Dark But Not Dull: 6 Ways to Nail That Luxe Dining Room Aesthetic

Classy, sophisticated but still very much cosy…

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While we love minimalist white rooms as much as the next person, nothing makes a stunning visual impact like black. Just like white, black is also an incredibly versatile colour. It can harmonise with various interior styles to deliver a sense of sophistication and elegance to a space.

However, many people assume that adding dark tones to a room will detract from its pleasant atmosphere. Today, we’ll try and put that myth to bed by looking at a few gorgeous dining rooms that use dark colours, notably black as a primary colour. We will also give you some pointers on how to use this colour correctly so that the space doesn't look too dreary and confined.

1. Have a sophisticated backdrop in black

What better way to draw attention to a dining room than with black walls? Most people feel that dark-coloured walls make a room appear smaller than it is, but on the bright side (pun intended!) a black wall can make an area look elegant and unique.

The lacquered black walls in this dining room, for example, make a strong statement and sets the perfect backdrop for entertaining guests during dinner parties. The walls lend depth and complement the leather grey dining chairs and marble table top for a sleek and sultry look. Aside from that, a grey blackout curtain prevents bright lights from entering the room and it allows the brass pendant light to provide a warm light during formal dining.

2. Create a wraparound effect with dark ceilings and walls

Black generally works well in dining rooms that are spacious and have a high ceiling but using this approach in a smaller room (if applied correctly) can create a cosy and intimate setting.

A great example is this Star Wars-themed dining room. The designer draped the ceiling in black, creating a visually stunning effect in the room. Aside from the ceiling, black walls make an excellent backdrop for the abstract artwork to deliver dynamic energy. Meanwhile, black acrylic dining chairs, a grey dining table with a stainless steel candle holder, a black glass fruit bowl, and a globe pendant lamp inject a futuristic touch into the room. The white-tiled floors, on the other hand, bring life and contrast to the dark space and keep the room from feeling claustrophobic.

3. Use (dark) marble flooring for a touch of luxury

There was a time when people shunned the idea of using dark-coloured flooring materials. But that trend has turned on its head in recent years, and designers are now using dark floors to create a stunning visual effect in a room.

Take a cue from this dining area, which features stunning grey marble floors which makes it a good middle ground for those who enjoy black but find an all-black space too overpowering. It complements the dining table perfectly and the hue and marble veins prevent the space from looking too sombre.

4. Don’t forget about the drapes

If you don’t want to make any big commitment when decorating your dining room with dark hues, consider dark-coloured drapes. It is a much easier way to add dark tones to your existing dining room without making any major changes.

Take inspiration from this contemporary dining room, which features black drapes imbuing the space with a sense of calm, accompanied by dark-coloured dining chairs and a black dining table. The designer also injected some dazzle to its grey walls by introducing patterns and dimensions through a variety of abstract arts. In addition, the white marble floor provides rich contrast and soft depth against the dark grey walls and black furnishings.

5. Keep it well illuminated nonetheless

Overhead lighting is an important component in dark-coloured interiors since it helps to create a warm atmosphere while also allowing visitors to speak and enjoy their meals when dining. There are numerous light fixtures to select from, but pendant lights can provide a brilliant touch to your modern dining room.

Take a cue from this dining area, which features minimalist lighting fixtures suspended above the six-seater dining table. It provides an artistic statement while also helping to differentiate the eating space from other areas of the open space living area.

6. Add some reflective surfaces to brighten the room

Incorporating high-gloss and reflecting surfaces is another simple way to elevate a drab dark-coloured dining room.

Take inspiration from this dining area, where Klaasmen added a floor-to-ceiling mirror to bounce light around the room while providing depth and dimension to the space. The dining table countertop also has a reflective surface, which adds to the space's spatial volume.

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