10 Reasons to Use Black in Your Outside Space
It’s become a favourite shade for use inside, but now black is migrating out to gardens, patios and balconies – with dramatic results
These days, the garden is typically viewed as an extension of our home, rather than a separate area. This helps to blur the boundary between inside and out, ensuring any external area operates as additional living space as soon as the weather allows.
As black has been a hugely popular shade for use inside in recent years, it makes sense to work it into a garden, too. From seating and planters to the architecture of the space, black looks hugely stylish, and is surprisingly versatile, too. Check out these 10 reasons to try it.
As black has been a hugely popular shade for use inside in recent years, it makes sense to work it into a garden, too. From seating and planters to the architecture of the space, black looks hugely stylish, and is surprisingly versatile, too. Check out these 10 reasons to try it.
It’s both contemporary and trad
Timber stained in rich black, as used on this striking extension, looks brilliantly contemporary without being too edgy. Perhaps that’s because black is also a traditional finish used on many buildings, from barns to seaside shacks. Black timber references this vernacular tradition.
Timber stained in rich black, as used on this striking extension, looks brilliantly contemporary without being too edgy. Perhaps that’s because black is also a traditional finish used on many buildings, from barns to seaside shacks. Black timber references this vernacular tradition.
It adds a flash of drama
Black isn’t always top of the list for inclusion in a garden, so its use still feels unexpected and dramatic. Just look at these striking black planters; they add structure and glamour to this garden space, without fighting with the lush planting.
Black isn’t always top of the list for inclusion in a garden, so its use still feels unexpected and dramatic. Just look at these striking black planters; they add structure and glamour to this garden space, without fighting with the lush planting.
It creates a beautiful focal point
Black draws the eye, but unlike a bright colour or shiny material, will not shock or jar, so it’s extremely versatile. Here, a black globe sculpture makes an unusual and artistic focal point without screaming for attention or overpowering the planting scheme. A black dog is an optional extra!
Black draws the eye, but unlike a bright colour or shiny material, will not shock or jar, so it’s extremely versatile. Here, a black globe sculpture makes an unusual and artistic focal point without screaming for attention or overpowering the planting scheme. A black dog is an optional extra!
It ties in with architecture
If black features on your property, reference that with a few black pieces in the outside space. Choosing black garden furniture or planters will create a unified feel outside, which is particularly helpful in a small space.
Check out 10 inspiring ideas for a rented garden
If black features on your property, reference that with a few black pieces in the outside space. Choosing black garden furniture or planters will create a unified feel outside, which is particularly helpful in a small space.
Check out 10 inspiring ideas for a rented garden
It helps merge inside and out
Blurring the boundaries between inside and out can boost a home’s sense of space, with the garden and interior rooms flowing together.
To help this happen, choose a colour scheme outdoors that marries with the one used inside. Here, a mix of black, white and grey runs from the living room into the garden. It helps the spaces merge and also creates a thoroughly coordinated and chic feel.
Blurring the boundaries between inside and out can boost a home’s sense of space, with the garden and interior rooms flowing together.
To help this happen, choose a colour scheme outdoors that marries with the one used inside. Here, a mix of black, white and grey runs from the living room into the garden. It helps the spaces merge and also creates a thoroughly coordinated and chic feel.
It changes with the weather
Some naturally dark materials will become inky when wet. Slate paving stones that are grey when dry become luxuriously black in the rain, allowing you to work black into your garden, but only on a temporary basis!
Read expert advice on what to do in the garden in July
Some naturally dark materials will become inky when wet. Slate paving stones that are grey when dry become luxuriously black in the rain, allowing you to work black into your garden, but only on a temporary basis!
Read expert advice on what to do in the garden in July
It can makeover modest materials
We are super-familiar with the concept of a fresh coat of paint reviving a tired interior, but sometimes forget that the same applies outside. Even the grungiest garden wall or drabbest fence can be beautified with a layer or two of exterior paint.
A solid block of colour adds drama, a point of focus and a fresh feel to a garden. Try black for a really strong, defined backdrop that’s nevertheless easy to live with.
We are super-familiar with the concept of a fresh coat of paint reviving a tired interior, but sometimes forget that the same applies outside. Even the grungiest garden wall or drabbest fence can be beautified with a layer or two of exterior paint.
A solid block of colour adds drama, a point of focus and a fresh feel to a garden. Try black for a really strong, defined backdrop that’s nevertheless easy to live with.
It zones a garden
Dark furniture against pale paving powerfully zones the seating area in this garden. Together with minimal planting, it marks this out as a space where sitting and socialising is the priority.
See 10 ways to prep your patio for entertaining
Dark furniture against pale paving powerfully zones the seating area in this garden. Together with minimal planting, it marks this out as a space where sitting and socialising is the priority.
See 10 ways to prep your patio for entertaining
It can weather well
Damp, rain, sun and frost can all take their toll on garden furniture and landscaping. Black elements in a garden are more likely to weather well than pale colours or natural wood, which can all fade or become dirty.
TELL US…
Have you worked black into your outside space? Tell us about it in the Comments below.
Damp, rain, sun and frost can all take their toll on garden furniture and landscaping. Black elements in a garden are more likely to weather well than pale colours or natural wood, which can all fade or become dirty.
TELL US…
Have you worked black into your outside space? Tell us about it in the Comments below.
Just as hanging an artwork against a darkly painted wall helps it shine out, so a black backdrop is the perfect dramatic contrast to foliage. Try painting fencing or a wall black and enjoy how the planting in front is beautifully highlighted.