Some homeowners avoid choosing darker carpeting shades because they believe that a dark hue will make the room appear dull or dingy. However, colors such as black, navy blue, dark green, burgundy and even purple are becoming trendy home carpeting choices. These colors can provide a stylish, elegant appearance, especially in rooms with an abundance of natural lighting.
The Pros of Dark Carpet Colors
A few of the many dark carpet color benefits include:
- Cleaner appearance: One of the biggest drawbacks of choosing a lighter carpeting color such as beige, light blue or cream is how hard they are to keep clean. The problem gets worse in high-traffic rooms or if you have kids, pets, or an outside entrance door. Dark carpet colors won’t show dirt or stains as easily as light carpet colors, and they require less work. You won’t have to vacuum and shampoo them as often, and you’ll spend less money on professional cleaning.
- Easier matching: Dark carpet colors blend well with most furniture, drapes and other decor features. They offer a visually appealing contrast if you choose some of the lighter furnishing shades common in today’s modern decor packages. If you’re designing a room from scratch, a darker color may give you more decorating options.
- Hiding seams: Even a high-quality, professional carpet installation may leave a seam or two where there are small gaps between pieces of carpeting. A darker shade will make these seams less visible than a lighter color.
- Coziness: Dark carpets have a way of making a room feel smaller and cozier. This is an attractive feature for a living room, family room, den or bedroom. Dark brown carpets or earth tones tend to heighten this effect more than other darker hues.
- Warmth: Darker carpets tend to absorb heat more than lighter shades, which can make them a better choice for rooms where you want to create a cooler environment.
- Longevity: Many darker colored carpets consist of thicker materials than their lighter counterparts. Consequently, they often last longer and may require less upkeep to keep them in good condition.
Tips for Using Dark Carpet Colors in Your Home
One of the advantages of darker color carpets is they can create dramatic looks. Make the most of dark carpets in your interior design by:
Considering Wall Color
Your wall color should be two tones lighter than your carpet. If you have dark walls, you can also go a few tones lighter with your carpet. Since it’s much easier to change your wall color than your carpet, choose your carpet color first and then match your wall color.
Going Bold With Dark Carpets
While neutrals work with a variety of home décor, choosing a dark carpet in a rich tone such as green, red or blue can create a dramatic look in any room. Experiment with color, but be sure to choose one you will love and enjoy for years to come.
Understanding Formality
A dark color and low pile can look dramatic and sophisticated in a dining room. A deep purple, for example, can look regal or fun in hallways or bedrooms. Consider the use of your room and whether you want a playful or formal feel. This will help you choose the right dark carpet.
Playing With Texture
Rooms with dark carpet are popular, and adding texture to the dark hue can create an even more modern look. An interesting texture can make a dark carpet pop. Plush deep pile carpet, for example, can look great when paired with dark colors. Low-pile or Berber carpet can also look very modern, and variable height patterns in carpet can look dramatic with dark carpeting.
Considering Size
Large rooms, especially those with high ceilings, may feel cozier with a dark carpet. Smaller rooms may not always be the ideal place for dark flooring unless you’re trying to create an even smaller feel.
Contrasting Dark Carpets With Furniture & Decor
Layering a dark carpet with a lighter rug on top or pairing dark carpet with lighter furniture can create an interesting contrast. Modern chrome finishes and classic darker wood furniture can both highlight the beauty of a deep-color carpet. You can also use reflective surfaces in the room — mirrors and mirrored furniture look incredible with darker carpeting. Lightening the linens, window coverings and fabrics in the room can also create an attractive contrast.
Using Lighting
Darker rooms can look dim with dark carpet. A bright, sunny room, on the other hand, will let the beauty of a deeper shade shine. Adding more lighting to a room with a dark carpet can create a comfortable feel without making the space seem too dark.
Trying Them Out First
If you’ve always had light carpets and want to go deeper and bolder with your color choices, try them out before you change your flooring so drastically. Check samples of any color that interests you in your home to see how the color looks in specific rooms. You may also want to experiment with a dark area rug first to see how you feel about a certain color under your feet.
Choose a Color That Matches Your Tastes
While all of these factors are excellent reasons for selecting a dark carpet color, you must be happy with whatever shade you choose. After all, you’ll need to live with your decision for years to come. Make sure you view samples of several colors in your home, instead of in a store, so you can see how your new carpet will really look after the installation.
50Floor Can Help You Make the Right Decision
When you choose 50Floor as your carpeting provider, you’ll get to shop at home with an expert who will guide you through the entire process. You’ll see how the color will look in your home’s light and blend with your decor, enabling you to make the right decision with total confidence.
Contact us to schedule a free in-home carpeting consultation today.