When choosing two colors to paint the walls in a room, a common question is which wall should be painted the darker color. There are a few factors to consider when deciding which wall to make darker.
The Main Wall
Often, the main wall in a room, such as the wall with the most windows or where the TV/fireplace is located, looks best in a darker color. The darker color helps ground the room and draw attention to the focal point. Painting the main wall in a saturated shade while keeping the other walls lighter creates a nice contrast. The dark wall frames the lighter walls, adding drama and accentuating architectural details.
North and South Walls
North-facing walls tend to be darker and can feel cold, so using a darker paint color here exacerbates this effect. South-facing walls get more natural sunlight, so they are better candidates for a deeper, moodier color. The warm sunlight helps balance out the dark paint. When possible, use a darker color on south walls and lighter colors on north walls to maximize light.
Ceiling Height
In rooms with high ceilings, painting one wall a rich dark color grounds the space and makes it feel more intimate. For low-ceilinged rooms, keep the colors light to optically enlarge the space. Darker colors can make a small room feel closed in and heavy.
Day vs. Night Use
Consider when the room will primarily be used. Darker accent walls work well in rooms like bedrooms that get more use at night, when deeper tones feel cozy with low lighting. For daytime spaces like kitchens and studies, lighter walls will maximize the natural light. Use darker tones sparingly in these rooms.
Here is a table comparing some factors to consider when choosing a dark accent wall:
| Factor | Best for Darker Wall | Best for Lighter Wall |
|---|---|---|
| Main wall | Wall with focal point like fireplace or windows | Secondary walls |
| Sun exposure | South-facing | North-facing |
| Ceiling height | High ceilings | Low ceilings |
| Room use | Bedrooms | Kitchens, studies |
Undertones
When using two colors, pay attention to the undertones. Generally, warmer dark colors like deep reds, browns, and maroons look best against cooler lighter walls. Cooler dark colors like navy and charcoal gray suit warmer light walls. Matching the undertones makes the scheme feel harmonious. Contrasting undertones adds vibrancy.
Trim and Ceilings
Use bright white paint on the trim and ceilings when using dark colors on the walls. This grounds the room and keeps it from feeling too dark and enclosed. The white trim frames the walls and pulls everything together. Ceilings painted your lighter wall color can work too. Just avoid painting the trim and ceilings dark when you already have a dark feature wall.
Type of Room
Bold dark accent walls work best in casual, relaxed spaces. Rooms meant for entertaining like living rooms, dens, and recreation rooms are great candidates. Darker formal living rooms and dining rooms can feel imposing. However, a darker, moodier dining room in an urban loft or edgy space can be striking.
Personal Preference
Do you enjoy the drama and moodiness of a darker wall? Or does it make you feel closed in? Don’t paint a dark wall just because it’s trendy. Make sure it suits your personality and lifestyle. If you’re more traditional or prefer light and airy spaces, a darker wall may not be for you. Trust your instincts.
Conclusion
When painting a room two colors, the darker color typically looks best on the main wall, south wall, or in high-ceilinged spaces, while lighter colors are better for north, east and west walls, and rooms with low ceilings. Consider the undertones and room use as well. Darker walls create an intimate, cozy feel in bedrooms, while lighter walls help maximize daylight in kitchens and offices. White trim ties the look together. Choose colors that appeal to your personal taste to create a room you’ll love spending time in.
