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Paint Colors that go with Dark Wood

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Finding paint colors that go with dark wood can be an interesting task.

Having dark wood, or any wood for that matter, will add warmth to your home.

Whether it’s on the floors, trim, or furniture, not only will it add warmth to your home but it also adds texture. And these are all elements that give a home personality.

However dark wood tones can sometimes be a bit hard or challenging to pair paint colors with.

Today I’ll walk you through a few paint colors that I find to work exceptionally well with dark wood.

open concept living room, kitch and dining room with dark wood ceilings

WHAT COLORS GO WELL WITH DARK WOOD?

Let’s start off by going over colors that work well with dark wood trim, floors, etc.

Luckily, dark wood pairs well with a lot of different colors. Which means you are not limited to using only neutrals. And I have to be honest; dark wood looks amazing with color!

  • white off-white
  • cream
  • gray
  • blue
  • green
  • red
  • purple

A few things to keep in mind.

When choosing a paint color to work with dark wood, do not forget about the other elements in the room. For instance, the lighting and cardinal direction of the room and the decor style you are decorating in.

These things still have a prevalence and shouldn’t be overlooked.

PAINT COLORS THAT GO WITH DARK WOOD TRIM, FLOORS & CABINETS

Let’s get to the paint colors!

I have found a ton of Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paint colors that work beautifully with dark wood tones. I found a variety of neutrals and colors. All equally fabulous.

This is a quick reminder before I start spewing paint colors: Not all dark wood is the same. There are different tones and color varieties, so you need to make sure the paint color you choose will work with your type of dark wood.

You need to sample the paint color against the wood to see how the colors work together. Sampling is a surefire way of knowing whether or not a paint color is right for your room.

Back to the paint colors, use these as inspiration to help you find the perfect paint color to complement the dark wood trim, floors, or cabinets in your home.

BENJAMIN MOORE GENTLE GRAY 1626

dark wood samples graphic

LRV-57.2

Benjamin Moore Gentle Gray is a fantastic “gentle” blue-gray paint color. It is a soft blue with some gray in it to keep it more neutral.

This cooler-toned blue-gray will look lovely with both warm and cool-toned dark wood.

BENJAMIN MOORE HEALING ALOE 1562

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 68.25

Healing Aloe by Benjamin Moore is an absolutely stunning light blue-green. It also has a splash of gray in it to keep it grounded.

I love cool colors like this beautiful blue-green. It is a perfect match for darker wood.

BM LIGHT PEWTER 1464

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 67.52

Benjamin Moore Light Pewter is a spectacular pewter paint color. This is a lighter paint color and one of the neutrals on this list.

Light Pewter is a light gray that has some beige in it, which gives it some warmth. There is a healthy mix of warm and cool tones, which most greiges have.

If you are looking for a neutral paint color to go with the dark wood in your home, Light Pewter is a fantastic option.

If you are into pewter paint colors, Revere Pewter is another fantastic option. It’s a bit darker but is along the same lines as the greige color.

BENJAMIN MOORE CLARKSVILLE GRAY HC-102

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 39.57

Clarksville Gray by Benjamin Moore is a more or a mid-toned paint color. It’s a neutral warm greenish-gray color. This one can lean a bit more green depending on lighting and such.

Clarksville Gray would be a perfect choice if you are looking for a traditional, warm, and welcoming color.

large dark wood kitchen with round dining table and kitche island

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BENJAMIN MOORE SAYBROOK SAGE HC-114

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 45.46

Saybrook Sage by Benjamin Moore is a stunning soft sage green paint color. Green is a very nature-inspired color and can really accentuate the tones in the dark wood.

Softer greens like Saybrook Sage will bring in those subtle natural vibes.

BENJAMIN MOORE SPANISH WHITE OC-35

dark wood swatches grphic

LRV – 76.28

Benjamin Moore Spanish White is a beautiful, warm white paint color. It does have a touch of gray in it that keeps it from pulling too warm. There is a soft cream appearance to it that gives it sophisticated old-world elegance.

