Why wood with dark colours is having its moment (and it's not what you think)
For years, we've been installing white shutters and light wood blinds. That's what everyone wanted. But something's shifting in 2025—and it's not just fashion following fashion.
We're getting more requests for shutters in dark wood colours and rich, deep-toned blinds than we've ever seen. At first, we thought it was just a few adventurous customers. But the trend is real, and the reasons might surprise you.
Here's what we've learned from actually installing these darker treatments—and why the old "dark makes rooms smaller" rule might be completely wrong.
The "small room" myth, busted
Everyone "knows" that dark colours make rooms feel smaller. But we've installed dark walnut shutters in some genuinely tiny rooms, and the feedback has been the opposite. Customers tell us their rooms feel more sophisticated, more expensive, and—surprisingly—more spacious.
"The psychology seems to be this: wood with dark colours creates visual weight and definition. Instead of your eye getting lost in a sea of white and beige, it has something substantial to anchor on—which actually makes the space feel more intentional and, weirdly, larger."
What's driving this change
The practical reasons are more nuanced than you might expect. While wood in dark colours can show fingerprints and water marks more easily than white shutters, customers tell us they're more forgiving of the everyday wear that makes white treatments look tired—small scuffs, colour changes from sunlight, and the general dulling that happens over time.
But there's something else happening. After years of the "Scandi minimal" look dominating homes, people are craving warmth and richness. Wood with dark colours provides that instant sense of luxury and comfort that stark white simply can't match.
The Instagram effect (in a good way)
Social media has played a part, but not how you might think. Instead of chasing fleeting trends, people are seeing how timeless wood in dark colours looks in real homes. Those rich, moody interiors with shutters in dark colours and warm lighting? They photograph beautifully, but more importantly, they feel equally good to live in.
The best part? Wood with dark colours ages gracefully. White shutters can start looking tired or dated, but wood in dark colours develops character over time. It's an investment that keeps paying dividends.
Which wood in dark colours actually work
Not all wood in dark colours are created equal. From our experience, these are the ones that work consistently well in homes:
Rich walnut
Classic, sophisticated, and works with both modern and traditional interiors. Our most popular dark choice.
Dark oak
Perfect for period properties or homes with oak features. Creates a cohesive, luxurious feel.
Espresso stain
Deep, almost black-brown. Dramatic and contemporary, particularly stunning in modern kitchens.
The maintenance reality check
Let's be honest about maintenance. Wood with dark colours doesn't hide everything—water marks can show up on some finishes, and scratches might be more visible depending on the stain. But overall, we're finding customers are happier with how wood in dark colours ages compared to white treatments.
"The key is choosing the right finish. Satin finishes tend to be more forgiving than high-gloss, and good-quality stains are surprisingly durable. We always bring samples so customers can see exactly how different finishes will look and wear."
When wood with dark colours doesn't work
Wood with dark colours isn't magic. In genuinely dark rooms with limited natural light, it can feel oppressive. And if your home already has lots of dark features—dark floors, dark furniture—adding window treatments in dark wood colours might be overkill.
The sweet spot seems to be rooms with good natural light where wood with dark colours can provide contrast and grounding. It's about balance, not just following trends.
Curious about dark wood for your home?
The best way to know if dark wood will work is to see samples in your actual lighting conditions. We bring a full range of wood species and stain options to your home survey.
Bulldog Blinds
Our family business has been helping homeowners in the area create beautiful, functional window treatments and outdoor spaces since we started. We love sharing what we've learned along the way.