8 Paint Colors That Pair Beautifully With Dark Wood, According to Designers

Warm Whites

Not all white paint colors are created equally. So, when designer Molly Bruno is looking for a paint color to complement dark woods, her go-to is a warm white hue. “A warm white paint color has yellow undertones that help create a cozy and soft atmosphere, which is the perfect backdrop for dark wood furniture and floors.”

Light Neutrals

On a similar note, a range of neutral tones are a fantastic choice to complement dark wood, according to Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. “I love to contrast dark wood with a light and airy neutral paint color,” she says. “Cream, eggshell, and ecru all look really bright and crisp when contrasted with rich mahogany wood tones.”

Warm Greens

Neutrals not your thing? Opt for a nature-inspired shade instead. “A warm green paint, for example, will highlight the deep brown colors found in richly colored wood, like Mahogany and Walnut,” explains Bruno.

Dark Green

Dark green paint is having a moment. So, if you’re debating using it in a room with dark woods, you have the permission of interior designer Melanie Bryant. “What could be a more natural dark wood paint pairing than a rich, dark green?” she says. “It’s nature’s original combo, but also, dark green is the opposite color from dark brown on the color wheel, proving they complement each other.”

Bryant has even used this power duo in her own home. “I painted my kitchen accent cabinets a dark, smoky green, and they pair amazingly with my walnut floors.”

Wine Red

Turns out, red wine (that is, wine-colored reds) and dark wood make a great pairing. “The earthy undertones allow the figure and depth of the dark wood to steal the show,” says Laurin White, interior designer and founder of Cambridge Row.

Plum

Similar to red wine, plum shades are another fantastic choice to consider, says Andrew Suvalsky, owner and director of Andrew Suvalsky Designs. “Plum is rooted in nature and brings a warmth and an organic quality that complements darker wood tones,” he says. “Together, they create a grounded, layered look that feels timeless and intentional.”

Plum paint boldly elevates a space but can also feel very grounded. It would look great as an accent wall or even for color drenching if you want to bring this look to an entirely new level. 

Earth Tones

Want a chic, updated look that easily works with dark wood floors and mouldings? According to Keyanna Bowen, interior designer and photographer, you should definitely put a few samples of earth tone paint in your cart. “I love pairing dark woods with deep, earthy tones like olive green, charcoal, or even a moody navy,” she says. “Together, they create this cozy, cocoon-like vibe that feels both sophisticated and dramatic.”

And if you like to take photos of your home for social media or just for fun, you won’t regret it. “From a photographer’s POV, [earth tones and dark wood is] one of those combos that looks just as incredible on camera as it does in person—the depth, richness, and moodiness it creates makes a space look high-end even in photos,” she says.