Hunkering down in a moody, cozy room with a roaring fire and a book is a glamorous way to brave against the season’s dropping temperatures.

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But let’s be honest: interiors painted in rich, dark shades is a vibe, no matter the season. Inky hues infuse a space with drama while maintaining the ultimate cozy feel—and they shine in spaces with little natural light. Just ask our Experts, “The right color can lend a lavish and opulent feeling to any room,” says Susannah Holmberg, founder and principal of Susannah Holmberg Studios.

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From deep, enigmatic hues to complex neutrals, our Experts are dialing up the drama this fall with 13 of the best dark paint colors that dare to make a statement.

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The Best Dark Green Paint Colors

“In a recent project in Devon's Exe Valley, the deep, earthy red of the terrain, blended with lush greens and rich browns, inspired a palette of comforting tones for the bathroom. I opted for Morris & Co's Morris Trellis to enhance the woodwork.” —Tom Cox, HÁM Interiors

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“Night Owl by Benjamin Moore is a deep moody olive green that has a lot of depth to it. I recently used it on millwork, but it would also be beautiful for a moody dining room or a small space where you’re looking to make a statement.” —Maureen Ursino, Ursino Interiors

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The Best Dark Brown Paint Colors

“Farrow and Ball’s Mahogany is the perfect melted chocolate tone I've been searching for years. With the slightest hint of purple, it’s great for spaces that you want to feel extra cozy.” —Susannah Holmberg, Susannah Holmberg Studios

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“Van Dyke Brown by Sherwin Williams is a rich brown that evokes a stain grade cabinet without it being wood. I’m using it on a kitchen island in a high gloss sheen.” —Marianne Brown, W Design Collective

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“Norwich Brown by Benjamin Moore is a dark umber color that brings a lot of warmth and depth to a space. It would be beautiful in a powder room, a home office, or on millwork.” —Maureen Ursino, Ursino Interiors

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“Nuthatch by Sherwin Williams is a warm neutral that reminds me of Santa Fe. It's grounding and nurturing without being too dark or overpowering, like a warm embrace on a cool day.” —Faith Blakeney, Faith Blakeney Design Studio

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The Best Dark Blue Paint Colors

“Montauk by Portola Paints is an incredibly well-balanced blue. It's the perfect stoney hue that somehow feels both elegant and refined while still being both moody and interesting.” —Susannah Holmberg, Susannah Holmberg Studios

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“I love Hague Blue by Farrow and Ball—it’s dramatic but still energizing. The green undertones make it lean a little more dark (think teal, not true blue) giving it a brightness that feels fresh yet still deep and rich. This is perfect for when you want blue, but still want everything to feel very elegant.” —Susannah Holmberg, Susannah Holmberg Studios

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The Best Dark Neutral Paint Colors

“Chelsea Mauve by Sherwin Williams is the perfect mauve color that can be used anywhere from a child's room to kitchen cabinets. I've even used this color in a study before and love it because it's very transitional.” —Carley Summers

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“I love Farrow and Ball’s Cord because it’s a nice warm tone. It’s yellow without being too much of a color and reads more as a neutral. Looks really pretty on millwork and cabinetry. —Marianne Brown, W Design Collective

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“I’m using Sherwin Williams’ Stone Lion in our client's scullery. I love the muted greige that creates a moody scullery incorporated with brass elements.” —Carley Summers

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The Best Dark Red Paint Colors

“Benjamin Moore’s Cottage Red is a beautiful deep red with a warm brown undertone. It feels really historic and classic. I’ve used this a few times on cabinetry in a mud room and loved how it turned out.” —Marianne Brown, W Design Collective

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“I love a splash of Farrow and Ball’s Charlotte’s Locks as a warm playful accent. I like to pair it with a more neutral backdrop so it really shines. —Faith Blakeney, Faith Blakeney Design Studio

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