) or Pine Needle (EB23-2).Dark colors will help absorb excessive light (and heat). Dark colors don't necessarily make a room smaller,” designer Moises Esquenazi says. "And besides, I don't mind a bedroom that feels small, especially since its primary use is for sleeping.