20 Dark Bedroom Ideas Designers Say Are Surprisingly Cozy
Here’s how to make your bedroom feel like a stylish retreat.
If it’s time for a dramatic bedroom makeover, consider these dark bedroom decor ideas. While light and airy spaces are often the first thing people think of when they’re imagining a relaxing bedroom, experts say a room that leans into deep jewel tones and lush textures can be just as peaceful.
"A darker bedroom is a great option for clients who really enjoy a moody space," says Meredith Owen, founder of Meredith Owen Interiors. "Darker bedrooms can offer a sense of intimacy that brighter, lighter bedrooms don't. They can also help people sleep better, especially if the client tends to not sleep well because of light interference."
These dark bedroom decor ideas cover everything from paint colors to curtains to lighting. If you’re not sure you’re ready to go all-in on a dark bedroom, choosing just one element to experiment with may be a good starting place. Bedding, wall art, and rugs are a few lower-lift ways you can start to bring this moody vibe into your bedroom.
Ahead, designers share the dark bedroom decor ideas they love. If you’re looking for more inspiration, read up on the bedroom decor tricks that make any space look expensive and the bedroom storage ideas designers swear by to maximize space and reduce clutter.
Introduce Plum
This bedroom, designed by Quinn & Company, proves that purple walls can help create a calming atmosphere. "We used Sherwin-Williams Patchwork Plum, and it really keeps you guessing," says Jenn Quinn, founder of the Nashville-based design firm. "In the morning, it's this soft, dusty plum, and by the time you're turning on lamps at night, it's almost black. That's a big part of why the room feels so restful. The walls kind of wind down with you."
Photo by: Amy Lamb, Native House Photography
Go for Deep Green
All it took was custom cabinetry, decked out in Farrow & Ball's Green Smoke, to create a focal point in this bedroom. "A moody bedroom doesn't have to mean painting every wall black," says Camden Grace Interiors' Jeanne Hayes, who used the deep green-blue shade to balance the white walls and surge of natural light. "It's a great way to embrace a darker palette without making the space feel heavy," the designer adds.
Photo by: Lam Photography
Drench the Ceiling in Gray
Rather than covering this nursery's walls in a deep hue, blogger Bre decided to draw the eye up. She relied on Valspar's Sable Evening, a cool gray, to accentuate the DIY ceiling beams.
Layer Shades of Blue
Blue is a popular choice for a bedroom, but designer Amy Pigliacampo gave it a fresh twist by layering different tones of the color. From a navy upholstered headboard to blue marble patterned wallpaper, the setup exudes a tranquil feel.
Photo by: Corey Szopinski
Add Drama With Board-and-Batten
Content creator Anna Mae Groves decided to put her DIY skills to the test, transforming her bedroom with a black board-and-batten accent wall. The matte black finish plays up the room's moodiness.
See more at Anna Mae Groves»
Embrace Navy
Take it from Emma of A Beautiful Mess and let a navy paint shade serve as the backdrop for a fun wall display. She opted for an eye-catching arrangement of open hardcover books that can easily be hung with nails or Command Strips.
Pair Black With Dark Gray
Don't limit yourself to one dark color. This moody bedroom, designed by Meredith Owen Interiors, features dark gray walls and a black four-poster bed, which is topped with a mix of light and dark bedding.
Photo by: Molly Culver
Go Black on Black
For a monochromatic moment, paint the walls, trim and window frames a deep, dark hue. Take note from designer Breeze Giannasio and use a glossy finish for the trim for added drama.
Photo by: Meghan Beierle-O’Brien
Paint an Accent Wall
Rather than painting all four walls a dark shade, settle on just one—and the ceiling. Paint an arch in a lighter color and add black wood slats horizontally for texture.
Embrace a Moody Purple
Interior designers, like Mary Patton, are experimenting with rich shades of purple. This dark hue—also painted on the ceiling the trim—adds warmth and an edgy touch, but also feels peaceful and calm at the same time.
Photo by: Molly Culver
RELATED: Purple Is Popping Up in Interiors and Designers Are Embracing the Daring Shade
Opt for Warm Brown
This elegant bedroom is painted in Farrow & Ball's London Clay, which brings the perfect amount of warmth and coziness. Picture molding adds a luxurious touch, plus accent lighting sets a calming mood.
Layer in Different Textures
Sherwin-Williams’s Web Gray in a flat finish adds depth and dimension to this restful space, designed by Candace Shure. For a bit of contrast, the window frame is painted white and dressed with a white Roman shade.
Photo by: Michael Clifford
Experiment in a Kids' Room
The kids' bedroom is the perfect place to experiment with bold colors, like Dunn-Edwards' Aquatic, and playful techniques, like textured walls. The dark blue bedroom makes it feel as though you're swimming in the ocean.
Create Contrast With White Furniture
Complement dark green walls (Behr's Pastoral is shown here) with a white furniture set to break up the space. White valances on the windows add another pop of contrast.
Go for a Patterned Wallpaper
You don't have to stick with a completely dark bedroom. Find a patterned black-and-white wallpaper that combines light and dark to ground the space.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
Photo by: Tessa Neustadt
Blend Cheerful and Moody Colors
Brighten up moody hues with bright pops of pink. To create contrast, a pink upholstered bed sits in front of a black wood paneled accent wall.
Photo by: Lol Johnson
Incorporate Black Furniture
In this boy's bedroom, a dark gray paint color pairs perfectly with a space-theme, including the galaxy wall art.
Mix Dark Green With Natural Materials
This earthy green paint, when paired with natural wood accents and tropical greenery, lives up to its name: Deep in the Jungle by Dunn-Edwards. Dark green bedding adds a monochromatic moment.
Hang Curtains That Look Light and Airy
Lighten up a dark bedroom with airy textures, including neutral bedding, sheer curtains and wicker Roman shades. The velvety black walls are painted in Behr's Broadway.
Go for Classic Black and White
Stick to a class black-and-white color combination. Ground black walls with bright, white bedding and mix in light and dark artwork.
Photo by: Adam Macchia
RELATED: Striking Black and White Bedrooms With Timeless Style
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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