My Pinterest feed is constantly flooded with black interiors and I've saved so many of the ideas now that 'ways to use black in interiors' is almost worthy of its own separate board in my Pinterest collection. But, is black really as easy to use as the images suggest?
Dark colours, much like light ones, when used impulsively and without the right advice can lead to regret when they don't perform or stand up to daily life in the way you'd hoped. It's why understanding how to choose paint colours is essential to the end result.
With that in mind, we asked interior experts to share their top tips on how to use black in your home, and what are the potential pitfalls if you get it wrong?
Take extra care when choosing and applying black paint
If the thought of dark and moody black walls entices you, there's a few things to consider before you reach for a fresh tin of paint and your roller. The type of paint, where you use it and how you get an professional looking finish will all need your time and attention before you pop the lid.
"Softer, off-black tones are easier to live with than jet black in residential interiors," suggests Katerina Tchevytchalova, director at K’Arte Design. "Finish is just as important, so matt or eggshell works well for walls to avoid harsh reflections, while satin or gloss can be effective for accents like joinery or front doors."
"Ideally, this colour should be used in rooms that benefit from natural light to prevent the space from feeling gloomy," continues Katerina.
"My golden rule is to avoid flat true black shades, which feel far too harsh," notes Lara Clarke, founder of Lara Clarke Interiors. "Always opt for an off-black with soot or navy undertones for a more lived-in, organic feel," she advises.
Whenever I've personally used black paint or dark colours, I've also found that you need to apply more coats than you might think. It's easy to assume that a dark shade will cover your walls easily, but if you don't get enough paint on the walls, woodwork or furniture, patchy marks will be very visible, so make sure you prepare your walls thoroughly before you start. Using sugar soap is a must to remove any bumps or texture that will impact the end result.
Shop for black paints to use in your home
This professional quality paint has a scrubbable matt finish and can be used on walls and ceilings
This paint has a unique stain repellent formula to ensure liquid spills don't damage your newly painted walls
Give your front door a makeover with this black, weatherproof satin paint
K’Arte Design is a luxury interior design and art consultancy founded by Katerina Tchevytchalova, specialising in high-end residential and commercial projects. Prior to launching her practice, Katerina spent five years at Kelly Hoppen Interiors and worked with several of London’s leading design studios.
Lara's passion for interiors and experience in the high end residential sector led her to establish her own luxury interior design company in 2016. Formally trained at KLC school of design, Lara has worked underneath top interior designer Louise Jones, as well as luxury developers, Finchatton.
Pick your partners for black wisely
Choosing which colours and finishes to use with black isn't like its polar opposite, white, where you know there's very little (if anything) that won't work. While black can marry up with many shades, what you choose will depend on the overall look you are trying to achieve.
“When it comes to any living space, incorporating the black into your decorating scheme can be a striking and impactful design choice," says Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook. Although she also notes that, "whilst black might not be considered a traditionally 'calm' colour, it can still create a serene and grounding atmosphere when used thoughtfully."
Dark bedroom ideas for example are one place where black could certainly become cosy when used carefully.
"Consider using it as a backdrop to allow other colours and metallic finishes to shine," continues Anna, "or use as an accent to ground the space, and add contrast with eye-catching detail.
"Black pairs beautifully with an array of textures," says Anna, recommending you, "opt for linens and cottons for a luxurious, laid-back look or velvets and metallics for a glamorous take. By thoughtfully balancing black with natural light, reflective surfaces, or vibrant accessories, you can add depth and drama without overpowering the space.”
"Black helps other materials stand out and 'pop', particularly natural finishes like timber and linen," agrees Katerina Tchevytchalova.
"Don’t be afraid to take it outside, either, painting a garden fence black makes the boundaries disappear making the space feel larger, and your greenery pop," adds Lara Clarke.
Partner these with black in your home
Use your black walls to showcase these stunning brass wall lights
Break up black walls with timber panelling for texture and interest
Cream linen, as shown on this stylish occasional chair, pairs well with black in your interiors
Consider it an accent if everywhere feels too much
Of course, if lots of black feels too much, but you like the ability it has to create interest, then think of it in a different way, says Lara Clarke.
"While a fully drenched black room is a bold statement, it’s not one I’d usually recommend," she notes. "It can be incredibly unforgiving, so instead, I find black does its best work as a sharp architectural accent, acting like a bit of sophisticated eyeliner to define a space."
"I think it’s important to use black intentionally," agrees Katerina Tchevytchalova. "Since this colour is so impactful, it’s best to use it sparingly which will feel more elevated than covering an entire room."
"We often paint window frames or doors in inky tones to frame the view, which instantly makes the garden greenery look more vivid," continues Lara. "This line work approach is also brilliant for highlighting joinery, like a staircase handrail or bespoke shelving, creating a crisp, graphic flow through the home."
FAQs
Does black hide dirt more effectively?
"The con of black finishes is that it shows dust and marks easily so will require regular care and maintenance," says Katerina Tchevytchalova. It's therefore important to make sure you use the right paint finish if you're painting your walls.
Using dark paint colours in bathrooms will mean using the right bathroom paint as well to avoid watermarks appearing on walls. And in high-traffic areas such as hallways, use a paint that can be wiped clean.
I changed my mind – how can I cover black paint easily?
"If you want to repaint a wall that is black, make sure that you use a good primer first which will reduce the number of coats needed for an even finish," recommends Katerina Tchevytchalova.
For more advice read our guide on how to paint over dark colours, and try this Zinsser Cover Stain from Amazon to give you a good base to work from.
For more advice on which colours to use – or not to use in your home, discover the 5 colours designers say to avoid in bathrooms, and see how the 60:30:10 colour rule could in fact help you get the right balance of black in your interior design scheme.
