Designer-Favorite Dark Paint Colors: 15 Moody Hues for Sophisticated Interior Spaces

PublishedFeb 10, 2025 1:00 AM EST

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White paint has its time and place, but when designers want to create a space that feels intimate and enveloping, they turn to the darkest shades. Sometimes all that's needed is a touch of black-blue to create contrasting trim. In other cases, they'll apply enough paint to drench a tiny office in a deep shade of brown. Designers love to use dark paint colors on exteriors, and are even bigger fans of applying them to kitchen cabinets. With thousands of cocooning shades available, we asked 15 professionals for their all-time favorite hues. For moody, sophisticated interiors, any of these selections delivers exceptional results.

Broccoli Brown by Farrow & Ball — Earthy Green-Brown

Broccoli Brown

This is an earthy green-brown that looks great color drenched in a space or used on cabinets. —Molly Kidd, founder of Molly Kidd Studio

Witching Hour by Benjamin Moore — Deep Black

Witching Hour

We love how easily Witching Hour complements warm beiges and neutrals, giving you a balanced, inviting space. We recently used it to paint an office, and the result was stunning.—Kerith Flynn, principal and founder of Margali & Flynn Designs

Dark Arts by Backdrop — Moody Black

Dark Arts

This is the perfect moody black that adds the right amount of depth yet feels smooth and sleek.—Susan Petrie, founder of Petrie Interior Designs

Knoxville Gray by Benjamin Moore — Chameleon Neutral

Knoxville Gray

Hands down, my favorite is Benjamin Moore's Knoxville Gray. It's dark, but not too dark, and this chameleon-like color makes it ridiculously versatile. —Tara Lenney, founder of Tara Lenney Design

London Clay by Farrow & Ball — Elevated Earth Tone

London Clay

This is a go-to for pretty much anything, from kitchen cabinetry to the primary bedroom. It offers a very elevated and English twist.—Laura Collins, founder of For Porter

Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams — Versatile Off-Black

Iron Ore

Iron Ore is the perfect "off-black"—a soft shade that isn't too harsh. It pairs well with both warmer and cooler palettes, so it's very versatile. We use it inside and out!—Elle Cantrell, owner and lead designer of Elle Du Monde

Narragansett Green

Narragansett Green by Benjamin Moore — Forest-Inspired Green

This deep, saturated green, with its subtle blue undertones, evokes the tranquility of dense forests and the richness of moss-covered landscapes. —Regan Billingsley, founder of Regan Billingsley Interiors

My go-to dark paint is Benjamin Moore's Narragansett Green. With its undertones of navy and gray, it's the perfect color to instantly make a room feel moody yet elegant.—Audrey Frances Doty, founder of Audrey Frances Design

Caviar by Sherwin-Williams — Luxurious Black

Caviar

Incorporating black will always give spaces a luxurious feel. It is dramatic and versatile yet conceals imperfections.—Tiffany Glasco, founder of Nahla Madison Home

Black Beauty and Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore — Classic Pairing

Black Beauty

Hale Navy

We have two that are tried, tested, and always loved by everyone: Benjamin Moore's Black Beauty and Hale Navy. Both are classic and timeless.—Blair Britt, co-owner of Bella B Home Designs

Jasper and Blackberry by Sherwin-Williams — Bold Green and Purple

Jasper

Blackberry

I love dark greens and purples. Whether used on walls, ceilings, cabinets, or doors, they are each striking and are sure to leave an impression in any space.—Amber Guyton, founder of Blessed Little Bungalow

Railings by Farrow & Ball — Sophisticated Charcoal

Railings

A rich, deep charcoal that carries subtle blue undertones, Railings strikes the perfect balance between moody elegance and refined sophistication.—Lauren Lerner, CEO and principal designer of Living with Lolo

Saturday on Sunday by Backdrop — Cozy Blue

Saturday on Sunday

Saturday on Sunday is currently what my bedroom walls are painted, and I love how cozy it makes the room feel.—Shauna Jones, founder of Shauna Glenn Design

Ripe Olive by Sherwin-Williams — Warm Dark Green

Ripe Olive

Sherwin-Williams' Ripe Olive is our favorite dark shade. Its warmth sets it apart from typical dark colors, bringing richness to a space without feeling heavy or overwhelming.—Margarita Bravo, founder of Margarita Bravo

Turkish Coffee by Sherwin-Williams — Rich Dark Brown

Turkish Coffee

I've used Turkish Coffee with great satisfaction. You can almost taste its dark chocolate look in your mouth while enjoying a space painted in this color.—Antonio Matres, founder of Antonio Matres Design

Lydia Geisel

Home Editor

Lydia Geisel has been on the editorial team at Domino since 2017. Today, she writes and edits home and renovation stories, including house tours, before and afters, and DIYs, and leads our design news coverage. She lives in New York City.

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