Decorating
Colour: How to Add Dramatic Black Without it Overpowering Your Space
Done right, black can add punch and personality to any room. Here’s how to go over to the dark side in style
Black is a somewhat divisive colour when it comes to interiors: some adore, some abhor. Personally, I love black – it adds instant atmosphere – but it can be overwhelming if not handled carefully. From mixing in jewel brights to restricting it to paintwork or a feature wall, here are 10 ways to use inky shades in uplifting ways.
Let black define a space
Black can create a strong impression in a supporting role. There’s plenty of it in this room, yet the feel is very light and bright. Go for a crisp white shell then choose black for woodwork, furniture and accessories to tap into its dramatic character while keeping the space airy.
Black can create a strong impression in a supporting role. There’s plenty of it in this room, yet the feel is very light and bright. Go for a crisp white shell then choose black for woodwork, furniture and accessories to tap into its dramatic character while keeping the space airy.
Dot with a mix of jewel brights
This exquisitely put together living room is a stellar example of how a space with a very dark base can be vibrant. By focusing the colour palette on strong shades of green, turquoise and mustard in light-catching materials, this dark space is transformed into an atmospheric haven.
This exquisitely put together living room is a stellar example of how a space with a very dark base can be vibrant. By focusing the colour palette on strong shades of green, turquoise and mustard in light-catching materials, this dark space is transformed into an atmospheric haven.
Make the most of mirrors
Hanging a mirror in a dark-painted hallway will add lightness and a sense of space without taking away from the dark aesthetic. This convex design reflects the whole space, adding depth to the scheme.
Hanging a mirror in a dark-painted hallway will add lightness and a sense of space without taking away from the dark aesthetic. This convex design reflects the whole space, adding depth to the scheme.
Use black to visually change the dimensions of a room
Where you choose to use light and dark colours can have a huge influence on a space. In this lofty white room, the ceiling and walls down to the picture rail have been painted black, helping to visually lower the high ceiling for a much cosier mood. Or try painting the end wall of a long, narrow room black to visually bring it forwards.
Where you choose to use light and dark colours can have a huge influence on a space. In this lofty white room, the ceiling and walls down to the picture rail have been painted black, helping to visually lower the high ceiling for a much cosier mood. Or try painting the end wall of a long, narrow room black to visually bring it forwards.
Try some chalkboard paint
Chalkboard paint is an easy and quick way to add some dark drama to a room. It actually creates quite a soft aesthetic, as the paint is incredibly matt. Give it a go – you can always draw some white pictures if it’s too much!
Check out 10 of the best chalkboard ideas
Chalkboard paint is an easy and quick way to add some dark drama to a room. It actually creates quite a soft aesthetic, as the paint is incredibly matt. Give it a go – you can always draw some white pictures if it’s too much!
Check out 10 of the best chalkboard ideas
Start small
Want to try black but still feeling unsure? Take your cue from this stylish abode and focus your dark aspirations on a small, in-between space, such as a landing. The bold contrast will look stunning, and the black won’t be overwhelming due to the bright rooms at either side.
Want to try black but still feeling unsure? Take your cue from this stylish abode and focus your dark aspirations on a small, in-between space, such as a landing. The bold contrast will look stunning, and the black won’t be overwhelming due to the bright rooms at either side.
Create a feature wall
Embrace the dark side with a single feature wall. The black swathe in this room helps to put the bed and lights centre stage, while the remaining white walls and crisp white bed linen keep the look airy.
See imaginative ways to work typography into your home
Embrace the dark side with a single feature wall. The black swathe in this room helps to put the bed and lights centre stage, while the remaining white walls and crisp white bed linen keep the look airy.
See imaginative ways to work typography into your home
Put a focus on dark accessories
If black walls are a step too far, why not add some contrast with black accessories? This boudoir has dark blinds, a thick black picture frame and an ebony vanity table, creating a darkly luxurious spot. The key here is the glossy surfaces, which catch the light rather than absorbing it.
If black walls are a step too far, why not add some contrast with black accessories? This boudoir has dark blinds, a thick black picture frame and an ebony vanity table, creating a darkly luxurious spot. The key here is the glossy surfaces, which catch the light rather than absorbing it.
Mix in some monochrome
This dark hall dances on the edge of overwhelming, but the monochrome geometric pattern, white marble and gleaming gold cupboard handles turn a potentially dark tunnel into an enchanting corridor.
TELL US…
How you do feel about black interiors? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
This dark hall dances on the edge of overwhelming, but the monochrome geometric pattern, white marble and gleaming gold cupboard handles turn a potentially dark tunnel into an enchanting corridor.
TELL US…
How you do feel about black interiors? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
A room saturated in charcoal – from the walls to the paintwork – makes a gorgeous backdrop for neon colours. This electric pink table, along with the bright yellow artwork, pops, and helps to define the room, which could be a bit of a black hole without such energising colour. A couple of pieces are enough, though, so the dramatic effect of the charcoal isn’t lost.