5 ways to use dark colors that won't overwhelm your space – 'this is the right way to pull off this scheme,' say experts

A living room with dark walls and a yellow sofa.

Let's be honest – even if you love the idea of a dark color scheme, actually putting it into action can feel a bit overwhelming and scary. There's always a risk that your room goes past cozy, into suffocating. 

The fear, of course, is legitimate, but interior designers have clever ways to make this specific scheme work in your favor. With the right ways to match and contrast, and with useful paint tricks, you can easily embrace this color trend in your home.