Be Bold with Black Interior Design Schemes
Mysterious and ethereal, black stands apart from all other colours on the spectrum. In the world of interiors, black is a defining colour that can be used to punctuate a lighter scheme or dominate an all-over look. Although, at first this colour may feel a little overwhelming, there is no need to be intimidated when using black in your home as any black scheme is guaranteed to create an impact.
All in the Detail: Use Black Paint on Baseboards
If you’re looking to introduce black into your home decor, begin by painting the woodwork. Baseboards painted in ‘Jack Black’ will define the edges of a room and create a visual break between the floor and the wall. Continue this colour onto the door frames and your eye will follow the line around the room, creating a sense of cohesion – especially striking in hallways, staircases and open plan spaces.
Discover our advice for painting baseboards
Think Big: Create Entirely Black Walls
Painting an all-over scheme using black will instantly create drama and a sense of intimacy. Shaded corners will become undefined and shadows will be exaggerated. You can either create this look in rooms with plenty of natural light or in smaller spaces to create a cocooning, cosy feel.
When using darker shades, use Absolute Flat Emulsion, which has a flat sheen of just 2%. Break up the intensity of the colour with contrasting white furniture for a sophisticated monochrome scheme and add flashes of a third contrasting colour to further enhance the personality of the room.
Floor Story: Paint Floors Black for a Bold Contrast
For an effortless, failsafe way to introduce black paint into your home design, look no further than the floor. Paint sanded floorboards in Jack Black Intelligent Floor Paint, which is extremely hard-wearing and water-based. Paint walls in Slaked Lime - Deep for contrast. Alternatively, pair patterned floors with Lamp Black baseboards to give the illusion of space in smaller rooms.
Explore our guide to painted floors
Bathroom Black: Use Black Paint for Luxurious Bathroom Schemes
Create a striking bathroom scheme by using Lamp Black as an accent alongside white tiles, baths, basins, and woodwork painted in Shirting. Introduce the soft light blue, Bone China Blue, on the upper walls to create contrast. The use of black will provide a visual surprise in homes that are predominantly lighter throughout.
Black Companions: Complementary Colours for Black Interiors
To soften the sweetness of a pink scheme, pair the dark Lamp Black on cabinets and dressers with Confetti on the walls in kitchens. The pink warms the black and the black prevents the pink from becoming too sugary.
Black Alternatives: Black Interior Design without Black Paint
For an alternative to black, consider Pompeian Ash. It is a dark grey-green colour with a sense of heritage and refinement which pairs alongside Lute and Slaked Lime. For another option, look to Chocolate Colour: a deep, rich edible brown shade, ideal for wooden panelling in reading rooms and sophisticated spaces.
Embrace darker shades, especially in rooms where warmth is an important factor. Deep, inky tones like Basalt work well in an all-over scheme. Use on every wall for a wraparound feel that exudes cosiness.
Take It Outside: Black Exterior Paint
Black interior design needn’t be restricted to interiors alone. Black adds a contemporary touch to gardens and provides a backdrop on which to exhibit highlights of floral colour and emphasise the lushness of green foliage. Paint yard buildings, sheds and fences in Lamp Black. Or pick out architectural details and furniture in black paint to punctuate softer schemes.
Explore our range of black exterior paintFor more inspiration on how to incorporate black shades in your scheme, browse our image gallery.