Are you drawn to the cozy, dramatic charm of dark and moody interior design but unsure how to transition a bright space into a rich, romantic retreat? Or perhaps, like me, you may be fearful that color drenching a space in a dark paint shade will make a space feel sad and dark instead of cozy and delightful! I recently transformed my breakfast room from a light and airy, coastal-inspired space into a dark and moody room, and I could not be happier with the results!
Sources: Chairs | Rug | Chandelier | Faux Peonies | Wallpaper
One of the most exciting aspects of home decorating is allowing your space to evolve with you. Our surroundings should tell our story, reflecting the places we’ve been, the things we love, and the way we want to feel in our home. Last year, after a life-altering trip to Scotland, I found myself completely enchanted by the rich, moody atmosphere of the country’s historic pubs and palaces. I knew I wanted to bring that same sense of warmth, history, and depth into my home. My breakfast room was the perfect place to start!
Originally, this room embraced a bright, coastal-inspired aesthetic, filled with light and airy charm. It was even featured in two magazines—a testament to its beauty! But decorating isn’t always about fixing an “ugly” space. Sometimes, it’s simply about embracing change and exploring a new style. If you like the “before” better than the after, that’s perfectly okay! I love the before too. I thoughtfully crafted, curated, and chose each piece in the “before”—and it’s gorgeous! However, I love the “after” too. There aren’t any wrong answers, just different expressions of style and personal creativity. Home decor is all about evolving with your tastes, and both versions of this room reflect intentional design choices that bring joy in different ways!
If you love the idea of dark interior design but want to avoid making your space feel too heavy or cave-like, I’ve got you covered! Here’s how to create a dark and cozy aesthetic while keeping your home warm and inviting.
Dramatic and Moody Room Tip 1: Choose the Right Dark Paint Color
The foundation of any moody room makeover starts with the perfect dark paint color. Whether you’re drawn to deep greens, charcoal grays, navy blues, chocolate browns, or rich blacks, the key is selecting a paint shade with depth and warmth. I researched a myriad of dark green shades before settling on Benjamin Moore Backwoods Green. This shade is described as a blackened shade of forest green with a hint of light-reflecting warmth. It had just the right balance of deep hunter green, rich and moody without leaning too olive or too blue in my space.
Some of my other top contenders were Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue, which leans more olive-toned than I preferred, Benjamin Moore Boreal Forest, a stunning shade but less reflective of light, and Benjamin Moore Chimichurri, which came in as a close second choice. It’s vital to test color swatches within your space to determine the perfect shade for you! Check out the paint swatch compilation I put together below featuring some of my favorite Benjamin Moore dark green shades. Keep in mind that without testing the paint in your own lighting, it can be tricky to determine which one will work best in your space!
Other Favorite Dark Paint Colors to try for a Cozy Room:
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Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore – A rich charcoal gray with warm undertones.
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Benjamin Moore Hale Navy – A deep, timeless navy blue.
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Farrow & Ball Down Pipe – A moody gray with a sophisticated feel.
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Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze – A warm, deep brown-gray.
Pro Tip: Color Drench Your Walls
For a truly immersive and sophisticated look, consider color drenching! Color drenching a space involves painting not just the walls, but also the ceiling, trim, and doors in the same hue. This technique enhances the cozy, enveloping feel of a dark and moody room, making the space feel intentional and seamless. To keep your dark walls from feeling flat, choose a satin or eggshell finish to reflect a bit of light and add subtle dimension. Use a semi-gloss on all trim and baseboards and use a flat sheen paint on the ceiling. In my room, I used Benjamin Moore Backwoods Green paint in semi-gloss on the crown molding, baseboards, doors, and cabinets. I used an eggshell sheen on the walls and shiplap.
Dramatic and Moody Room Tip 2: Balance Darkness with Warm, Natural Materials
One of the secrets to making a dark room feel cozy is layering in natural materials like wood, leather, linen, and woven textures to add warmth and prevent the space from feeling too stark.
