Ask anyone who knows me (well) and they will tell you that I love a white and bright home. My décor colour palatte consists of muted, calming hues with hints of classic romantic and an air of beachy – from growing up in a little seaside town.
Be this as it may, the emergence of using dark colours in interior design has gained significant popularity. And whilst I am not quite yet brave enough to paint the eggshell walls a moody midnight hue, I do have an appreciation for the element of contrast dark accents bring in. In fact, they can highlight the light and bright aspects of a space and make a white look whiter or a (cream) look warmer and brighter.
One way I can really appreciate the addition of a dark accent is in an otherwise muted bedroom. I do love a peaceful, neutral-toned bedroom to create a calming space to wind down, but sometimes the muted colours can come across as one-dimensional and in need of a pick me up. One way to add a bit of contrast is with a dark and moody bedside table or pedestal. This can take the form of a solid black distressed piece, a dark stained wood, or a darker version of a grey, blue or green which may already be part of your colour palette.
I have scoured Pinterest for you and included some inspiration below. And if you’re a South African local like me, I have shared some sources of where to shop for similar looks. If you have a nightstand that you would like to do a DIY darkening job on, I have included some DIY links below as well. Who knows, maybe I will be painting a dark accent wall next?
Classic Farmhouse
credit: Nadine Stay
I love this whole bedroom look – crisp white panelled walls, vintage wall sconce and chestnut floors and give a cosy farmhouse feel and a few contrasting dark accessories provide a clean polished finish.
The midnight charcoal nightstand contrasts with the lighter accessories placed on it – the white hydrangeas work so well here bringing an air of femininity against the more masculine straight lines of the nightstand.
The ebony bed frame and well-placed artwork with a similar dark stained wooden frame add continuity to the moody elements. The small window blind in a chocolate-rattan style ties the whole look together.
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Crisp and Cosy
credit: Collection Prints
Like yin and yang, this look perfectly balances clean, crisp elements with just the right amount of warm “homey” touches.
The dark, classic pedastal and the vintage style lamp have a timeless elegance to them that ensures this look will age well.
And then there are the natural accessories that add that make you want to cosy up with a mug of tea and a good book – the crinkled linen scatters, the chunky throw and the beautiful wooden bowl. Why not recreate this look and do just that?
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Elegant Abode
credit: Georgiana Design
We are going full on dark and moody here. Doesn’t it just make you want to jump into this bed with some tea and a good book whilst rain gently taps on the window pane…
I cannot, unfortunately, guarantee the rain but I have found some “shop the look” options to otherwise create this melancholic masterpiece.
The hints of white stand out just beautifully against the forest green wall, ebony bed stand and vintage oak nightstand. I also love how the layering of textures with the bedding – satin, linen, quilted, velvet – creates a comforting, cosy feel.
Complete the look with the gentle warm light from a ceramic lamp (please do not use those awful cool light bulbs! They belong in hospitals and no where else).
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Natural Textures
credit: Decoholic
There is just something about a four-poster bed. To me, it is reminiscent of a sunny, breezy holiday somewhere in the mediterranean. Rustic luxury.
Interior designers will tell you that a well-designed room should bring on a feeling of peace. And this look has definitely nailed that brief.
A masonry wall painted in white dove. A chunky knitted throw. Crisp white linen. And a bouclé armchair (how trendy is this fabric at the moment?) that you just want to collapse into.
Create your own peaceful bedroom with the help of a few clicks below.
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More dark nightstand inspiration:
