Trending Moody Paint Colors in Real Rooms

As we continue on in finishing the basement, we are moving on from the bathroom makeover into the main area, where we have already laid vinyl plank flooring. We have so many plans!

It’s more of a mancave or play area for adults (think pool table, movie room, etc) We want to create a space that feels sophisticated, moody, but also lively and inviting.

I am looking for rich color and darker tones - think moody blues or lavish greyish greens, but also romantic burgundy can be a showstopper. The kind of rich color that makes you want to curl up with a good book and maybe sit with your back a little straighter.

I spent a lot of time hunting for the perfect, dark paint color for the living area while the other elements fell into place. So, I am including here some of the colors we specifically looked at and others because I still have several bedrooms and a bathroom to do!

Where to Use Dark Paint Colors?

After years of an overreliance on cool grey and soft pastels, I am now craving bold color and character. While all sorts of colors, from teal to purple, can considered moody, there are a few places to keep in mind when considering a moody color on the walls.

1. Accent Walls: Dark colors can create a focal point or add depth to a room when used on an accent wall or in a nook, especially in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas.
2. Cozy Spaces: Small spaces like powder rooms, home offices, or reading nooks can feel intimate and inviting with dark paint colors.
3. High Ceilings: In rooms with high ceilings, dark colors can help bring the ceiling visually lower, making the space feel more grounded and comfortable.
4. Well-Lit Rooms: In rooms with ample windows and light, dark colors can add contrast without making the space feel too gloomy. The light helps balance the darkness, preventing the room from feeling claustrophobic.
5. Modern and Contemporary Styles: Dark colors are often used in modern and contemporary designs to create a sleek, edgy look.
6. Vintage Styles: Move over modern because many historic colors are quite moody and magnificent.
7. High Contrast: For an elegant look, pairing dark colors with lighter wainscotting or board and batten can create a sophisticated look without too much commitment.
8. Moody colors don’t have to be dark. Moody spaces are a vibe. You can still have yellows and even pastels in a moody space that doesn’t feel overly dark. Dusty rose color is a good example or try bringing in darker accents and furniture.

That being said, I am all for breaking these types of “rules”. Our basement doesn’t have particularly high ceilings or an abundance of natural light. It will still be perfectly cozy and a little bit sexy.

Grab our free series "Weekend Home Projects that will Transform Your Life" Sign up below to receive updates including free printables, organization tips, home improvement projects, recipes and more! Both!

Pro Tip: If you are changing colors drastically, say from light grey to navy, the paint will appear darker once you paint an entire room. In this case, it is harder to gauge the exact depth that the final room will be.

Moody and Dark Teal Paint Colors

I am going to start on the cooler side of the color spectrum since these are extremely popular with clients and friends. A deep, jewel-toned teal brings a vibrant, yet moody atmosphere to a space, perfect if you are looking a luxurious, calming look.

My favorite deep teal paint colors and some examples:

• Thermal by Behr deep, muted green-blue color that can almost look black in low light.
• Tempe Star by Sherwin Williams – a sophisticated calming color with more blue notes.
• Weekend by Magnolia Home – a rich, vibrant teal with lots of blue and green.
• Ocean Abyss by Behr – cool, deep and nautical teal.
• Mt. Etna by Sherwin Williams – The darkest of theses. A slate grey with blue, and green notes.

Greens

A classic, dark green brings a touch of nature indoors, perfect for creating a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere. Some of these colors shift subtly with light, offering a deep, enveloping feel.

Check out these and more paint colors in real spaces to show what style best works with them:

• Locally Grown by Magnolia Home – A moody greenish grey with olive tones.
• Fig Tree by Behr – A deep, slighted muted olive green.
• Pine Green by Benjamin Moore – A deep hunter green.
• Dark Everglade by Behr A deep watery, calming green.
• North Woods by Behr – A midnight deep pine green.
• Vine Leaf by Behr A slightly muted forest green.
• Dunn Edwards Refined Green (on the ceiling) – a deep, blackened and saturated green.
• Secret Garden by Sherwin Wiliams – A medium green with yellow tones.
• Pewter Green by Sherwin Williams – A beautiful, calming woodsy green on the sage green side.
• Essex Green by Benjamin Moore – The darkest, deep shade of green with slight hints of blue.

Deep Magenta and Burgundy

Rich, dark reds with warm brown undertones add depth and a touch of vintage elegance. These spaces feel sophisticated, lively, and inviting.

Some of our favorites (we even tried several for our space!) and links to real rooms where available:

• Fading Twilight by Benjamin Moore – muted yet balanced brick red.
• Carnelian by Sherwin Williams – a deep, slightly muted burgundy and purple.
• Arroyo Red by Benjamin Moore – deep, rich brownish red color.
• Moody Fig by Magnolia Home – a saturated deep burgundy with brown undertones.
• Sherwin Williams Radicchio Leaf – A chameleon red saturated with slight pink undertones. (It looks purple in one photo and red in another on this link.)
• Dark Cherry Mocha by Behr – Aptly named for a mix of chocolate brown and red.

More Moody blue paint colors to try:

• Hale Navy – a very deep, sophisticated navy. Photos are lighter than it appears to me.
• Van Deusen Blue – a denim blue that works well for rooms that don’t have much light.
• Farrow and Ball Stiffkey Blue – A rich, dark navy that appears bluer in bright spaces.
• Naval by Sherwin Williams – rich, inky navy blue with subtle gray undertones.
• Behr Midnight Blue – Deep, moody blue with cool undertones.
• Blue Note by Benjamin Moore – Similar to hale navy but with more cyan undertones.
• Hague Blue by Farrow and Ball – A deep, dark navy with green undertones.
• Cottage Grove Magnolia Home – A blend of navy and green.

• Brinjal by Farrow and Ball – a deep aubergine (eggplant) color.
• Rare Wine by Valspar – the deepest, darkest cool purple.
• Webster Avenue by Magnolia Home – a deep and dusty berry color.
• Cocoa Berry by Sherwin Williams – a beautiful berry muted with brown tones.
• Mauve-lous by Home Hardware Stores – a soft, grey infused mauve.
• Sulking Room Pink by Farrow and Ball a dusty rose mauve.

Would you try out a darker or moody paint color in your home? Or have you done it already?

If you don't feel ready to commit to repainting a full room, try a feature wall for some visual interest instead. It may just be the answer you are looking for without the full commitment.