Feel like your home is lacking depth and drama? All it could be missing is a splash of dark and moody wallpaper…
There is something special about dark, dramatic wallpaper, from the alluring blend of sumptuous shades to the statement patterns, which inspires design confidence. If you love a bit of maximalism and are looking for ways to revive your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, we’ve asked the experts for their top tips on using moody wallcoverings and collated striking ideas to help steer you in the right direction when decorating.
David Harris, design director at Andrew Martin, says wallpaper has a big impact on the mood of a room, so getting the design right is important. “Opting for darker, more dramatic tones such as purple or navy can make larger rooms appear more intimate – particularly in the bedroom,” he says.
But it’s not just colour which can influence the mood of your scheme, but pattern, too. “Dark wallpaper has a way of transforming a space, wrapping it in atmosphere and sophistication. Whether you lean towards marble textures, bold botanicals, or dramatic florals, these designs can create a space that feels both luxurious and deeply personal,” explains Catherine Jacob, head of design at Hovia.
Dark, floral wallpaper oozes a charming, romantic feel, for example. “Designs with pink, lilac or cream flowers against black or navy backgrounds bring contrast and character, and can work just as well in a living room as they do in a bedroom,” she adds.
Striking the right balance
So, when decorating your home with dark and moody wallpaper, carefully considering the other design elements which surround it, as well as how you want to feel when you step into the room, is crucial. “Wallpaper is more than just a backdrop; it’s the heartbeat of a room’s identity,” says David. “When choosing colours to complement it, think beyond matching – consider how these colours might heighten the room’s mood or add an unexpected twist.”
The experts also recommend opting for pared-back furniture and accessories when decorating with moody wallpaper. “Furniture in darker finishes, such as walnut, naturally harmonises with rich tones, creating a sophisticated and grounded feel,” says James Mellan-Matulewicz, CEO and creative director at Bobbi Beck. But if you want to soften the darkness of your wallpaper, consider pieces crafted from lighter woods and incorporating natural materials and textures such as rattan.
“Soft furnishings in velvet or other tactile fabrics work beautifully with moody schemes,” continues James. “Dark greys, greens, and warm neutrals add depth without overwhelming the room. If the wallpaper contains specific colours you’d like to highlight, introducing them through cushions, throws, or accent pieces is a subtle way to draw the eye and tie everything together.”
Lighting is equally important when using dark wallpaper in your home, and James recommends warm solutions as they help set an inviting atmosphere while also enhancing the richness of the tones.
And, don’t overlook finishes. “Pair deep tones with lighter accents to bring contrast and balance. Brass or gold fixtures, marble surfaces or a pale timber floor will help bounce light around and stop the look from feeling too heavy,” says Catherine.
James adds that gold accents work particularly well with dark, moody schemes, ‘as their warm metallic tone catches the light and adds a touch of understated luxury without competing with the depth of the wallpaper’.
Dare to experiment
Do you have a tiny downstairs cloakroom, small bedroom, or narrow hallway? These compact spaces might not be the initial places you would think to drench in dark and moody wallpaper, but they offer the perfect opportunity to get creative. “These smaller rooms lend themselves to bolder choices, turning what might otherwise be a pass-through space into a statement moment within your home,” says Catherine.
So, will you go dark? Scroll down for more inspiration…
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