Decorating with black can be tricky. Black is powerful and dramatic, so it’s easy to go overboard, but there are ways to use black in a room without overwhelming the space. The color itself is extremely versatile. It can be dark, moody, and mysterious, or it can be professional, sleek, and modern. But, overall, the decision to use black in a room depends on the desired effect.
Today, we’re going to talk about how to feature black in a room stylishly, so buckle up, and let’s head over to the dark side (literally!) of interior decorating.
What Does the Color Black Do to a Room?
Black can have a rather dramatic effect on a room, making it feel smaller or cozier depending on the other colors in the room. If you are using black as your primary color in a small space, it will make the space feel more closed in. However, if you use black as an accent color in a larger room with lots of natural light, black can make the room feel more dramatic and grand.
Black paint is often used as an accent color to highlight other things in a space, such as furniture or artwork. For example, if you have white walls with dark wood floors and trims throughout your home (like most homes built before 1950), then painting one wall black will create a beautiful and dramatic contrast.
Or, if you have a colorful piece of art or furniture that you want to really stand out, using black paint as an accent wall behind it is a great way to do that. Just be careful not to use too much black in your space, or it can start to feel overwhelming.
How to Use Black in Interior Decoration
Decorating with black in a room can be simple, but it is important that you consider all of the different elements of your space before adding any black. A good rule for using black is keeping it limited to one or two items per room–anything more than that, and you are risking making your space feel too heavy.
Also, keep in mind that black is a very versatile color, so it can be used with many different colors to create unique accents. Here are some great examples of how you can use black in your home:
- Use small amounts of black as an accent color in a room – this could include painting one wall, a run on the floor, or even using decorative stencils on walls or furniture doors.
- Use black as an accent color in a room with lots of natural light.
- Use black to create a dramatic contrast against other bright colors in a room
- Pair black with warm colors, like reds and oranges, to create a cozy feel in a room
- Combine black with cool colors, like blues and greens, to create a more modern look in a room.
What Are the Different Ways to Use Black in a Room?
So, where should you start when it comes to decorating with black? These are the most popular ways to use this color in your home:
Feature Walls
Black feature walls are a great way to add drama and interest to your decor. This is an especially good option if you want black as the main color in your room, or if you want to add a point of drama to a room.
Decorative Stencils
Black decorative stencil designs can be painted on walls, or pieces of furniture to create an accent that is easy to change out if you decide that you no longer like the design.
Accent Colors
As mentioned before, black is a very versatile color that can be paired with many different accent colors to create unique looks. Using it as an accent color, perhaps for paintings on the walls, plant pots, or even curtains, is a great way to add some interest to your space.
Bedsheets
This is an inexpensive way to quickly change the look of your bedroom. You can create different looks by picking black sheets with different accents, like white or gold lace trim. This is also a great way to incorporate black into the fabrics in your room.
Wall Hangings
Another inexpensive way to add interest and drama to a room is by hanging black wall hangings. If you don’t want the color of your walls to look too heavy, making sure that your designs are not very large will help keep the space feeling balanced.
Ornaments and Statues
Have you ever seen rooms that are decorated in a nice clean color but feature a collection of black statues? Statues and ornaments can be a great way to add black to your room without having to paint anything. You can find these items in many different materials, like wood, metal, or ceramic, but the dark color can really make them the focus of a room.
Furniture
Of course, one of the most popular ways to use black in a room is by painting furniture with it. Painting just one piece of furniture black can create a stunning centerpiece in your room. However, this is usually best done with light-colored walls to keep the space from feeling too heavy or dull.
Cushions and Pillows
Decorating a bed, sofa, or armchair with black cushions and pillow covers is a great way to add interest without having to change the color of your existing upholstery. You can find these in many different colors, patterns, and designs, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style when it comes to decorating with black.
Blankets and Throws
Similar to the idea of using cushions and pillows, blankets and throws in black can be a great way to add some color and interest to your living room or bedroom. They are also perfect for snuggling up under on a cold night.
Flooring
Black flooring can be a great way to finish off a room. It is perfect for rooms that have a modern or minimalist style, and it can really help to make the space feel polished and finished. Once again, if you’re opting for a black floor, it’s not really advisable to also pair this with black walls as the room will look too dark.
Rugs
Finally, one of the best ways to use black in a room is by adding a black rug. Rugs are a great way to add some color and interest to your space, and they can also help to define different areas in a room. A black rug is perfect for rooms that have light-colored walls or furniture because it will help to ground the space.
What About the Rooms You Can Use Black In?
Black can be used in many different ways, and it’s certainly not limited to only one area of your home. As you can see from this list, decorating with black is an easy way to create beautiful designs that will really pop out at your guests. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find the look that’s perfect for you!
Here are some tips for finding the best ways to use black in different parts of your house:
- Kitchen – If you want to create a modern look, try painting one wall or all of the cabinets with glossy black paint. You could also try using black tiles as a feature, sectioning the top of the kitchen cupboards to be black, or even using black as the color or your splashback behind your oven.
- Living Room – Black can be used as an accent color to make a room feel more dramatic or cozy, depending on the other colors in the room. In the living room, it’s important not to make black feel overwhelming. It can work well for sofas, curtains, cushions, and/or rugs.
- Bedroom – If you want to create a modern and glamorous look in the bedroom, try painting your furniture black or adding some black accent pieces like bedding or throw pillows. If you’re looking for something more cozy and warm, don’t be afraid to experiment with using patterns alongside different shades of gray.
