Black is bold.
Black can be a neutral.
Black walls can truly make a statement.
I will be honest, years ago I never in my right mind would think of painting walls in my home black. Don’t dark colors make a room feel smaller? Wouldn’t dark walls make a room feel depressing? (by the way, the answer to both of those questions is NO).
I have lived & breathed design since I was a little girl and even with my passion for design + an educational background in the design field, I was apprehensive about going darker. While over the years working with clients & experimenting in my own home (painting the walls deep navy in my office), I’ve learned the trick to making darker walls, and even more so black walls, work in every space of the home.
I’ve finally taken the plunge to paint a wall BLACK (in the living room) and it looks fabulous. Before showing you the result, here are a slew of spaces that will inspire (and convince) you to go black!
WHY + HOW TO MAKE BLACK WALLS WORK.
Similar to hues of gray, taupe, beige, and white, BLACK works because it can be a great + unexpected choice as a neutral background. I get that black isn’t for everyone, but it shouldn’t be counted out as unpleasant or oppressive. The trick is to layer in lighter colors with black to achieve a beautiful & exciting contrast. Black with all other dark colors in a space will absolutely be drear, but black with contrasting whites, lights, and layered in pops of color will evoke depth + drama.
Like the staple of a woman’s classic black dress, black walls will create a stunning space that is bold, sophisticated, and fierce. And similar to that classic black dress, left alone is blah, but accessories + layers in lighter or bolder accents will create an over the top result.
Black can work in every & any space in the home…
BLACK IN THE ENTRY.
Black walls in the entry by Lia Griffith
Weary about going all black? Try a combination of black and white with a linear look of horizontal stripes. A unique + interesting idea for a transitional area of the home. Layered with pictures and memories in an eclectic composition, this sophisticated backdrop is dramatic and exciting. Source unknown.
BLACK IN THE LIVING ROOM.
Paint only the focal point of the room, the fireplace, a deep black hue (accentuate the architecture) via
Living Room by Focal Point Styling
The inspiration for my new living room space… adding black as a focal point with layered in white bookcases flanking the fireplace. Source unknown.
Can’t totally go black because it’s just too risky (even though I don’t think anything is too risky)?  Try layering in black through pillows, accessories, or on the backs of a bookcase as Cassie of Primitive & Proper did for her living room shelves…
Kristin of Bliss at Home recently did the same with black grasscloth and the look is exquisite.
Sunroom space with deep black walls featured on Lonny
BLACK IN THE DINING ROOM.
Dark walls (they’re actually navy, not black) in the dining room
Black is often thought of as a modern hue, but it’s a beautiful color for a traditional setting too, like this dining room. Source Unknown.
Black walls with an eclectic gallery wall by Nest of Posies
BLACK IN THE KITCHEN.
An accent wall painted black is just a little to go a long way, featured on 1 Kind Design
Ditch black paint and choose chalkboard paint. This kitchen space by The Hunted Interior is a great example how chalkboard paint on an entire wall can be so fun + functional!
BLACK IN THE BEDROOM.
Black walls in the bedroom by Dwellings by DeVore
“Sultry” black walls in the bedroom by Life in Grace
Another bedroom setting with black walls featured on Design Sponge
Masculine chic in the bedroom by The Hunted Interior
BLACK IN THE OFFICE.
Office walls surrounded in a deep black hue by Driven by Decor
Black walls are the perfect backdrop for creating a photo gallery wall. Source Unknown.
Black layered with touches of gold & lucite = pure perfection. Source Unknown.
A desk surrounded in black with layers of color can be an ideal spot to work! Source Unknown.
BLACK IN THE BATHROOM.
Black + Coral in the bathroom by Dwellings by DeVore
Black walls in a powder room featured on Design Sponge
With these 23 incredible spaces that have incorporated black walls so well, do you need any more convincing that a black wall is a must for your home? As I am working on going lighter in our home (lighter walls, lighter layers), incorporating black as an accent – a backdrop – has really grounded the new living room space.
Later this week, I will share a peek of my newly painted black walls that look oh so fabulously chic + will give suggestions of what to look for when choosing a black paint color…