I think Spanish White is a great light color to provide a good contrast against dark wood trim.

READ MORE: AMAZING CREAM PAINT COLORS

BENJAMIN MOORE DILL PICKLE 2147-40

DARK WOOD SWATCHES Graphic

LRV – 50.02

Dill Pickle by Benjamin Moore is one of the more colorful paint colors I’m sharing. Now, before you say anything, Let me tell you about this gorgeous Green-yellow color.

BM Dill Pickle is a green color with some yellow in it. It’s colorful, but it’s still more of a muted green.

This color won’t work with all wood tones; however, it’s unbelievable when paired with a gorgeous, rich dark oak or walnut.

dark wood built ins with green walls

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BENJAMIN MOORE ROCKY COAST 1595

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 17.28

Rocky Coast by Benjamin Moore is a stormy dark blue paint color. If you picture a storm rolling through a rocky coastline at night, this is the color it is.

This is certainly a dark paint color, but its blue tones complement dark wood so beautifully. You won’t get a distinct contrast with Rocky Coast, but the overall effect of the pairing is to die for.

BENJAMIN MOORE WILLIAMSBURG WYTHE BLUE CW590

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 33.4

Benjamin Moore’s Williamsburg Wythe Blue is possibly my favorite paint color on this list. Of course, I am known to love all shades of the color blue, but still.

Williamsburg Wythe Blue is a blue paint color with some green, but it has a gray base. This is another more colorful paint on the list, but it works swimmingly well with dark wood floors, trim, and cabinets.

BENJAMIN MOORE FAIRMONT GREEN HC-127

dark wood swatchs graphic

LRV – 21.08

I absolutely love how green and dark wood pair together, Benjamin Moore Fairmont Green is a green paint color. It’s a saturated color and is not going to be a color for everyone. Though it’s quite lovely when used correctly.

The key to using more saturated colors like this one is sampling them first to confirm they will work for the space. Pairing it with complementary decor will truly allow Fairmont Green to shine.

BENJAMIN MOORE AZORES AF 495

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 33.61

Continuing on with more color, Benjamin Moore Azores does not disappoint in this area.

Azores is a mid to dark-toned greenish-blue, almost teal paint color. While this color is more saturated, it still has a softness to it.

Again, I think colors with green and blue tones just stand out when used alongside dark wood trim, floors, or cabinets.

If you like the look of Azores, you will most likely be into SW Riverway, which is another amazing option.

dark wood office built ins with wood desk and green walls

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BENJAMIN MOORE JACK PINE 692

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 16.45

I’m going to make a bold statement here and say that I think Benjamin Moore Jack Pine is one of the best green paint colors available. Of course, we are all allowed to have our own opinions but let me brief you on why I like this one so much.

Jack Pine isn’t a straight-up green paint color. It’s more of a hunter-green with a splash of blue—not exactly a teal, but a distant cousin, perhaps.

I’ve already said it, but these green/blue paint colors are so pretty with wood tones, dark or light.

BENJAMIN MOORE COLLECTORS ITEM AF-45

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 81.27

Let’s chat about a lighter neutral that is quite versatile, making it a very suitable option for dark wood, Benjamin Moore Collector’s Item.

Collector’s Item is an off-white with creamy pink undertones. Depending on the lighting and other elements in your space, the pink tones can either be prevalent or can take a back seat.

This welcoming color complements darker wood tones and many different decor styles.

You also might like Atrium White, or for a bit less pink undertone, try Ballet White.

BENJAMIN MOORE KNOXVILLE GRAY HC- 160

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 15.68

If you are into darker paint colors, listen up! Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray is a true stunner. It’s a dark gray with some blue and green in it. This paint color has so much depth.

Again, with the blue/green tones, I know, but they work so well with dark wood floors, trim, and cabinets.

I can just picture kitchen cabinets painted in Knoxville Gray complemented by dark walnut floors. A match made in heaven if you ask me.

Like a color that is more on the blue side? You will love BM Hale Navy.

HOW CAN I SAMPLE THESE PAINT COLORS THAT GO WITH DARK WOOD TRIM, CABINETS, AND FLOORING?

