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White paint has its time and place, but when designers want to create a space that’s cozy, they beeline for the darkest shades. Sometimes, all they need is a splash of black-blue to create contrasting trim. In other cases, they’ll stock up on enough cans to drench a tiny office in a deep shade of brown. They love to use dark paint colors on exteriors, and are even bigger fans of using them on kitchen cabinets. But with thousands of cocooning shades out there to pick from, we asked 15 pros for their all-time favorite hues. If moody is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with any of these picks.
Broccoli Brown by Farrow & Ball
This is an earthy green-brown that looks great color drenched in a space or used on cabinets. —Molly Kidd, founder of Molly Kidd Studio
Witching Hour by Benjamin Moore
We love how easily Witching Hour complements warm beiges and neutrals, giving you a balanced, inviting space. We recently used it to paint an office, and the result was stunning. —Kerith Flynn, principal and founder of Margali & Flynn Designs
Dark Arts by Backdrop
This is the perfect moody black that adds the right amount of depth yet feels smooth and sleek. —Susan Petrie, founder of Petrie Interior Designs
Knoxville Gray by Benjamin Moore
Hands down, my favorite is Benjamin Moore’s Knoxville Gray. It’s dark, but not too dark, and this chameleon-like color makes it ridiculously versatile. —Tara Lenney, founder of Tara Lenney Design
London Clay by Farrow & Ball
This is a go-to for pretty much anything, from kitchen cabinetry to the primary bedroom. It offers a very elevated and English twist. —Laura Collins, founder of For Porter
Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams
Iron Ore is the perfect “off-black”—a soft shade that isn’t too harsh. It pairs well with both warmer and cooler palettes, so it’s very versatile. We use it inside and out! —Elle Cantrell, owner and lead designer of Elle Du Monde
Narragansett Green by Benjamin Moore
This deep, saturated green, with its subtle blue undertones, evokes the tranquility of dense forests and the richness of moss-covered landscapes. —Regan Billingsley, founder of Regan Billingsley Interiors
My go-to dark paint is Benjamin Moore’s Narragansett Green. With its undertones of navy and gray, it’s the perfect color to instantly make a room feel moody yet elegant. —Audrey Frances Doty, founder of Audrey Frances Design
Caviar by Sherwin-Williams
Incorporating black will always give spaces a luxurious feel. It is dramatic and versatile yet conceals imperfections. —Tiffany Glasco, founder of Nahla Madison Home
Black Beauty and Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore
We have two that are tried, tested, and always loved by everyone: Benjamin Moore’s Black Beauty and Hale Navy. Both are classic and timeless. —Blair Britt, co-owner of Bella B Home Designs
Jasper and Blackberry by Sherwin-Williams
I love dark greens and purples. Whether used on walls, ceilings, cabinets, or doors, they are each striking and are sure to leave an impression in any space. —Amber Guyton, founder of Blessed Little Bungalow
Railings by Farrow & Ball
A rich, deep charcoal that carries subtle blue undertones, Railings striking the perfect balance between moody elegance and refined sophistication. —Lauren Lerner, CEO and principal designer of Living with Lolo
Saturday on Sunday by Backdrop
Saturday on Sunday is currently what my bedroom walls are painted, and I love how cozy it makes the room feel. —Shauna Jones, founder of Shauna Glenn Design
Ripe Olive by Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams’ Ripe Olive is our favorite dark shade. Its warmth sets it apart from typical dark colors, bringing richness to a space without feeling heavy or overwhelming. —Margarita Bravo, founder of Margarita Bravo
Turkish Coffee by Sherwin-Williams
I’ve used Turkish Coffee with great satisfaction. You can almost taste its dark chocolate look in your mouth while enjoying a space painted in this color. —Antonio Matres, founder of Antonio Matres Design