Home Garden

How to Decorate a Dark Wall

Dark-colored walls add a sophisticated, artsy flair to rooms. Unfortunately, dark walls can be depressing and claustrophobic when left unadorned. Break up the severity of a dark wall with bright and light-catching accessories, light fixtures and art pieces. The dark wall will nicely frame accessories, while the accessories themselves will relieve the darkness and create the illusion of space.

Things You'll Need

  • Framed, matted art and posters
  • Vinyl wall clings
  • Mirrors
  • Glass bottles, vases and figurines
  • Shelves
  • LED light strands, floor lighting and sconces
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Hang framed, matted artwork, posters or photographs on the wall. Choose pieces with a high proportion of white or bright space to counteract the wall’s darkness.

    • 2

      Attach light-colored vinyl wall clings to clean, smooth walls. Vinyl wall clings last up to a year, come in a variety of patterns and shapes and peel off cleanly and easily. The clings have the same effect as stencils without the mess and commitment of paint.

    • 3

      Hang mirrors on the wall to reflect a lighter wall or the view from a window. Mirrors create the illusion of space, counteracting the claustrophobic effect of dark walls.

    • 4

      Install shelves on the wall, and line the shelves with decorative light-catching glass bottles, vases and figurines. Place light-colored flowers in the vases and bottles to add cheer to an otherwise gloomy dark wall.

    • 5

      Frame the wall with colored LED light strands, which burn cool. Alternatively, place floor lights against the wall or hang sconces on either side of a door or headboard.