Before developing an interior design, study the features of the room you want to decorate. Black color requires that it be spacious and have a lot of natural light. If the room is small or an all-black interior is not your choice, consider a black accent wall or simply add dark-colored decor or textiles to light colors.
Photo: apartmenttherapy.com
If your soul still asks for a black interior, but there is not enough light in the room, consider an artificial lighting system at the design stage.
Variety of shades
Christian Lacroix wrote: “There are many shades of black: delicate black - veil, matte and sad black - crepe, intense royal black - velvet, ... joyful and official black - lacquer.”
Although the designer spoke exclusively about fabrics, variations of black materials also exist in cabinet furniture: glossy fronts, for example, look like patent leather, while matte ones resemble crepe or matting.
The photo shows a monochrome dark bedroom
In addition to textures, there are also undertones: this is no longer a pure shade, but a mixed one: for example, blue-black with a certain glow gives a blue highlight. By the same principle, there are purple, brown, red, violet shades.
A separate category is the admixture of white. The final tone depends on its quantity: anthracite, coal, resin, soot, onyx. At first glance, it may seem that all black colors are the same, but a detailed examination shows the opposite.
Black floors
Black floors are a stylish solution that has both pros and cons. A dark floor looks much more organic than walls of the same color.
Photo: popsugar.com
The disadvantage of a black floor is that any dust is noticeable on it. Therefore, you should not use it when decorating rooms in which you will often have to clean, for example, in the hallway or in the kitchen.
Photo: stylebyemilyhenderson.com
You can use different materials in the design: boards, parquet or laminate, coated with black varnish, as well as tiles or stone. If you want to get a less easily soiled floor, opt for materials that have natural patterns.
Photo: myscandinavianhome.com
How to use black furniture?
If the table is a more or less familiar detail, then a noble dark sideboard or console is already something fresh. A stylish combination is obtained with white walls: monochrome is always appropriate and popular. For those who are not afraid of a gloomy effect, the total black option is suitable, when charcoal furniture is installed in the same room.
Black sofas look best in leather, but sophisticated velvet will also make a lasting impact.
Important! Pile furniture fabrics in dark colors are a magnet for dust, pet hair and other contaminants.
Is it worth choosing?
This may not be a color you'll immediately jump to when choosing a base shade, but I'd like to help you reconsider. I know it looks a lot more complicated, but I promise it's not. Take a look at these interior photos to see that it's pretty easy to make this color work for you.
Black wall color in the interior
Provide plenty of natural light
Of course, there are people who choose dark, grotto-like interiors. But when you need a space that feels lively and friendly—and it happens to have graphite walls—make sure it gets plenty of natural light. If your living room or bedroom lacks windows, reconsider the main color.
The black interior looks impressive
Use a fairly monochromatic color scheme
This isn't a hard and fast rule that should be followed by any means, just consider it your irresistible guideline for a clean, modern space. Of course, this combination is the most classic, elegant option, but a mixture of some other neutral and natural materials also has a welcoming factor.
This color goes well with any other
Small space? Make only one wall
If this is your first experience working with color, and if you still have the slightest concerns, you don’t have to make a big bet. Decorating just one wall will add drama without the oppressive effect of darkness, and is a particularly good trick for small spaces.
Since dark colors have the effect of visually approaching the viewing point, an accent wall in a room can have the effect of lengthening the space. Or, on the contrary, shortening it if the room has an irregular shape. You can achieve a nice contrast by keeping the rest of the room in light colors.
Decorating just one wall will bring expressiveness without the oppressive influence of darkness.
Working with high contrast
The key to creating charcoal walls is to ensure that the vast majority of everything else in the room is in contrast. This means choosing lighter colors for trim, flooring, molding, accents and even art. This way you won't end up in a deep dark cave.
Although a light color is necessary, leaving home furnishings in a matching black shade will make the room appear more expressive. Choose decor in ebony and similar shades.
Black objects in the interior will make the appearance of the room more expressive
What black decor, lighting and textiles look like
Is the predominance of black in the interior not for you? Use it in small accessories.
Textile
Curtains absorb light perfectly and do not have to be matched to other details - the color can be combined with any other. A velvet thought pillow and a warm fleece blanket will help add sophistication to upholstered furniture.