How to Incorporate Natural Materials:
♥ Add a wood dining table or vintage inspired chairs for an old-world feel.
♥ Use woven or linen baskets for texture and storage.
♥ Layer in a leather bench or linen seating to enhance the cozy factor.
♥ Opt for bamboo shades or linen or velvet curtains to add softness and light diffusion.
After twenty plus years of using the same dining chairs, I decided to splurge on some new french-inspired cane chairs that I knew would add timeless character and elevate the space. These chairs are so comfy and added the perfect amount of drama I was craving!
Dramatic and Moody Room Tip 3: Use Strategic Lighting for a Moody Ambiance
Lighting is crucial in a dark room makeover! The right lighting prevents a dark space from feeling oppressive and enhances the cozy, inviting feel.
I originally wanted to purchase a secondhand crystal chandelier, hoping to find a vintage piece with character. However, after searching Facebook Marketplace, I was surprised to find that many listings were even more expensive than buying new! In the end, I found a beautiful and affordable crystal chandelier on Amazon that fit the space perfectly.
Best Lighting for a Dark and Moody Room:
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Sconces – Wall-mounted lights add a warm glow and create depth.
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Chandeliers with warm bulbs – Aged brass, wrought iron, or crystal fixtures add elegance.
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Table lamps and floor lamps – Layering light sources at different heights makes a space feel more inviting.
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Dimmable lighting – Allows you to control the mood depending on the time of day.
Pro Tip: Always use warm-toned LED bulbs (2700K–3000K) to create a candlelit glow that enhances your moody interior design.
Dark and Moody Room Tip 4: Incorporate Vintage & Antique Accents
If you love European-inspired decor and Scottish pub aesthetics, adding vintage and antique-style pieces is a must.
Easy Ways to Add Vintage Charm:
✔ Hang antique-style artwork or gilded frames.
✔ Use a vintage mirror to reflect light and open up the space. Mine is a vintage-inspired mirror from Hobby Lobby.
✔ Swap modern hardware for aged brass or black iron.
✔ Fill shelves with second-hand decor finds or meaningful treasures.
✔ Incorporate dark and weathered wood tones throughout the room.
✔ Display favorite books in rich, leather-bound covers.
✔ Layer candles in antique brass holders.
✔ Incorporate art inspired by travel or history to tell your unique story.
✔ Use a vintage bar cart stocked with beautiful glassware for an elegant touch.
A dark and moody space should feel inviting and personal while still being functional for your family’s everyday needs.
Dark and Moody Room Tip 5: Add Depth with Patterned Wallpaper
Sources: Chairs | Rug | Chandelier | Faux Peonies | Wallpaper
One of the easiest ways to introduce rich texture and depth into a dark and moody space is through wallpaper. Instead of relying solely on fabrics, consider using wallpaper to create a layered, collected-over-time look.
For this room, I chose a this floral wallpaper for the ceiling. It was a bold design choice that instantly elevates the space and adds a sense of old-world charm. The deep greens, warm neutrals, and intricate floral pattern complement the moody walls, creating a cozy yet refined atmosphere. I love it but am not going to lie. It was a total pain (literally) to install! If you’re new to DIY, I don’t recommend doing it yourself.
Pro Tip: If you love the look of wallpaper but aren’t ready to commit, try a peel and stick wallpaper option! It allows you to experiment with patterns without the long-term commitment.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Change in Home Design
Transforming this space was about more than just aesthetics. It was about embracing change and allowing my home to evolve with my style. While I still love the light and airy coastal look, this moody, pub-and-palace-inspired design feels equally special in a completely different way and complements the forest and mountains that we live in. The beauty of decorating is that there’s no single “right” way to design a space—just the right way for you, right now. So, if you’ve been craving a bold change, I encourage you to go for it! Your home should reflect who you are, your story, and what inspires you. And right now, this transformation has sparked so much creativity within me that you can expect to see even more room changes to come! Stay tuned!
