That's Dark, Bro

One Simple Change to Sex Up Your Bedroom

That's Dark, Bro

One Simple Change to Sex Up Your Bedroom

That's Dark, Bro

One Simple Change to Sex Up Your Bedroom

When it comes to small space decorating, the common thinking is often to go "bright and airy" in terms of wall colors. The idea being all-white walls will bring in the most light and thus, make a room feel larger. And while there's no doubt that it's a surefire way to brighten up a space, there's something to be said about the drama dark walls bring. Especially to areas of your home that don't necessarily need to be all that bright—entryways, powder rooms, studies and most especially, your bedroom.

Though it might seem counterintuitive, dark walls, when done right, can actually make a small room appear larger. That's because dark colors visually recede—instead of reflecting more light, they reflect less, effectively blurring the edges of the room. By absorbing the light, your dark walls are less clearly marked and can give an illusion of more space. Not to mention, the added sex appeal that rich, dark walls will undoubtedly add to your bedroom. All for the cost of a can of paint. It makes a distinct impact and the result is a luxurious looking and cocooning space—a respite from the rest of the world. And isn't that what a bedroom should be all about?

Chocolate Brown

Want your room to have an old school, gentlemanly vibe? Then back it up with a classic color like chocolate brown. Complement the walls with fabrics in menswear-inspired plaids and stripes.

Chocolate candy, by Benjamin Moore

Rich Blue

Think of this as a slightly more contemporary take on a traditionally masculine color. A rich blue (ranging from shades with cooler grey tones to brighter, more nautical blues) also pairs perfectly with natural wood furniture and metallic accents.

Deep arctic night blue, by Glidden

Dark Green

It sounds crazy, but a dark dramatic green can actually read like a neutral color when it has warmer tones, like this option from Valspar. It pairs particularly well with clean lines and a leather headboard.

Nocturnal green, by Valspar

Black

Add a modern element to a room with a coat of black paint, which makes the perfect backdrop to showcase a gallery wall.

Off-black, by Farrow & Ball

Black

Add a modern element to a room with a coat of black paint, which makes the perfect backdrop to showcase a gallery wall.

Off-black, by Farrow & Ball

Shades of Grey

There's a sophistication that comes with a bedroom decked out in sharp shades of grey. The cooling tones make for an instantly calming environment and the darker walls contrast nicely against white woodwork or lighter floors.

Evening shadow, by Glidden

Shades of Grey

There's a sophistication that comes with a bedroom decked out in sharp shades of grey. The cooling tones make for an instantly calming environment and the darker walls contrast nicely against white woodwork or lighter floors.

Evening shadow, by Glidden

Deep Purple

Embrace your inner Prince with a deep purple, like in this room by interior designer Leanne Ford. The rich jewel tone adds a touch of warmth and contrasts nicely with white bedding.

Shadow, by Benjamin Moore

Deep Purple

Embrace your inner Prince with a deep purple, like in this room by interior designer Leanne Ford. The rich jewel tone adds a touch of warmth and contrasts nicely with white bedding.

Shadow, by Benjamin Moore

Opposing Forces

Dark Feature Wall Color

If you don't want to commit to a fully dark bedroom, consider going with just one wall in a bold, dark shade. The wall behind your bed will serve as a nice visual anchor and can sub-in as a headboard if you don't have one.

Opposing Forces

Dark Feature Wall Color

If you don't want to commit to a fully dark bedroom, consider going with just one wall in a bold, dark shade. The wall behind your bed will serve as a nice visual anchor and can sub-in as a headboard if you don't have one.