Lamps
The stores have a large selection of sconces, chandeliers, floor lamps, and table lamps with dark shades. Purchase all sources from one collection or choose one accent one - for example, a chandelier with gold trim.
Paintings
The images themselves should not be dull and dark, it’s more about the frames: contrasting baguettes unite even a different composition of works of art or posters.
Chandeliers
When searching for a chandelier for your style, you need to take into account the nature of the ornament, the degree of expressiveness, shape, and size. A modern home may include a chandelier with a trendy design made from metal pipes or an interesting spherical shape. If your home has a mixed style, almost any model will work to incorporate into your room.
An expressive element in the bedroom
Black chandeliers attract attention with their expressiveness; due to the bright visual contrast, rhinestone inlay or other decorations are better visible on them. Whether you love the rustic beauty of wrought iron chandeliers or prefer the glamor of a crystal chandelier, look for a design to suit your taste.
Such models attract attention with their expressiveness
Wrought iron chandeliers
Exquisite wrought iron designs are surprisingly versatile, making them suitable for modern, industrial or mixed styles. Black chandeliers are a minimalist's dream, especially next to pure white walls, simplistic decor, and the combination of wrought iron construction with wooden details is a successful combination of rustic charm and natural beauty. Here are some ideas for installing this decoration indoors:
- Wrought iron kitchen lighting will create targeted lighting as these models can be installed over a specific area;
- Hang a pendant chandelier above your bed or in your living room seating area to illuminate a central area.
Black chandeliers are a minimalist's dream
A wrought iron chandelier can come in different designs and degrees of complexity, but it has beauty and complexity with a simple design, especially when combined with different materials.
Consider a chandelier that includes two or three tones of metal - for example:
- bronze;
- copper;
- wrought iron.
Add elements of glass or acrylic, metal, ceramic details or even hints of wood.
This model can be supplied in various designs and degrees of complexity.
Iron
An iron chandelier will open up any space with strong, clean lines. Regardless of the design, it amazes with its simplicity, unusual approach to modern lighting - it is both a trend and a classic. Antiqueness and the patina of time are another effect that can be achieved using metal on a chandelier.
While transparent glass, brushed steel, minimalist silhouettes will create vintage elements. Try a tiered chandelier for a statement look, or choose fixtures with intricately cut crystals and hand-forged swirls.
Regardless of the design, this option is striking in its simplicity.
Khrustalnaya
Weave a little sparkle into your ceiling lighting with metallic fixtures adorned with sparkling crystals. These designs are made to channel the power of light in the most glamorous way. Use it for a traditional style with wrought iron, or consider a crystal chandelier covered in shimmering glass rhinestones. Prefer a decadent approach to your ceiling lighting? Choose wrought iron chandeliers with crystals cut into prismatic geometric shapes or fitted with black crystal clusters.
These designs are made to channel the power of light in the most glamorous way.
There are many chandeliers in black finish that are suitable for homes with a particular style.
Tip When choosing these lamps, pay attention to wrought iron chandeliers with a darker metal finish or glass chandeliers with black crystals that fall in decorative drops.
For a Modern model that is not overly decorated, but not overly decorated, you may be inclined to choose bronze or nickel. Many chandeliers in these metals have a laconic design, a simple, but not simplistic appearance.
Unusual and stylish option
With black trim
Hang a classic iron chandelier in a country style for a sophisticated addition to a casual setting. Or try a black glass chandelier paired with distressed wood accents for a simple approach to industrial themes. These dark themes will be paired with solid wood, warped metal complemented by matte black finishes and polished gold frames. Whether you want simplicity or luxury, a black chandelier will always complement your preferred aesthetic.
Modern style
What colors go with black?
The possibilities for combining black color in the interior are endless! Like white or gray, it goes with any shade and is basic. Let's look at the most spectacular duets and trios.
- Yellow. The warm and bright sunny shade softens the graphite, and it looks brighter against its background.
- Pink. You should not take fuchsia, give preference to a dusty rose: a compromise of tenderness and brutality will give an ambiguous effect.
The photo shows a combination with light pink
- Red + blue. If the combination with red looks vulgar, then blue softens the perception and balances this pair.
- Emerald. To make malachite shine beautifully against a dark background, choose luminous materials: gloss, velvet, glass.
