Dark colors are a strong element in interior design, especially when used on large surfaces such as walls. The challenge lies in properly balancing the proportion of dark versus light areas, as well as considering the amount of natural light and the type of artificial lighting.

The second challenge is maintaining and cleaning the walls, as every speck of dust is more visible on a dark surface.

Matte paint is an absolute trend at the moment due to its rich, deep color and its ability to conceal surface imperfections. However, it is prone to stains, splashes, and fingerprints, which naturally raises the question: How do we clean and maintain dark walls? The key lies in choosing the right paint finish.

Some example finishes available on the market include:

–Vinyl matte – a very beautiful, dense color that absorbs light. Fingerprints and dust can be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth, but water splashes cannot be removed. I would not choose a dark paint with this finish for high-traffic areas. It is suitable for walls with minimal contact and for ceilings.

–Diamond matte – visually similar to vinyl matte, but with a very subtle sheen. It can be cleaned with both a damp cloth and cleaning products.

–Eggshell – not considered a matte finish. With this finish, the wall surface reflects more light, making imperfections from plastering and sanding more visible. It is suitable for high-traffic areas and is relatively easy to clean.

To choose the right color for your space, always order samples of several similar shades. Place them in the rooms where you plan to use them to evaluate how the light falls on them and whether they create the desired effect. The optimal sample size would be one square meter per color, but if you don’t have enough space, you can use smaller samples—just not smaller than an A4 sheet. This way, your assessment will be objective, and if changes are needed, they can be made in time.