- Bathroom – A great way to make your bathroom feel more luxurious is by painting the walls and cabinets with glossy black paint. You could also try using black tiles as a feature on the wall, or even adding some mirrors with a glossy frame. For a modern twist, using matte black for accents in a bathroom has actually become really popular recently. Matte black taps, flush buttons, showers, and accessories like soap dispensers and towel rails can create a stylish twist to an otherwise pale space.
- Office – If you’re looking for a way to add interest and color to your office without going overboard, try painting one of the walls with bright white paint and then giving it an all-over coat of dark matte spray paint in either black or navy. This will help to create a professional and polished look in your office space. Black can also work really well just for the desks and chairs in an office, while the rest of the room is a paler color.
- Hallway – Black can be a great color to use in the hallway, especially if it’s long and narrow. Just like with bedrooms, try using matte black for accents such as door handles or switch plates (so they don’t stand out too much against your walls), and your furniture will really pop! It can also work for hallways furniture like coat rails and shoe racks.
What Should You Consider When Decorating With Black?
Of course, it’s all well and good thinking about the many different ways that you can use black in your home. However, there are a few things you should always keep in mind when styling with this color:
Lighting
One of the main things to consider when decorating with black in a room is the type and amount of lighting you have. This is because black can often make spaces feel darker and smaller. If your room doesn’t have a lot of natural light, try using light-colored furniture and accessories to brighten it up a bit. This includes both natural light and artificial light as well.
Layout
When styling a room with black, it’s important to think about the layout and how you want the space to feel. For example, if you’re using black in a small bedroom, try adding mirrors to make the room feel bigger or using lighter colors for the bedding and curtains to create a more cozy atmosphere.
Size of the Room
Another thing to consider is the size of the room. Black can often make spaces feel smaller, so it’s important to use it in the right places. In a small room, try using black as an accent color rather than making everything black. This will help to avoid the space feeling too cramped and overwhelming.
Existing Furniture
When designing a room with black, it’s important to consider the existing furniture pieces. If you’re painting your current pieces or replacing some of them, don’t forget that new paint and wood can often change and affect how light reflects off certain colors – so keep this in mind when choosing an option for your rooms! But upcycling old pieces of furniture with black can be a great way to both give them a new lease of life and add some class and style to your space.
Type of Room
You also need to think about the type of room that you’re styling. Black can work well in a range of different rooms, but it’s important to use it in the right way. For example, black is great for adding glamour and sophistication to a bedroom or an office, while it can be used more sparingly in a bathroom or hallway.
Keep Accessories Neutral
You should always keep your accessories neutral when styling with black. This is because too many accessories can easily overwhelm a room and make it feel cluttered. For example, if you’re using dark wood furniture in an office space, try pairing this look with light-colored sofas or cabinets to avoid the area looking overly dark.
Pair It With a Paler Color
Another good tip is to always try pairing black with a paler color. This creates a contrast between the two colors, which can help to brighten up an otherwise dark room – especially if you’re using pale curtains or flooring in addition to your walls.
FAQs
How Can I Use Black in My Bedroom?
One of the best ways to use black in a bedroom is by using it as an accent color. Try painting one wall black or adding a few black pieces of furniture, and then pairing this with lighter colors for the bedding, curtains, and other accessories. This will help to create a stylish and elegant look in your bedroom without making it feel too overwhelming or dark.
Another good idea is to try using black in the wardrobe and shoe storage areas of your bedroom if you don’t have a walk-in closet. Or, alternatively, use it to add glamour and sophistication by using black as an accent color for your bedding and curtains if you want to create a more cozy atmosphere in the bedroom.
How Can I Use Black in My Living Room?
Black can often make a space look more sophisticated, so it’s important to use this color carefully in living rooms. For example, you could try painting one wall black before adding neutral furniture such as white or beige couches – then add some lighter-colored accessories such as cushions or throws for contrast. You should also remember that black can often make a space feel smaller, so it’s important to use it in the right places.
Alternatively, you could try using black as an accent color for your curtains and accessories. This will create a bold look in your living room without making it too dark or overwhelming. And if you have any existing wood furniture, consider painting it black for a modern and stylish look.
How Can I Brighten up a Dark Room?
If there’s too much black in your space and it feels a little overwhelming, you should try adding some lighter colors. For example, pale curtains or blinds, flooring, or accessories will help to brighten up an otherwise dark-looking room. Just be careful with using just black and white in a situation like this as these two colors on their own can make a room feel sterile and cold.
Another good way to brighten up a dark room is by using mirrors. This will help to reflect the natural light that comes into your space, making the room feel warmer and brighter overall. And if you’re struggling to add color in a black-themed room, consider buying some colorful cushions or throws to add a splash of color.
Do Black Walls Make a Room Look Smaller?
One of the worst things about styling a room with black is that it can make a space look smaller, but this isn’t always the case. The location of your black wall matters, particularly if it’s a feature wall, and if you’re just using black at one end, it can actually elongate the room as opposed to making it smaller. However, if you’re using white accessories in your decor then this will help to create an airy and light-filled atmosphere which helps to open up the space.
Conclusion…
So, there you have it! Some tips on decorating with black in your home and how to style with this color for the best results. Remember to always think about the lighting and layout of the room, as well as the size and type of space that you’re working with. With these things in mind, you should be able to create a stylish and cohesive look that ties your whole room together.