- White. Monochrome is always relevant. To make the contrast less vibrant, add an intermediate gray.
The right choice of black living room design
Wallpaper in the interior is an important element. Living rooms in black tones can be covered with any wallpaper, including vinyl, acrylic and others. Wallpapers are great:
- with light drawings on a dark background;
- black images on a light background;
- made in classic solutions (diamonds, triangles, circles and abstract designs can be scattered across the surface).
Black color can visually expand the room and make the living room elegant. You can use color in contrast with white or monochrome. A modern designer suggests painting one of the walls of the room in black, and painting the others in a lighter tone.
But the monochrome version also looks great, making the room beautiful, warm, impressive and more solemn.
If you paste a strip of wallpaper horizontally on the wall, it makes the ceiling high and the room becomes large.
Winning lighting for the living room in black tones
Lighting plays a big role in the interior of a room. The more light, the warmer the room becomes. Lamps can be located on the ceiling or on the wall.
Designers suggest placing several chandeliers on the ceiling, complementing them with small lamps on the wall.
Color combination
The classic option is a combination of black and white colors. This contrast makes the room sophisticated and perfect.
You can combine black with pink, and the room will look elegant and noble.
Professionals do not recommend using dark green, brown and purple colors with black, as they will make the room gloomy and lifeless. These shades can be used as accent spots. But if you replace it with lighter shades (lime, lavender and coffee), they will fill the design with new meaning.
You should not combine black with orange, yellow or red, as this will make the room aggressive. To soften the effect, it is proposed to dilute similar colors with white paint.
A combination of other colors will look great in the interior.
Information on choosing furniture for a black living room
For a black room, designers advise purchasing furniture in lighter colors. The bright white color is especially attractive. This contrasting option will make the room attractive and warm.
You can purchase furniture made in dark colors. Anyone, even the most demanding person, will like such a monochrome interior.
Designers do not recommend buying furniture in bright colors for small rooms. In this case, the room becomes oversaturated. In addition, this helps to reduce the size of the room, and the person feels uncomfortable. It is considered optimal to purchase furniture in gray shades.
What styles is it suitable for?
Black interior design, like the shade itself, is not limited to style directions. It is appropriate in almost all modern variations, with the exception of Provence and boho.
- Scandinavian. The base should be left white, and the decor, furniture, and textiles should be dark. Pair with the warm texture of wood or wicker to keep it cozy.
- Loft. If there is a place for an interior with a dark ceiling or walls, it is in industrial design. Even brickwork can be decorated with matte paint.
The photo shows a kitchen-living room in a minimalist style
- High tech. Matte textures are replaced by gloss, the black color in the interior is diluted with white by about half. Don't forget about bright lighting.
- Classic. An unusual interpretation still looks restrained: choose furniture with carved facades, glue moldings to the walls, add gold details.
Ceiling
Some designers believe that a black ceiling adds depth to a room. Others say that black is very oppressive and creates an oppressive impression. Both are right, since it all depends on the height of the ceiling and the characteristics of the room. Some houses have such high ceilings that you want to visually lower them. In this case, black color will save the situation. The same applies to high ceilings in narrow rooms: corridors and halls. This technique will work great there too.
Photo: collectiveres.net
If you want to make such a ceiling at home, a stretch ceiling will look best. Paint on the ceiling is also used, but in this case the color may look less saturated.
Photo: m.tresf.net
How does it look in the interior of the rooms?
- Kitchen. Allows the least amount of dark, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to be in it. Handles on the facades, separate chairs, checkerboard tiles on the floor.
- Bathroom. It is permissible to make a dark ceiling or floor, or highlight one wall with glossy tiles. In combination with white sanitary ware, you get monochrome harmony.
- Living room. It can be total black or use charcoal exclusively on accents and furniture. The decoration combines paint, stone, wallpaper, and wood.
- Bedroom. A black interior is calming, but in large quantities the tone has a depressing effect. To avoid this, dilute with white, gray, beige.
Black walls
Decorating a room entirely in black is a solution for the very brave. Designers like to paint walls with matte black paint or choose plain wallpaper of the same color.
Photo: mydomaine.com
Combinations of different patterns and textures in wall decoration look even more interesting: dark wood, stone and matte black walls.
Photo: design-milk.com
