🖤 IKEA + Sherwin Williams Colors - Academia

Recently bought the IKEA Billy bookcase bundle. I wanted floor to ceiling and they are 93” in height.

I’m kinda over the 50 shades of beige for decor, so I’m going for warm(er) darker colors. Although my walls and trim are Swiss Coffee. Which should be fine.

I’m going for an academia or even a witchy, hoodoo vibe. Overall, I want my living room to be cozy and warm.

My mind is set on the color Black Magic, but I wanted to be sure. Here are some of first round of colors I requested samples of…

#homedecor #homeaesthetic #academia #IKEA #homeideas #homefinds #neutralaesthetic #livingroomideas #bookaesthetic

2024/7/21 Edited to

... Read moreChoosing the perfect dark paint color for your home, especially when you're aiming for a specific aesthetic like dark academia or a witchy vibe, can be really exciting but also a little overwhelming! When I decided to ditch the endless beige and embrace warmer, darker hues for my living room, I knew I wanted to make my new IKEA Billy bookcases truly stand out. It's not just about picking a pretty shade; it's about creating a whole mood. For anyone else on a similar journey, here are some of my top tips and thoughts after exploring so many beautiful Sherwin Williams dark colors. First, lighting is absolutely crucial. A color like Sherwin Williams SW 6991 Black Magic might look dramatic and sophisticated in a well-lit sample, but in a room with less natural light, it could feel too heavy. That's why I always recommend getting samples – lots of them! I tried out several dark greens like Sherwin Williams SW 7749 Laurel Woods and SW 6447 Evergreens, and even deep blues like Sherwin Williams SW 6237 Dark Night and SW 6510 Loyal Blue. Each one had a distinct personality depending on the time of day. Another thing to consider is the undertones. Some dark grays, like Sherwin Williams SW 7020 Black Fox or SW 6279 Black Swan, can lean warm or cool. Understanding this helps you match them with your existing furniture and decor. For my academia vibe, I wanted warmth, so I was looking for shades that wouldn't feel too stark. Sherwin Williams SW 9175 Deep Forest Brown, for example, brought a rich, earthy depth that felt incredibly cozy. Even Sherwin Williams SW 7083 Darkroom, which is a very deep gray, had a subtle warmth that was appealing. Thinking about your existing pieces, like my Swiss Coffee walls and trim, is important for cohesion. I wanted the dark colors to complement, not clash. If you're working with IKEA furniture, especially pieces like the IKEA Billy bookcases, dark paint can elevate their look significantly. Imagine those 93" Billy bookcases against a wall painted in a rich, moody hue – it instantly creates a custom, built-in feel. You can further enhance this by adding decorative trim or even painting the bookcases themselves to match or complement the wall color. Finally, don't forget the power of accessories. Once you’ve chosen your Sherwin Williams color, whether it's the mystical Black Magic or the earthy Deep Forest Brown, layer in textures and objects that reinforce your chosen aesthetic. Think vintage books, antique-looking globes, botanical prints, or even some subtle witchy elements for that hoodoo vibe. It's all about building a cohesive story with your colors and decor. It's been a fun process, and seeing those dark samples on my wall has really helped me visualize the transformation!