When it comes to decorating a bedroom, color choices can have a big impact on the overall feel and ambiance of the space. For many people, darker, cool-toned colors like blacks, grays, and deeper blues and greens can create a soothing and tranquil environment perfect for sleeping and relaxation. Cool dark colors are popular bedroom color choices because they evoke a sense of coziness and intimacy. They also have the benefit of making spaces appear larger and more inviting.
Benefits of Using Cool Dark Colors in Bedrooms
There are many advantages to using cool dark shades in bedroom spaces:
- They create a restful vibe – Cooler shades like slate gray, navy, and charcoal naturally promote relaxation and sleep. The darkness signals the brain that it’s time for bed.
- They allow for better sleep – Studies show that cooler colors help reduce stress and anxiety levels which aids restful sleep.
- They feel cozy – Darker tones evoke a cozy, snug feeling perfect for bedrooms. They make the space feel warm and welcoming.
- They recede visually – Darker colors appear to recede in a room which can make small bedrooms feel more spacious.
- They provide contrast – Cool dark walls contrast nicely with crisp white bedding and provide balance to a space.
- They are versatile – Cool dark colors pair well with a wide range of furniture finishes and accent colors.
Using chic, sophisticated dark shades in the bedroom allows you to create an intimate sleep sanctuary.
Popular Cool Dark Colors for Bedrooms
Here are some of the most popular cool dark bedroom color choices:
Charcoal Gray
A rich charcoal gray is a top choice for elegant, relaxing bedrooms. Charcoal has a classic, neutral look that provides a soothing backdrop. It coordinates well with both warm and cool accent colors and many different furniture styles. Paint the walls charcoal and pair it with light bedding for contrast.
Navy Blue
From deep inky navy to brighter tones, any shade of navy blue brings drama and sophistication to a master or guest bedroom. Navy looks beautiful with white and metallic accents and natural wood furniture. Use navy on the walls or bring it in through bedding and decor items.
Slate Gray
Slate gray is an elegant, moody neutral that lightens up dark bedrooms beautifully. It has green-blue undertones that give it more depth than basic gray. Slate gray walls provide a cool, calming backdrop for all styles of bedroom decor.
Forest Green
Deep forest greens are very tranquil and inviting in bedrooms. They give the space an earthy, organic feel. Pair forest green walls with neutral bedding, wood elements, and green accent decor. Brighter green accents can also give it a more vibrant look.
Eggplant
Eggplant purple has a sophisticated, luxurious look in a bedroom. It’s a bold color choice that creates a rich, elegant environment. Use eggplant on an accent wall or bring it in through bedding and decor. Accent it with golds and creams.
Best Paint Finishes for Cool Dark Bedrooms
The paint finish you choose will impact the look and feel of your cool dark bedroom. Here are some top choices:
Matte
A matte or flat finish minimizes wall reflections and imperfections. It has a classic, slightly chalky look that works well with darker tones. Matte paired with deep grays or navies will give a bedroom a relaxed, casual vibe.
Satin
Satin finish has a low lustrous sheen. It’s smooth and durable. Satin is ideal for dark green or eggplant purple bedrooms where you want subtle depth. It gives the color a richer, more upscale look.
Soft Sheen
A soft sheen finish has a delicate glow that reflects a subtle amount of light. Cool dark colors like slate gray and navy take on a hint of elegance and dimension with a soft sheen.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss has medium reflectivity. While ultra-glossy finishes can feel overly shiny in a dark bedroom, semi-gloss gives the color a polished, sophisticated look. Use it on accent walls or in high-use spaces.
Accent Colors that Complement Cool Dark Bedroom Colors
Accent shades and textures provide visual interest and keep cool dark bedrooms from feeling flat. Here are accent ideas that pair beautifully:
| Dark Color | Accent Colors |
|---|---|
| Charcoal Gray | Cream, light blue, mint green |
| Navy Blue | White, yellow, metallic gold |
| Slate Gray | Crisp white, sage green, rust orange |
| Forest Green | Natural wood tones, white, black |
| Eggplant | Gold, cream, gray |
Crisp whites, warm metallics, and pale neutrals help brighten up dark walls. You can also repeat the wall color in a lighter shade on accent pillows or furniture for a monochromatic style.
Bedding and Decor Ideas for Cool Dark Bedrooms
Finish off your cozy dark bedroom with the right bedding, lighting, and decor choices:
Bedding
Opt for light, neutral-colored bedding and layer in pops of color and pattern through duvet covers, shams, and throw pillows. White or cream bedding provides nice contrast against dark walls. Add visual interest with touches of metallic sheen and textural bedding elements like velvet or faux fur shams.
Window Treatments
Use soft white or neutral linen curtains to lighten up dark bedrooms. For navy and charcoal spaces, opt for navy or gray curtains to frame windows neatly. Add texture with woven wood blinds. Hang blackout curtains to block light for sleep.
Lighting
Install layered lighting for function and ambiance. Overhead fixtures like chandeliers or pendant lights draw the eye up. Sconces flanking the bed provide reading light. Table lamps and accent lighting create cozy spots for relaxation.
Rugs
Anchor dark bedrooms with light-colored area rugs. Natural fiber rugs like jute and sisal work well. Incorporate the wall color into patterns to tie the space together. Rug texture and patterns add visual interest underfoot.
Artwork & Accessories
Black and white prints pop against darker walls. Metallic decor like silver vases, mercury glass lamps, and gilded mirrors provide shimmer. Neutral wood tones warm up the space. Greenery from plants boosts vibrancy.
Furniture Ideas for Cool Dark Bedrooms
Furniture choices impact the look and functionality of your dark bedroom. Consider these options:
| Furniture Type | Best Options |
|---|---|
| Beds | Wood, metal, upholstered in cream or grey |
| Nightstands | Wood, mirrored, lacquered |
| Dressers | Wood, painted, concrete, Lucite |
| Seating | Fabric armchairs, woven chairs, benches |
| Storage | Wood chests, woven baskets, fabric bins |
Neutral wood pieces, metal beds, and upholstered seating prevent cool dark colors from feeling too stark. Translucent furniture and pieces with metallic or mirrored finishes illuminate the space.
Tips for Using Cool Dark Colors Successfully
Here are some top tips for working with rich, dark shades without making bedrooms feel small or gloomy:
- If using a dark color on walls, paint just one accent wall instead of all four walls.
- Use lighter colors on ceilings and trim to create contrast.
- Add floor-to-ceiling curtains to accentuate vertical space.
- Incorporate reflective surfaces like mirrors and metallics.
- Use pops of brighter accent colors in bedding, art, and accessories.
- Illuminate the space well with ample layered lighting.
- Repeat a dark wall color in a soft textile like a headboard.
With thoughtful color combinations and decor choices, cool dark shades create bedrooms with relaxing, welcoming style.
Conclusion
Cool darker colors like charcoal, navy, slate, deep greens, and eggplant purple are sophisticated choices for master and guest bedrooms. When used thoughtfully, these rich, darker tones evoke feelings of coziness and tranquility perfect for a restful sleep environment. Combining cool dark walls with crisp white bedding, neutral furniture, and pops of accent colors keeps the space visually interesting and inviting. With ample lighting and enough lighter elements, dark bedrooms strike the ideal balance between intimate and visually dynamic. Whether you opt for an accent wall or full-on moody palette, going to the dark side with cool, deep wall colors allows you to create a bedroom that serves as a chic, rejuvenating sleep sanctuary.