Dark Hardware Anchors a Light Space
If your rooms are floating away from too much airiness, bring them back to earth with dark curtain rods, cabinet hardware and more
Kristy Woodson Harvey and Beth Woodson
March 18, 2012
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic.... More
We're all about light interiors. Neutral palettes, soft tones, white on white. But sometimes that sea of white needs a little something to anchor it. To avoid getting lost in a neutral palette, a touch of black or dark brown is a huge help. Dark hardware is one of our favorite ways to add bold dimension in a lighter room. Here are some rooms that do just that.
This neutral room is the kind of place we could curl up and fall right to sleep in. The tones are so soothing. We love how this designer chose to draw the eye away from all those neutrals with a punch of dark wood. The contrast between the curtain rods and the curtains shows them both off.
Sliding doors take a relatively simple concept and turn it into something extraordinary. When choosing a white-on-white door and wall scheme, use a punch of dark hardware to break things up. A matching handle can finish the look and make sliding a breeze.
Whereas chrome or nickel hardware makes things feel more modern and streamlined, dark hardware can lend a rustic feel. In a room that needs to feel both airy and cozy, dark hardware serves as a contrast to a light cabinet. The design of these cabinets combined with the hardware adds an almost barnlike feel that blends beautifully with the gorgeous fireplace.
When designing a room, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that everything has to match. Using different tones and textures, though, is often what gives the room its appeal. The brushed nickel knobs in this dining area are a nice contrast to the dark curtain rod, floor and light fixture. While a light curtain rod on the light wall would have worked here, the effect of this rod is that it carries a hint of the deep colors in the adjoining room over, creating a cohesive look.
In a room where you're trying to achieve a glamorous feel, your first thought may be to stick with touches like chandeliers, mirrors and elegant fabrics. It may be tempting to choose a shimmering curtain rod and hardware, but choosing darker touches can add so much depth.
On a wall of bookcases, there's nothing better than a great ladder. Not only is it practical, helping you reach those higher shelves, but especially against a light, bright set of shelves, the ladder instantly becomes the focal point of the room.
This well-proportioned den is the perfect size for a cozy gathering area. Custom lighting and light colors give the room an airy feeling, while richer, warmer tones make it feel intimate. Bamboo shades have become a design staple, and a dark curtain rod in a similar tone helps blend with the curtains, creating a warm, aesthetically pleasing backdrop.
A dark piece in an airy room has an anchoring affect. Here, the lighter tones are beautiful and blend seamlessly, and the dark, metal rods add a contemporary touch in a room with a traditional feel.
Browse hardware
More:
Mix Metals in Your Interior Design
The Right Hardware: Jewelry for Your Home
Browse hardware
More:
Mix Metals in Your Interior Design
The Right Hardware: Jewelry for Your Home
Related Stories
Bedrooms
How to Light Your Bedroom Right
By David Warfel
Discover these professional tips for lighting your bedroom and achieving a better night’s sleep
Full Story
Home Offices
4 Steps to Getting Your Home Office Lighting Right
By David Warfel
Learn the mix of lighting types you can use to create a productive and comfortable workspace
Full Story
Dining Rooms
The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Dining Room
By David Warfel
Find out how to develop a layered lighting plan that will help you enjoy your time around the dinner table
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Pro Tips for Lighting 10 Rooms and Outdoor Areas
Get professional advice for lighting your kitchen, bathroom, living room, office, patio and more
Full Story
Holidays
10 Ways to Decorate With Outdoor Christmas Lights
Use these techniques to light up your house and garden for the holiday season
Full Story
Events
10 Interior Lighting Trends for 2024
Statement chains, modern-meets-traditional designs and warm metals were bright spots at the fall 2023 High Point Market
Full Story
Kitchen Design
The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Kitchen
By David Warfel
Develop a layered lighting plan to create a functional, adaptable and illuminated kitchen
Full Story
Events
7 Stylish Contemporary Lighting Trends for 2023
New looks at the recent ICFF trade event included ceramic, loopy, linear and folded designs
Full Story
Events
12 Terrific Interior Lighting Trends for 2023
Shells, blues, edgy rattan and wrapped forms were among the latest lighting looks at the spring High Point Market
Full Story
Bathroom Vanities
Your Guide to Perfect Bathroom Vanity Lighting
By David Warfel
Follow this lighting expert’s list of 9 do’s and don’ts to select the best light fixtures for your bathroom vanity
Full Story
It occurs to me that this may be a way for renters to help balance their decor when they can't change the paint color.