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Light, airy interiors have ruled design trends for years, but in 2025, color and dark wood furniture are making a confident comeback. Depth, warmth, and a bit of drama are here to stay.
Rich tones like espresso, walnut, and mahogany are finding their way back into living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms, bringing a sense of grounded luxury that light finishes often can’t match.
Still, these bold, moody finishes can feel intimidating. Too much dark wood can make a space look smaller or heavier than it is, especially in apartments or rental homes with limited natural light.
Learn how to style dark furniture so your space feels open and intentional — and how CORT Furniture Rental can help you embrace this design trend without long-term commitment.
After a decade dominated by pale oak and minimalist “Scandi” style, homeowners and renters are craving more warmth and character in their spaces. Dark wood furniture adds that contrast and richness designers are leaning into — anchoring rooms with visual depth and sophistication.
From dark wood kitchen furniture that feels classic yet current to dark wood bedroom furniture that creates cozy serenity, this material is versatile, dramatic, and deeply inviting.
Dark wood furniture is timeless — it just needs thoughtful styling to keep your space open and inviting. By balancing tones, layering textures, and incorporating light, you can turn these rich finishes into the star of your home instead of a source of heaviness.
From dark wood kitchen furniture that feels classic yet current to dark wood bedroom furniture that creates cozy serenity, this material is versatile, dramatic, and deeply inviting. But to keep it from feeling dated, brooding, or overpowering, it’s important to style it with intention. Here’s how.
Contrast is your best friend when working with dark finishes. Dark furniture pops beautifully
against lighter walls, rugs, and fabrics, keeping the overall feel bright and balanced.
When you’re not craving moody depth and want to brighten up your space, try these pairings:
If you’re renting, removable wallpaper or large framed art can lighten a room without paint, giving dark furniture a chance to shine instead of feeling overwhelming.
Gone are the days when every wood tone had to match. Mixing dark and light woods feels layered, lived-in, and modern.
Not sure how to mix? Take it piece by piece. Pair light wood furniture on dark wood floors, or balance a dark walnut coffee table with a blonde oak media console for instant contrast.
Your goal here is to create visual flow rather than uniformity. Mixing tones gives your space a curated, designer feel, especially when you repeat each tone at least twice for cohesion.
Sometimes, all you need is a bit of shine. To lighten dark wood’s visual weight, use reflective surfaces like glass, metal, or a mirror.
Some easy ways to incorporate reflective elements include:
This mix of textures helps dark wood feel fresh, not heavy, and keeps your eye moving around the space.
The key to decorating with dark wood accents is to intentionally balance them with softness. The easiest way to do this is to incorporate textiles.
Layer light and textured textiles,linen, boucle, cotton, or wool, to offset dark furniture’s solid feel.
These layers add balance, warmth, and dimension—without weighing the space down.
Because dark wood absorbs light, strategic placement is crucial. Let major pieces breathe, avoiding cramming too many “visually heavy” items together.
To get started, position furniture near natural light sources when possible. No natural light or an odd-shaped room? No problem. Use layered lighting (floor lamps, table lamps, sconces, or pendant lights) to enhance the room’s brightness.
A short-term living situation doesn’t mean you have to be short on style. With CORT Furniture Rental, you can enjoy the warmth and sophistication of dark wood furniture without the commitment of ownership. Whether you’re furnishing a temporary apartment, relocating for work, or settling into a new city, CORT delivers and sets up everything you need—on your schedule and your terms.
Choose from expertly curated Move-In-Ready packages, or create your own custom look to showcase your personal style. When life changes, we’ll pick everything up and make your next transition just as seamless.
Ready to see how flexible furniture rental can transform your space? Start online or visit your local CORT showroom today and bring home dark wood style that moves with you.
