Should You Paint Your Fence Black?
If you’re wondering which color to use for your boundary, here are 7 reasons to go over to the dark side
Amanda Pollard
May 11, 2018
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
Black surfaces, trims and accessories are finding their way into every room of our homes at the moment, but would you consider this dark hue for your fence? Black might be bold, but it’s actually more versatile than you might think. Take a look at these reasons to give black a whirl to help you decide whether to use it to border your outside space.
1. It forms a frame. The black fence perfectly complements this striking contemporary landscape design. The dark surface forms a definite frame around the perimeter and finishes off the layout.
If you want to frame your own space, it’s worth considering dark fencing, as a black edge will give much more definition than a lighter shade.
If you want to frame your own space, it’s worth considering dark fencing, as a black edge will give much more definition than a lighter shade.
2. It highlights pale surfaces. The attractive light-colored paving on this terrace might have been lost without the dark fence next to it. The black contrasts with the pale patio to really bring out the white, pink, gray and beige tones in the paving slabs.
When you’re picking your fence color, it’s important to consider the rest of the hardscape. Having many dark surfaces, for example, can create a cozy look, but it can also overwhelm a space.
When you’re picking your fence color, it’s important to consider the rest of the hardscape. Having many dark surfaces, for example, can create a cozy look, but it can also overwhelm a space.
3. It zones your space. With the trend for our yards to be an extra room in addition to a leafy haven, they often have to fulfill many roles, including dining area, play space and living room. Paint can help zone a busy landscape, however big or small it is, and a contrasting color works best.
This black fence clearly marks the seating area at the far end as a separate zone, with black raised beds along the length of the yard forming a subtle link between the front and the back.
This black fence clearly marks the seating area at the far end as a separate zone, with black raised beds along the length of the yard forming a subtle link between the front and the back.
4. It showcases bright planting. If you want to display vivid blooms beautifully, a black fence can work wonders. It creates a versatile canvas to showcase bright flowers in purples, reds, pinks and yellows. Rather than blending in with their surroundings, plants can shine against the dark surface.
5. It contrasts with greenery. Flowers aren’t the only things that look beautiful next to black — foliage is just as striking. The shapely boxwood shrubs are stunning against this dark fence. Experiment with the plants you choose — these are a bright shade, but a paler green could work just as well.
6. It creates cohesion. Many of us are using dark materials on our windows, doors and additions. If you’ve incorporated black surfaces on the rear facade of your house, you could carry the look through to your yard.
The dark lines of this addition and pergola are replicated on the fence. By using the same shade, the designers created a harmonious connection between the house and the landscape.
The dark lines of this addition and pergola are replicated on the fence. By using the same shade, the designers created a harmonious connection between the house and the landscape.
7. It keeps things cozy. Create an intimate seating area by surrounding the space with a black fence. This small terrace gets its snuggly feel from a wall of black overlaid with luscious green foliage.
The furniture is also black, which allows it to blend into the background, adding an extra layer of coziness to the space.
Tell us: Are you planning to paint your fence black, or have you already gone for it? Share you thoughts and photos in the Comments.
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The furniture is also black, which allows it to blend into the background, adding an extra layer of coziness to the space.
Tell us: Are you planning to paint your fence black, or have you already gone for it? Share you thoughts and photos in the Comments.
More
9 Of-the-Moment Materials for Modern Garden Walls and Fences
How to Choose the Right Fence
Find a landscape professional
Browse outdoor furniture
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I have lots of black fence paint and miles of 6' and 8' fence. I'm not really going for the 'contemporary look' - it's more a quirky organic urban garden, using whatever materials were already here where possible, which aren't always fashionable. I'm a bit concerned about surrounding myself with dense black, even though I'm busy planting a variety of climbers to grow over it. And from what I've already done, it shows every muddy fingerprint and cat paw! Being on rough sawn timber, they're not easy to brush off either! I'm thinking of leaving one side with an older fence in it's natural silvered look. I'm also wondering about watering down the black to dark grey along the side adjacent to that, (but that might look bitty). And leaving some really old fence posts with their green look and rust marks at regular intervals along it (just visible in the photo). I find it hard to decide (tho once I do, I'm fine). Really, my question is - will I feel hemmed into Hades surrounded by dense black?
Just reading this article & have been thinking of painting my fence panels black as just finishing off the garden as you can see - pleached trees already in but I think the panels painted black is a definite yes! Would love some thoughts!?
A definite yes. This would look amazing. Please share pics when your done.