Color Guide: How to Work With Black
Take a walk on the dark side — your home has nothing to fear with this color when you know how to use it
Black is the color of the night sky, ebony, caviar and coal. It was one of the first colors ever used in human art. It's classic, deep, simple and elegant. It is also associated with death, fear, mourning and evil.
But whatever your associations — from witches to fashion — black is a serious color. As Henri Matisse said, "Black is a force." And using it in decor is a statement unto itself. It's confident and self-assured. It's chic and mysterious. But most of all, black is beautiful.
Like all colors, black has variations. There is true black, which absorbs all light and is the opposite of white. But there are blacks with green undertones or purple undertones or blue undertones. There are very dark charcoals that read as black, and ashy blacks that read as charcoal. There are flat black and glossy black, and everything in between.
Many people assume that using black in decor will make things seem small and dark. But that is not always true. Black walls can look as endless as the night sky. They can seem to expand. And, of course, everything else stands out against this color: art, furniture, trim.
The trick, as always with color, is knowing which black to use and where to use it. Here are examples of black done right in everything from a country kitchen to a mod living space.
But whatever your associations — from witches to fashion — black is a serious color. As Henri Matisse said, "Black is a force." And using it in decor is a statement unto itself. It's confident and self-assured. It's chic and mysterious. But most of all, black is beautiful.
Like all colors, black has variations. There is true black, which absorbs all light and is the opposite of white. But there are blacks with green undertones or purple undertones or blue undertones. There are very dark charcoals that read as black, and ashy blacks that read as charcoal. There are flat black and glossy black, and everything in between.
Many people assume that using black in decor will make things seem small and dark. But that is not always true. Black walls can look as endless as the night sky. They can seem to expand. And, of course, everything else stands out against this color: art, furniture, trim.
The trick, as always with color, is knowing which black to use and where to use it. Here are examples of black done right in everything from a country kitchen to a mod living space.
A white ceiling with ashy black walls gives this dining room gravitas. Black, like white, allows you to use a whole crayon box of other colors in a room.
This entire room is painted in high gloss, so it reflects light even though the walls are black. This works especially well on wood paneling and trim.
These wood panels in a satin black are so elegant, they're almost regal. The contrasting ceiling highlights the architectural details and allows some light to be reflected back into the room.
A deep black wall works even in a room full of white and light. It's dramatic and gorgeous, and it helps create a separate dining room.
Why shouldn't the bedroom remind you of night? A black accent wall adds interest to a plain box of a room.
This is black being playful. Contrasting glossy circles on a flat black background add texture and playfulness, but the look remains somber and elegant.
An all-black room with white trim is crisp and classic.
A glossy back wall in an eclectic bedroom is like a piece of art. It's reflective and textured, and it allows everything else to pop.
Black is a good color for transition spaces, like small hallways and nooks. And art always looks gallery-worthy when it's hung on black walls.
More art hung on black walls. I love this combination with the white trim and glossy wood floors. There's nothing somber about it.
Blacks walls. Black ceiling. Black trim. If you have some natural light and lots of other colors, it can work. Notice how the black makes the mishmash of things on the wall look intentional and collage-like.
A glossy black accent in a room full of white. So elegant.
Black and white will always be a great pair. This detailed panelling is crisp and architectural and requires good bones to pull off.
So many eclectic modern rooms are big, white spaces. The addition of black gives this room some weight and elegance and helps highlight the architecture.
Black in the Kitchen
A black and white kitchen. Black countertops are gorgeous, but they do show every piece of dust and crumb that lands on them.
A black and white kitchen. Black countertops are gorgeous, but they do show every piece of dust and crumb that lands on them.
The black walls in this kitchen draw out the veins and texture in the marble.
Black cabinetry is classic and works in everything from a New England farmhouse to an ubermodern loft.
Decorating With Black
A few black touches pop in this room but keep the palette neutral and subtle.
A few black touches pop in this room but keep the palette neutral and subtle.
A black fireplace surround and mantel. Classic, simple, elegant.
This is high drama all the way, in part because of the stark contrast between black and white.
I love this elegant, shabby chic black chair. It makes every other bit of black in the room stand out.
A black headboard works like a frame for the bed. And like white, it goes with everything.
Benjamin Moore Ben Paint, Black 2132-10
A true black. As with all paints, test before using. Colors will read differently depending on the light in the room and the texture of the walls.
Benjamin Moore Ben Paint, Soot 2129-20
A very dark charcoal that could read black in the right setting.
Imperial Trellis, Onyx Gloss
A subtly textured black wallpaper that plays with finish as much as pattern.
Velvety black walls are so gorgeous, but they require good lighting. The art and the rest of the colorful decor keep this room from feeling too close or heavy. Black works so well in a lively, eclectic space like this one.