What About A Dark Focal Wall?

I’m known for loving white or off-white walls.

For me, they’re the most soothing, uplifting, practical choice (you can read more about why I’m obsessed with white walls here and find out my favourite white paints here).

However, I get asked quite a bit, “what about using a colour for a focal wall?”

It’s a valid question, and focal walls do have their place. Bits of colour in strategic spaces add life and interest to an all-white home, and they can give you a little boost of pleasure when you come across them.

But choose wisely where to use colour on a focal wall, and what colour to use.

Location

I recommend choosing an area where a change in paint colour won’t look too stark or overly dramatic. So NOT on one big living room wall when the rest is white, unless that wall is already a natural focal point with windows or a big fireplace or bookshelves. Good natural places for focal walls are on the end wall of a bathroom, the wall behind a bed, a small wall beneath the stairs or going down a stairwell or a small wall where you have open shelving.

Colour

Choose a neutral colour that you can live with, not a bright bold colour. Brights and bolds and patterns belong on smaller accessories like pillows, curtains and rugs. Stick with neutrals like black, slate, muted greens and dark blues and greys for focal walls.

Check out these amazing examples of dark and muted focal walls done right. Then, if you’re looking for a little change, have fun painting!

what about a dark focal wall?

Dark stairwell via Design Sponge

dark focal wall

Dark focal wall in dining room by Cynthia Harper

shiplap painted dark colours

Dark shiplap wall behind bed by Restoring Home

do dark colours in bathrooms look good

Dark green focal wall in bathroom via Architectural Digest

should i paint my walls dark

Dark office focal wall by MaryCasaChic

dark focal wall with fireplace

Dark focal fireplace wall via Est

dark blue accent wall

Dark paint under stairwell by MaryCasaChic

dark focal wall with shelving

Small painted focal wall behind open shelving


how to choose the right colour

Want more colour advice for your whole home that’s simple and will get you on your way to painting without stress? Download my FREE colour workbook on how to use colour for a naturally serene home.


Kelly Anderson
A re-designer focused on natural, sustainable and holistic design.
http://www.refresheddesigns.com/
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