15 Designer-Approved Ways to Use Black Paint
Bold, sexy, refined—all words design pros use to describe black paint. And here’s another one that might surprise anyone who has ever scoffed at the idea of decorating with shades of midnight: versatile. Designers are using black paint in rooms of all sizes—from foyers to great rooms—in applications both big and small. “It is almost as versatile as a classic white,” says Brad Ramsey, the Nashville-based designer behind Brad Ramsey Interiors. “White might win in a head-to-head popularity contest, but there is still a huge appeal in using black on interior doors, cabinetry, fireplaces, trim moldings, and specialty spaces like a bar or library.”
But if words like gloomy or claustrophobic are still creeping in and keeping you from giving this dynamic hue a go, read on for 15 black paint ideas that are sure to change your mind.
Photo: SANAYI313 design studio1/15Give a powder room wow factor
They may be small, but guest bathrooms can still be mighty, design-wise. Enis Karavil, of Istanbul-based design studio SANAYI313, says black paint helped his team make a bathroom a showstopper in a recent project. “We reimagined the powder room as a black box by incorporating black lacquered walls. I think the powder room is the wow factor of the project—totally unexpected with an element of surprise.”
Photo: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz2/15Play up a fireplace
Ginger Curtis, founder and CEO of Urbanology Designs in North Richland Hills, Texas, says black paint accentuates a fireplace. “The rich tone emphasizes the details and elevates the overall elegance and craftsmanship of the fireplace,” she says. “It becomes a centerpiece that anchors the room, leaving a lasting impression.”
Designed by Christie Tyreus, of the Sausalito-based firm, Tyreus Architecture + Design // Photo: Christopher Stark3/15Pair with natural textures
Just because you decorate with black doesn’t mean you can’t create an earthy feel. “I think too many people think black should be paired with white to achieve a modern metropolitan look,” says Ramsey. “But I love black paired with natural textures and materials for a more organic vibe.” That’s exactly the case in this open-concept living area that pairs black with natural wood and plenty of natural light.
Photo: DeVOL Kitchens4/15Mix with wood and white
But just because you don’t have to pair black with white doesn’t mean you can’t throw it into the mix. Karavil likes black, white, and wood all in one place, as is the case with this kitchen that has black-and-white tile flooring. He says the combo “always ensures a charming contrast.” He’s also a fan of black paired with cinnamon and beige tones.
Designed by Amy Storm & Company // Photo: Stoffer Photography5/15Add excitement to exteriors
“There’s nothing I love more than a black house,” says Devon Wegman, founder and design director of Devon Grace Interiors in Chicago. Not only does it have a Scandinavian feel, Wegman says black also makes the house “pop amongst the landscaping and rugged nature.”
Designed by Amy Storm & Company // Photo: Stoffer Photography6/15Make a patio feel refined
A patio area painted black also pops against landscaping. Plus, it creates a cohesive look in an area that combines a number of different materials, such as wood, glass, brick, stone, and concrete. Bonus: Finding matching patio furniture is a breeze.
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Designed by Lauren Lerner, Principal Designer & CEO of Living with Lolo // Photo: Life Created7/15Create a dramatic entryway
“Black is perfect for a dramatic entry,” says Curtis. “When creating interiors that are unexpected and design forward, do not overlook the opportunity to make an impact the moment you step into the home.” Here, a gold lighting fixture hanging from a black ceiling sets the mood.
Designed by Lauren Lerner, Principal Designer & CEO of Living with Lolo // Photo: Life Created8/15Do up a door
According to Wegman, “Black doors can be a beautiful way to add contrast to a home, but they need to coordinate with other black accents in the home, like black cabinetry or accent walls, so that there is a cohesive vibe carried through the space.” Touches of black in an area rug and entryway bench are a great way to set up that cohesive vibe.
Designed by Maestri Studio // Photo: Jenifer McNeil Baker9/15Expand your living space
It’s a common opinion that black paint makes a space feel smaller, but Ramsey wholeheartedly disagrees. “Sometimes a dark space with dark trim feels larger because you remove the imagined boundaries of white trim and lighter walls,” he says. “This plays on your depth perception in the very best way, making a space feel unexpectedly larger.” In this corner spot, the dark paint almost makes the walls melt away.
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Designed by Kate Marker Interiors // Photo: Stoffer Photography10/15Give cabinets a glam makeover
“Black cabinets can be a great way to add contrast and drama to a space without overwhelming it,” says Wegman. In this bar area, a black cabinet with gold hardware gives off an air of luxury and decadence, which is ideal for the place where you store your Champagne.
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Designed by Regan Baker Design // Photo: Suzanna Scott11/15Add definition with trim
For areas where window treatments feel too fussy, simply paint your trim black and call it a day. Your windows look finished (curtains be damned!) and the dark color creates definition, drawing the eye to the natural scenery outside. As Karavil points out, you don’t have to go big to use black. He says, “I often use black in details and on points of emphasis.”
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Designed by Amy Storm & Company // Photo: Stoffer Photography12/15Add sophistication to a sitting room
There are family rooms and then there are spaces that are less kid-focused, where you might enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the day or host friends for martinis. For the latter, black paint sets the tone (and black fringe drives it home). Ramsey says, “Give me a black study or sitting room with leather and linen upholstery and brass accents. While you’re at it, pour this Tennessee boy a bourbon too. I’m there!”
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Designed by Amy Storm & Company // Photo: Stoffer Photography13/15Play with finish
Glossy or matte? Your paint’s finish affects the final look and feel. Curtis says, “Glossy black reflects light, contributing to a sleek and polished look…. Matte black absorbs light, resulting in a softer ambiance, which is an elegant option for spaces where a more relaxed and organic feel is desired.” This living room plays with both. The ceiling is matte for a laid-back look, and touches of gloss in the trim add contrast.
Designed by Trim Tech Designs // Photo: Margaret Rajic14/15Create a focal point
“My advice for using black paint in a room without making it feel smaller is to keep it to only a few of the walls,” says Wegman. “In a dining room recently, we painted the back wall black and instead of shrinking the room, it actually draws your eye to the end of the room by adding contrast, celebrating how long the space actually is.” This wine cellar plays by Wegman’s rules, with only an accent wall and the ceiling painted black to highlight the bar.
Designed by Alessia Zanchi Loffredo, Cabinetry by Trim Tech Designs // Photo: Ryan McDonald15/15Style with steel
Sometimes black paint’s greatest accessories are your kitchen appliances. “I always like to use black in kitchens, even if it’s just details,” says Karavil. “Black strikes a good balance with stainless steel kitchen equipment."
