10 Navy Rooms To Inspire You To Pick Up The Paintbrush (PHOTOS)

Now there really is no excuse to be afraid to paint.

Conventional decor wisdom says that dark walls make a place look "smaller." We've never been one for rules in the first place, but we admit that occasionally, a dark paint job can make a room feel a bit claustrophobic. Usually, though, that's more of a problem with the room's floor plan and natural lighting rather than a color choice. When done right, a dark paint color doesn't have to make a room look like a stylish prison. Instead, it enhances any bright accessories and furnishings brought into the space.

Need proof? Look no further than these gorgeous rooms in our favorite color (as of this minute), navy blue.

Dark walls can enhance the look of white furnishings.

Flickr photo by Sunland Group

A near-black hue draws the eye to architectural details that might go unnoticed -- like crown molding.
Contemporary Living Room by Laura Hay - Designer (Lisa Petrole - Photographer)
Dark blue can go with nearly any color.
Inky blue brings out the luster in metallics.
It makes an unexpected choice for ceilings.
Dark colors bring out the texture of fabrics.
Navy walls makes a dramatic backdrop even for traditional furnishings.
A super-dark shade, like Benjamin Moore's "Hale Navy," sets off artwork amazingly.
Deep hues can harmonize rooms that have a few colors going on.
Midnight walls help "warm up" a room with lots of windows.

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