A glass of red liquid and a Chambord bottle sit on a vintage wooden dresser with open drawers, against a floral-patterned background.

Dark Wood: Back En Vouge

As lovers of interiors, we read the magazines, observe the brands, and follow the social media accounts to keep will-informed as to which styles and aesthetics are prevalent within the world of home décor and furnishings.

Interior design, much like fashion, often sees a resurgence of trends from days gone by. Most notably, we have recently seen the highly anticipated return of dark wood. While we adore furniture with a lighter finish, the richness and feeling of quiet luxury that dark wood evokes is truly unmatched. Bringing a sense of warmth and cosiness, dark wood furniture is the ideal choice for bedrooms, for its ability to create a relaxing and cocooning space.

One of the key reasons dark wood is making a comeback is its undeniable connection to luxury and timeless elegance. Dark wood furniture has always been a hallmark of classic design, evoking the grandeur of stately homes and sophisticated interiors. Its deep, rich tones instantly add a sense of warmth and opulence, elevating even the simplest of spaces with an air of sophistication.

A dog lies on a rug in front of a vintage dresser with a typewriter and lamps, set against a detailed forest-themed wallpaper.
Wooden round side table with brass handles, a gold vase, books, and a mug on top, next to a radiator and a beige sofa on a wooden floor.

French Bedroom are passionate about creating timeless furniture styles and avoid following trends, however we know that dark wood is here to stay, and this is something we have used as inspiration for our most recent launch, the Gustavian Dark Collection. Featuring 6 key pieces including a bed and bedside cabinet with more to be added next season, the collection homes in on the elegance and versatility of darker toned woods to create a harmonious bedroom furniture scheme.

Cosy bedroom with green-themed decor, featuring a wooden bed, patterned wallpaper, and a mix of cushions and throws.
A glass of red liquid and a Chambord bottle sit on a wooden dresser with open drawers, against a floral-patterned wallpaper.

Dark wood furniture often ages beautifully, developing a unique patina over time, which adds character and tells the story of the piece's history. Investing in a dark wood piece is not just a trend - it’s a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, echoing our passion to create antiques of the future.

One of the many advantages of dark wood is its ability to pair effortlessly with almost any colour scheme. If your space is smaller or has limited light, you may wish to style your dark furniture with lighter soft furnishings, for example white bedlinen on a dark bedframe, to avoid the space feeling overcrowded or enclosed. The same can be considered with more permanent features such as rugs or curtains. We love the White Jute Rug for adding texture and warmth underfoot without encroaching on space.

Fluffy brown and black cat lounging on a textured white rug, with a book nearby on the floor.

For those seeking a more ‘old money’ décor aesthetic, combine textures and patterns in muted hues to emulate heritage, heirloom style and understated luxury.

A cozy bed with patterned green and brown pillows, a textured green blanket, and a book titled "World Architecture" on the edge.

Deciding on the finishing touches for any décor scheme can sometimes be a challenge, so our team of talented French Bedroom Stylists are here to help you make those choices, whether you’d like a visual mood board or need a second opinion on a style choice. Contact them here for advice on all things from dark wood bedside tables to king size beds and soft furnishings.

Dark Wood Styling Tips

Choose a colour scheme that works for your space - lighter colours enlarge a space, while darker colours can create a cocooning atmosphere

Accessorise with trinkets and heirlooms to add personality and tell a story

Mix antiques with new pieces to achieve the ultimate feeling of luxury

Combine textures and patterns for a cosy aesthetic or opt for white and neutrals for a minimalist look

Be mindful of undertones in the wood. Some dark wood can be cooler toned, while others are warm.

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