If you have read any other paint color reviews I’ve done, thank you! But you will know my thoughts regarding testing paint color samples. It is a must!

Sampling a paint color in the place you plan on painting is the only way to 100% know how it will react. Trust me, choosing a paint color without swatching can lead to expensive heartbreak.

This is why I so adamantly advise sampling your paint colors.

The best way to do this is by using Samplize!

SAMPLE PAINT COLORS THE RIGHT WAY!

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Sampling Paint Colors worksheet graphic

Instead of physically going to your nearest paint store to grab your samples, you need to try  Samplize Peel & Stick paint samples.

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Samplize Swatch

These peel & stick paint samples are super affordable and allow you to test a paint color in all different areas of a room without the mess of a traditional paint sample! 

 You know how I feel about testing paint colors. It’s a must! 

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SHERWIN WILLIAMS BALANCED BEIGE SW 7037

dark wood sample planks

LRV – 46

Let’s talk about another fantastic neutral paint color that is not only lovely with dark wood but also fabulous overall.

Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige is a mid-toned beige paint color that has the ideal balance of warm and cool tones. This is no doubt a warm paint color, but the cool tones in it keep it from pulling to yellow-y of a beige.

I like Balanced Beige with dark wood because this color will suit both warm and cool tones in the wood.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS WHITE DUCK SW 7010

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 74

Sherwin Williams White Duck is a bit underrated. Though it is a popular paint color, I feel like it deserves a bit more love.

I like White Duck as an option to coordinate with dark wood because it’s not really a white paint color. It’s more of a slightly creamy off-white that has some yellow and gray to it. It truly has an off-white greige feel to it.

dark trim on a large arched hallway with  off-white walls

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SHERWIN WILLIAMS PRIVILEGE GREEN SW 6193

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 23

Overall, Sherwin Williams Privileg Green is a phenomenal paint color, but when used in conjunction with dark wood trim, floors, or cabinets, it’s next level. And no, I am not being dramatic. (maybe a little)

Privilege Green is a dark, deep green with blue and gray undertones to it. This cool-toned green has such depth and dimension to it that it makes it such an appealing paint color.

If you like Privilege Green, you may also like BM Caldwell Green or BM Carolina Gull.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS CITYSCAPE SW 7067

dark wood samples

LRV – 22

Another gorgeous dark neutral paint color that looks good with dark wood is Sherwin Williams Cityscape. This is a fantastic color because it is quite neutral allowing it to easily go with other colors.

Cityscape is a cool-toned dark neutral gray paint color with a lot of depth. Colors like this are also referred to as charcoal colors.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS SNOWBOUND SW 7004

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 83

Let’s now talk about a color that is on the lighter side, Sherwin Williams Snowbound. This white paint color has some gray in it, which keeps it from looking too stark of a white. There is also a hint of pink that can come out in certain lighting situations.

Snowbound is a great white paint color that goes well with dark wood. It has a mix of warm and cool tones and can lean one way or another, depending on the conditions.

If you want an off-white paint color with more warmth to coordinate with your darker wood tones, you may like SW Alabaster a bit more.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS RAINWASHED SW 6211

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 59

Let’s get back to some color by introducing Sherwin Williams Rainwashed. This is an amazing mid-toned bluish-green gray paint color.

Even though this is more of a medium-toned pant color, it still has a light and airy feel, which is the perfect companion for dark wood tones. This is a great, serene paint color to keep your room from feeling heavy or weighed down.

If you like the look of Rainwashed, Sea Salt is another amazing option for dark wood. It’s along the same lines but a bit lighter.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS SLATE TILE SW

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 15

Sherwin WIlliams Slate Tile is another amazing dark paint color. It’s a deep slate blue that has the perfect amount of saturation, not overly blue but also not too muted.

Slate paint colors tend to work very well with darker wood tones. The cool blue tones complement the dark wood beautifully.

If you are looking to create an elegant and sophisticated room, Slate Tile will not disappoint.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS SAMOVAR SILVER SW 6233

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 51

Let’s continue with the slate color theme but lighten things up a bit by discussing Sherwin Williams Samovar Silver.

