Linoleum is one of the most popular flooring options. The reason for this is the relative cheapness of the material, ease of use and versatility of use. Meanwhile, despite the similar operational characteristics, not all types of this material are equally popular. It is noticed that most buyers choose light shades of material. Dark linoleum is less in demand. Of course, the floor in black or wenge is not suitable for every room, but with proper design, such an interior can become the subject of pride of the owner.
Tips for Using Dark Linoleum
Fans of dark shades in the interior should not rush into a purchase. The wrong color of linoleum can spoil the impression of even an expensive and stylish home design.
Is there a way to choose the best finish even at the planning stage? Of course, there is such an opportunity, but it is not at all necessary to turn to an experienced interior designer. It is enough to take into account several important features:
- Dimensions of the room. For cramped rooms with low ceilings, using dark linoleum is not recommended. This is explained by the fact that dark colors visually reduce space. As a result, you can get a room in which it will be uncomfortable.
- The style of the interior. In general, the dark shades of linoleum can be used for any design. However, it should be remembered: each existing direction of the latter has certain characteristics and features. Shades should be selected, guided by these rules.
- Lighting. Ideal conditions for laying dark floors are large windows in the room, the sunny side and plenty of artificial light.
Dark floor and interior styles
The dark-colored flooring can give elegance and chic to the interior of any style, however, there are several important recommendations:
- Classic. The classic interior rightfully takes first place in the list of the most common designs. This is explained by laconicism, practicality and focus on natural shades and materials. Linoleum for such a room should have a "parquet" pattern. Terracotta or dark chocolate will be a great choice of dark shades.
- Minimalism. To design a room in a minimalist style, a floor covering without a pattern is suitable. It can be plain brown, black or gray linoleum.
- Modern. Often the interiors of this style are based on contrasting combinations. In this regard, the floor can become the dark foundation of the room. For such cases, you should pay attention to linoleum shades of mahogany, terracotta, brown with notes of gray. Do not exclude black from the list.
- Baroque. This style is associated with the richness of the palace interior, idle life and a certain excess. In the baroque living rooms and bedrooms , what is otherwise considered inappropriate is permitted. Such elements may well become a shade of green moss, maroon, plum. In the catalog of the company Tarkett ("Tarkett") dark linoleum is presented in such unusual shades.
- Provence. Fans of rustic simplicity in the interior should pay attention to the wood-like flooring. As for the color scheme, it is here that light options are more often chosen. From a dark palette, shades with a warm undertone are suitable. Black should be avoided whenever possible.
- Loft. Unlike soft country, brutal loft requires the presence of dark elements. Black, dark gray, wenge will prove to be very welcome here.
The effect of contrast in the interior
As a decorative technique, color contrast in the interior is used quite often. In the classical style, the main emphasis is placed on the contrast of dark and light monochrome surfaces. In Baroque, designers alternate rich deep shades with softer ones. Without such a reception, it is impossible to imagine an art nouveau interior.
In other words, for all of the above styles, the dark floor can act as a contrast for light or bright walls.
Apartments with dark linoleum and a ceiling look stylish and original. To exclude a visual reduction in space, the walls for such a room should be covered with white or milky decoration material.
Important! Designers do not recommend such a move in very spacious living rooms or bedrooms - this can deprive the interior of a feeling of home comfort. For such cases, it is worth choosing a dark flooring, but with a warm undertone.
Gradient effect
For those who are not ready to use a pronounced contrast in the room, designers are advised to pay attention to softer color combinations. One of the most popular design techniques is called the gradient.
The main principle of this design is a smooth transition from dark to light. In this case, the colors should belong to the same color scheme, but have different intensities (lighter walls and dark linoleum). From the photo you can see: such living room and bedroom interiors are unobtrusive and fit almost any style.
Wall decoration
If linoleum of a dark color is used as a flooring, then in the form of wall decoration you can choose any material (wallpaper, plaster, painting, wall panels). The coating can have a monochrome surface or have a pattern - each consumer has the opportunity to choose a decor coating according to their preferences. The main thing to consider is the color scheme:
- White, milky, pearl walls are considered a universal solution for all linoleum colors. The secret of this feature lies in achieving a balance between dark and light surfaces.
- Dark walls. This is a rather original version, which not everyone will like. Choosing linoleum and wallpaper of the same shade is not worth it. This is especially true for small dark rooms. Ideal - floor and wall coverings of the same color scheme, differing by several tones. If the choice is made in favor of this option, several additional light or bright details should be added to the design. It can be a bright ceiling, doors or bright furniture.
Doors
When choosing interior doors to a room with a dark floor, you should be very careful.
A good effect can be achieved by combining dark linoleum with bright doors. White, dairy, ivory-colored doors set off the dark floor and at the same time make the interior lighter and lighter.
Gray doors should be chosen with black and graphite linoleum. The shades of the door and floor should not coincide, you must certainly withstand the difference in several tones.
Shades of doors repeating the texture of wood (light maple, bleached oak, walnut) are ideal to complement the dark brown floor in the room.
Bright doors (green, blue, red, yellow) will certainly appreciate creative personalities. At the same time, to create a stylish interior, one should give preference to saturated deep shades.
Furniture selection
When buying dark linoleum in the kitchen, living room or hallway, you should consider the future environment of the room.
Cream, pearl or other furniture in pastel shades is perfect for the dark floor, and it does not matter what shade it will have (black, dark chocolate or steel). Thanks to this, the room will seem more spacious, lighter and more elegant.
If this is not possible for practical reasons, large interior items may be darker in color. In this case, the presence of several bright accents is considered a prerequisite. It can be a cream bedspread on the bed, light pillows on the sofa in the living room, light countertops in the kitchen.
Dark furniture on dark linoleum in the room runs the risk of being lost. Moreover, the interior may seem somewhat rough and heavy. Despite this, a similar design technique is used quite often.
The art deco and modern kitchens in black look luxurious. Home offices with a touch of wenge embody the restrained luxury inherent in aristocrats. In a word, for the owner of the house this is a great opportunity to declare himself as a nature with a subtle sense of style.
At the same time, experts give several important tips:
- Since linoleum has a matte surface, more glass, mirrors and glossy surfaces should be added to the room to facilitate the perception of a dark interior. In the living room and study, it can be cabinet furniture with glass doors. The kitchen with black or brown floors organically blends with tables and cabinets with glossy countertops and doors.
- The union of plastic and steel looks spectacular - chrome elements in this case act as mirrors.
Carpet in the interior
A carpet on dark linoleum is one of those things that can make a room more comfortable. Thanks to this, a black or dark brown floor can be safely laid in the living room and even the bedroom.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of carpet products, among which you can choose the right option for any interior. For a rough loft, these are lint-free carpets; for Provence, they are mat-carpets. For a classic interior, a carpet of viscose or silk will become a real decoration. As an original solution, a carpet-skin or a fancy leather product will appear. With such details, the living room in the Art Deco and Art Nouveau style will turn into a real masterpiece.
Care Tips
Dark linoleum, according to consumer reviews, as a whole does not differ in operational characteristics from light-colored linoleum. It is convenient and easy to wash, no stains form on the surface of the material.
The only feature is that against a dark background, dirt and dust are more clearly visible. For this reason, in rooms with a dark finish, cleaning will need to be carried out much more often.