Creating dark interiors with wallpaper

Dark interior with black wallpaper by Milola Design

Dark and black interiors, once considered a daring and unconventional design choice, are now acknowledged as elegant and luxurious within an interior design scheme.   

Dark interiors when used well can evoke feelings of luxury and relaxation. The absence of bright light will create a sense of cosiness and seclusion, allowing us to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. By using dark tones, you'll be able to create the feeling of being wrapped in sophistication and elegance.

Maybe you've heard dark walls make a room feel smaller, it's true dark wallpaper can make a small room feel more intimate and cosy but that's also its super power. Ideally you balance your darker shades with other colours and interior elements and thus creating a dramatic yet welcoming atmosphere.  

Cosy dark living room designed by Ash and Pine Interiors using Riding school wallpaper in black by Milola Design
Living room interior design by Ash and Pine Interiors using Riding school wallpaper

When choosing a dark wallpaper for your interior, it’s important to consider the overall aesthetic you want to create in the room.  Opt for wallpapers with patterns or textures that complement the interior style. For example, a geometric or animal pattern can add a touch of modernity, while a dark floral patterned wallpaper could create a more traditional feel.

Whilst black is the ultimate in dark interior shades  -  dark blue, dark green, or a deep burgundy are popular choices and are seemingly a less scary design choice, and each bringing a different feel.

Here are some of our favourite dark wallpaper ideas.

Black wallpaper ideas

When it comes to fashion black is considered chic, glamorous and always in style. By choosing the right wallpaper pattern a black wallpaper can create a sophisticated and super chic Interior.

Riding school wallpaper in black, has become one of our bestselling dark wallpapers and used to great effect to create dark bathrooms, powder rooms, entrance hallways, living rooms and home offices.

It's whimsical figurative design features an abundance of additional colours bringing the black wallpaper to life and giving you a whole range of hues to pull out and work with in your design scheme to create an ultra chic interior.

Dark interiors - Riding school black wallpaper by Milola Design

 

Using white on woodwork and fittings lightens the mood and creates a chic luxurious finish to this black powder room.

Riding School -black patterned wallpaper in a bathroom by Milola Design

Paired with dark woodwork this wallpaper makes quite an impression in this black entrance hall by Interior designer, The Designed Domicilio.

Riding school wallpaper in black features in this chic entrance hall by The Designed Domicilio. Wallpaper by Milola Design

 

Dark grey wallpaper

Dark grey, charcoal or a slate coloured wallpaper might be a good choice if black feels too much. Dial it down for a softer monochrome look. 
This dark floral wallpaper has a warm undertone of mauve and the white floral design lightens the overall mood in this dark grey bedroom.

Soul Sister  - Mauve

Dark Green wallpaper

If you're looking for a rich, warm dark green wallpaper, a Forest Green wallpaper adds subtle country house elegance.  

A popular choice for downstairs loos, bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens.

 Have a seat statement wallpaper in forest green

Have a seat  - Forest Green

If you're looking for something a bit more vibrant and playful opt for a jewel tone. A dark shade of emerald green can be a sophisticated yet whimsical choice.

Dark emerald green  wallpaper - Chinese vases by Milola Design

  

Dark moss or khaki green  -  A popular choice for hallways, cloakrooms and mudrooms. In these high-traffic areas it's good for hiding scuffs and wear, whilst still retaining a smart feel.

Dark Blue Wallpaper

Dark blue has been a popular interior design choice in recent years due to it's ability to work with many styles, including nautical, coastal, traditional, transitional, and modern.

This modern dark blue small half bathroom has been given a transitional makeover with our historical horse riders on a rich blue background. 

 

Riding School - Petrol Blue

If you're looking for a more nautical or coastal style dark wallpaper, Murano from our marbled wallpaper collection gives a modern backdrop to this study.

A statement marbled wallpaper in dark blue decorating a wall behind a desk

Murano wallpaper

If vintage or granny chic is more your style then our dark blue floral wallpaper - Summer through is perfect for bedrooms and entrance halls.

 

 Summer Through  - Midnight 

Dark red and pink wallpaper 

Rich warming tones of dark red add some traditional sophistication with our  Taklamakan wallpaper.  The intricate patterned stripe in burgundy and indigo blue adds depth and intrigue, a great choice for a dark red bedroom or dining room.

Taklamakan  

Dark pink wallpaper creates a more feminine, playful and modern vibe in this home office.

a study decorated in dark pink coral patterned wallpaper by milola design

 Coral Haze - Fushia Pink

Dark interior fabrics 

Of course wallpaper isn't the only way to create a dark interior, using quality paint and dark furnishing fabrics can also add to the drama.  

 

 

Black curtains contrast with rich yellow walls in this dining room.

 

A black statement linen mix fabric printed with 17th Century horse riders in colourful period clothes by Milola Design. This fabric is suitable for curtains, blinds and soft furnishings.

Dark curtain fabric - Riding school in black

 

As you can see, dark wallpaper can be a stunning addition to your home. Embrace the drama and sophistication of dark interiors. To explore more of our dark  wallpaper designs view the complete collection HERE