The living room is often the focal point of the home, where family and friends gather.
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Choosing a dark theme can create a unique and visually intriguing space, though achieving the right balance can be challenging.
But don’t worry—we’ve compiled 21 amazing dark living room ideas to inspire you. Let’s get started!
1. Dark Bluish-Gray With Unique Lighting
This living room primarily consists of dark, bluish-gray elements, from the walls to the sofa.
These elements create a dark, moody ambiance that’s nicely contrasted by the lighter-colored chest against the wall and the light fixture.
The fruit on the coffee table shares a similar hue, giving this space a respectable color-coordinated look. The windows let in just enough natural light to keep the room from appearing too dark.
2. Dark Gray Monochrome With Blue Accent Pieces
This living room boasts an aesthetic that’s quite dark indeed. The walls and furniture share the same dark gray hue, making for a moody, darkly luxurious ambiance.
What prevents this living room from looking too dark is the lighter-colored flooring that provides just enough light-dark contrast.
And last but certainly not least, the blue accent pillows give a subtle hint of color for added visual interest.
3. Sleek And Modern With Ample Lighting
Who says a dark living room can’t also be light? This example demonstrates that a darker paint color and dark furniture can pair nicely with a rush of natural light.
The ambiance in this space is most definitely on the darker end of the spectrum, but the large windows let in a ton of light, ensuring that the room doesn’t feel claustrophobic.
4. Deep Blue With Multicolored Accent Pieces
When you think of a dark living room, shades of gray undoubtedly come to mind. But this living room is unique in that the dark aesthetic is achieved through a lighter shade of deep blue.
The paint color makes this space appear darker than a standard living room, but the level of darkness doesn’t remotely compete with some other examples in this list.
What’s more, the myriad multicolored accent pieces give the room some visual depth. Perhaps most notable is the fluffy pink throw pillow that gives this dark living room a whimsical spin.
5. Stone-Gray Walls With Brownish Furniture
Again, a “dark” living room doesn’t have to boast obsidian tones. This living room feels warm and inviting thanks to the abundance of warm tones.
Though many of the features in this space fall on the lighter end of the spectrum, the central furniture pieces help ground the space with just enough darkness.
6. Hunter Green And Rich Leather
If you want to create a dark living room that’s truly unique, consider taking a similar approach.
In this example, the hunter-green walls set the tone of darkness, while the lighter-colored pieces of furniture provide a bit of contrast and depth.
This living room also contains an assortment of decorative pieces that make the space more interesting.
7. Black And Deep Magenta
There’s something about black in a living room that exudes a particular sense of luxury beyond the conventional idea of luxury. Simply put, a black space can have a regal flair when executed well.
But this homeowner has incorporated some fun deep magenta hues into the space to prevent the aesthetic from appearing too serious.
The area rug, throw pillow, and miscellaneous magenta pieces help liven the look.
8. Sleek Shades Of Gray
It’s no secret that shades of gray look very luxe. The room design never falls flat because multiple shades of gray are used in the elements, including the walls, curtains, furniture, and accent pieces.
The blend of darker elements and natural light is perfect, making for a space that strikes the perfect balance between darkness and coziness.
9. Dark Galley Living Room With Sweeping Windows
This galley living room features a gorgeous contrast between the light streaming in through the vast windows and the inky furniture and wall paint.
There’s no shortage of rich textures and patterns in this design. Plants bring in a beautiful natural element too.
10. Light-Blue Walls With Darker Elements
Blue is the main aesthetic of this room, but some of the smaller elements, like the rug and end tables, incorporate some darkness into the decorative scheme.
The natural light flooding in through the windows helps brighten the space, yet the aforementioned elements keep the room anchored with just enough darkness.
11. Emerald Green Features
Even though the walls are a dark emerald green, the room does not look overwhelmingly dark or confined. Multiple photo ledges feature gorgeous butterfly silhouettes, and the light-colored furniture beautifully stands out against the walls.
12. Dark Furniture
If you don’t want to use dark paint on your walls but you want a dark living room, then opt for dark-colored room elements. As seen in this example, the couch, artwork, and light fixtures are all dark hues.
This approach makes for a space that feels dark in a sleek and modern way without appearing too visually overwhelming.
13. Dark Luxurious Glam
If you’re one for drama, then you’ll love this dark, luxurious, glam living room.
Glass and golden elements prevent the room from seeming too dark due to the black walls. And the green velvet chair and ottoman give this room a sense of sophisticated class.
14. Farmhouse Flair
If you love farmhouses and dark aesthetics, you can combine them! As seen in this example, these two vibes can be seamlessly integrated to make for a visually impressive room.
And the best part is that it doesn’t take much to give the space a noticeable dark flair; some unique doors and throw pillows go a long way toward achieving a dark look.
15. Black And Light Browns
This living room features black walls surrounding the space. This approach would typically make a room feel enclosed and suffocating, but the windows along the wall keep the room feeling nice and open.
Lighter browns characterize the central portion of the room. The result of this color combination is a room that feels dark and cozy yet airy and welcoming.
16. Botanical Boho
Though you may typically associate a boho aesthetic with tans, whites, and beiges, consider shifting to a darker palette.
Shades of deep green provide a lot of dimension in this boho botanical living room.
17. A Pop Of Color
Don’t shy away from using bright, bold colors in your dark living room design. The colors look beautifully striking against each other. The pink sofa certainly steals the show in this room.
18. Bright Warmth
With the color orange bringing about feelings of brightness, it should come as no surprise that this color adds some cheer to a dark living room.
Who knew that dark shades of gray and bright orange would look so good together?
19. Modern Coastal
A coastal aesthetic doesn’t necessarily mean you have to incorporate all light, airy hues into the design. This living room is a perfect example of how dark walls (and windows!) can create a moody coastal feeling.
The light-colored furniture and the white fireplace ensure that the room doesn’t feel too dark or cramped.
20. Warm Browns
The white ceiling of this living room stands out beautifully against warm brown walls and floors.
If you want to achieve a somewhat darker look while being aesthetically conservative, opt for a similar approach. And someday, if you’re feeling bolder, you can paint the ceiling a matching shade of brown.
21. Accent Wall
An accent wall adds drama to any room. This black textured accent wall immediately draws your eye. The cushions on the chairs are strategically coordinated with the accent wall to tie the look together.
In Closing
We hope you’ve gleaned some helpful tips and general inspiration from these dark living room examples. Now it’s time for you to take the plunge into darkness!
Before you go, be sure to take a look at these other related guides:
51 Dark Living Room Furniture Ideas (Photos and Tips!)
Should You Choose Light or Dark Living Room Furniture? (Inc. 14 examples)
15 Great Living Rooms With Dark Wood Floor