This gorgeous silvery blue paint color looks amazing on the walls with dark wood floors, trim, or cabinets. Samovar Silver is a refreshing, cool-toned slate bluish color. It’s not an overly saturated blue, but it’s there.

If you like cooler-toned paint colors like this, you’ll want to also check out SW Lazy Gray,

SHERWIN WILLIAMS JUBILEE SW 6248

dark wood samples graphic

LRV – 45

Last but not least, we have Sherwin Williams Jubilee. This is another great lighter slate paint color option to go with dark wood trim, floors, or cabinets.

SW Jubilee is a light to mid-toned slate gray-blue paint color. It’s neutral enough, but it has some color to it to make it interesting. There are no doubts that this cool-toned paint color won’t add a sense of refinement and elegance to your room.

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF DARK WOOD

Dark wood comes in many different types. However, they all tend to look good with the same colors.

Some of the dark wood tone types are as follows:

  • Cherry
  • Walnut
  • Mahogany
  • Dark Walnut
  • Dark Oak
  • Ebony

Of course, there are all types of different wood stains, but these are the general wood tone bases.

RECAP – FANTASTIC PAINT COLORS TO GO WITH DARK WOOD TRIM, FLOORS, AND CABINETS

This was a long one. I shared a ton of paint colors, and I’m pretty sure most of you have forgotten all of them by now (I know I have).

Whether or not that’s the case, I’m going to give a quick recap of all the Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paint colors that go with dark wood trim, floors, and cabinets.

  1. GENTLE GRAY 1626
  2. HEALING ALOE 1562
  3. LIGHT PEWTER 1464
  4. CLARKSVILLE GRAY HC-102
  5. SAYBROOK SAGE HC-114
  6. SPANISH WHITE OC-35
  7. DILL PICKLE 2147-40
  8. ROCKY COAST 1595
  9. WILLIAMSBURG WYTHE BLUE CW 590
  10. FAIRMONT GREEN HC-127
  11. AZORES AF 495
  12. SHADOW GRAY 2125-40
  13. JACK PINE 692
  14. BUXTON BLUE HC-149
  15. KNOXVILLE GRAY HC- 160
  16. COLLECTORS ITEM AF-45
  17. BALANCED BEIGE
  18. WHITE DUCK
  19. PRIVILEGE GREEN SW 6193
  20. CITYSCAPE SW 7067
  21. SNOWBOUND SW 7004
  22. RAINWASHED SW 6211
  23. SLATE TILE SW 7624
  24. SAMOVAR SILVER SW 6233
  25. JUBILEE SW 6248
Dark wood window trim and panelings with green walls

CONSTANTLY FORGETTING WHAT PAINT COLORS YOU USED IN YOUR HOME? KEEP TRACK OF THEM ALL WITH THIS HANDY PAINT COLOR KEEPER

FINAL THOUGHT- THE BEST PAINT COLORS THAT GO WITH DARK WOOD

I can go on and on about all the colors I think will work with dark wood, but I think the key points to remember here are the ways you yourself can find a paint color on your own.

I can easily say a paint color like Soft Chamois will work as a wall color for the dark trim in your home. But as I have said plenty of times in all my articles, you need to test that paint color in your space to be 100% sure it will work. Sampling a paint color in your space is the key to success.

Overall, I find dark wood relatively easy to find paint colors to coordinate with. Neutrals are always a good option but beware of some grays because they can look a bit drab with darker wood. Blues and greens are amazing no-fail options as well.

I also want to throw this out there. These are also great paint colors for light wood.

kitchen with dark wood and green walls

Are you planning on tackling a painting project on your own?  Use these tips to help you paint your room like a pro.

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Drop cloths are a must for any painting project. Paint is messy! Save yourself the hassle of unnecessary cleanup by using drop cloths. You’ll be happy you did.

A high-quality paint brush will go a long way. The same goes for paint rollers. You want to use tools that will work with you, making your painting job more manageable.

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