How to Make a Statement With Dark Wallpaper

Used properly, dark wallpaper can introduce a sense of sophistication and elegance to a space. Here’s how to make a statement with darker designs.

Whether you’re revamping a disused bedroom or starting from scratch in a new home, decorating a space is often a rewarding process. That said, knowing where to start can be a challenge, especially when it comes to wallpaper. If bright colours and lighter hues aren’t quite cutting it, why not try something a little different? After all, twilight tones are certainly back in fashion.

From the deep earthy works of Vincent Van Gogh to the melancholic beauty of Mark Rothko, darker palettes have occupied a place in artists’ hearts throughout the ages. They are versatile, provocative, comforting and mysterious. When it comes to home interiors, many designers favour these colours for their connotations of elegance and sophistication, while others hope to evoke feelings of power and confidence within a space.

The point we’re making is that dark wallpapers needn’t lower the tone. If anything, an indulgently deep shade will act as a focal point, catching the eye and energising a space. That said, there are a few things worth keeping in mind if you’re going to achieve the best results.

Pick Your Battles

The first thing to consider when working with dark wallpaper is the space in which it will hang. This may sound painfully obvious, but impetuous design choices are all too common. Take a moment to observe the space you wish to decorate; larger rooms with plenty of natural light lend themselves well to dark wallpaper whilst smaller environments may feel somewhat cramped and gloomy.

As is the case with all interior design-related advice, the above should be taken with a pinch of salt. Sure, a box room that is lacking natural light may not be the most obvious choice for darker wallpaper, but this doesn’t mean that it can't be done. Many of the most striking interior spaces exist as the result of a little out-of-the-box thinking. If there is a method to your madness, why not give it a go?

Patterns And Palettes

After hours of weighty contemplation and hands-on-hips pondering, you’ve chosen the wall on which your wallpaper will hang. Don’t get carried away though, the hard work’s not over yet. With a clear idea of your paper’s positioning, it’s time to settle on the specifics. We are, of course, talking about patterns and palettes.

With a multitude of dark wallpapers available, finding the right fit can feel a touch overwhelming. Fortunately, with a little forethought and creative rationale, the perfect pattern is sure to reveal itself.

Often, it takes a little trial and error to figure out which wallpaper works best. Of course, this needn’t involve covering an entire wall, only to find it’s not the right fit. Ordering samples and swatches will allow you to visualise designs within your space, pair colours and gain a clearer understanding of the style you’re hoping to achieve. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment with bolder designs and striking contrasts; you’re making a statement after all.

Consider Coordinating

As is the case with any statement piece, darker wallpaper looks best when complimented by its surroundings. Coordinating colours and patterns with nearby furniture, ornaments and accessories creates a sense of unison, embracing your design decisions and emphasising your wall’s beauty. If you were hoping to add a splash of colour to the surrounding space, why not choose lighter accessories that accentuate the brighter elements of your wallpaper? Something as simple as a lamp, mirror or picture frame can effectively draw out the subtler tones within a design.

Be Bold

It goes without saying that timid design often goes unnoticed. If you’re looking to make a real statement with your dark wallpaper, a little confidence goes a long way. Embrace bold choices and big decisions as, more often than not, they’ll pay off.

Feature walls are a fantastic way to make a statement with your wallpaper. As the name suggests, these are designed to accentuate a specific area of a room, shifting the energy and focus in a certain direction. Dark wallpapers, especially those with bold or enticing designs, are an excellent choice for feature walls as they introduce a sense of warmth and closeness to a space. This proves particularly effective in bedrooms, lounges and other rooms in which a sense of calm is welcome.

As we touched upon earlier, feature walls work best in spaces with a source of natural light and a little room to breathe, although this is by no means an absolute truth. As cliche as it may sound, certain rules are made to be broken. Who’s to say that a lavishly dark wallpaper doesn’t belong in a crisp white bathroom? Or that a study’s intimate feel shouldn’t be accentuated by a dark, mysterious print?

Making A Statement

Making a statement with dark wallpaper is somewhat of an art. It requires an eye for detail, careful planning and a willingness to experiment. From pattern choice, design style and textures to placement, coordination and accessories, there’s a lot to consider. Fortunately, the results are often magnificent.

Well-placed wallpaper can transform a room, creating a sense of intimacy, sophistication, playfulness or calm. It can capture the imagination and guide the eye, dictating the ways in which a space is experienced and enjoyed.

Be it a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or lounge, the ways in which you decorate your spaces serve as opportunities to convey your personality. Grab some samples, think outside the box and don’t be afraid to make bold decisions!

However you decide to make a statement, the importance of high-quality wallpaper should not be overlooked. Get in touch with us to discuss your requirements with a member of our team.