The color black has timeless appeal. Though it actually represents the absence of color, there is nothing bleak or gloomy about it.
Black is sophisticated and elegant . . . and versatile. A black-tie dinner is always a formal affair, and black is often worn for formal occasions—the “little black dress” for women and traditional black tuxedo for men—yet it’s not unusual to see people wearing black whenever.
Used in the home, black adds a sense of style, polish and refinement, and gracious living to even the most casual space.
Here is a sampling of different ways you can work the color black into your home decor.
Decorating your home with black
A black lacquered door greets visitors at this stately London residence. (Photo: herz-allerliebst)
Entry hall walls, painted black beneath the chair rail, work well with warm parquet flooring.
(Photo: Moss Eclectic)
A black door and black-and-white tile pop in this small, narrow entry.
(Photo: Beautiful Abodes)
This predominantly white entry relies on crisp black accents and zebra prints for drama.
(Photo: Style at Home)
A bold graphic sofa is paired nicely with Benjamin Moore’s “Wheeling Neutral” for contemporary, sophisticated style. (Photo: Traditional Home)
Black shabby chic shutters, framing the windows, and checked fabric on the wing chairs add casual comfort to this traditional living room. Red toss pillows and wood tones in the flooring, basket, and wall hangings warm the space. (Photo: Ethan Allen)
Fun furniture and accessories
[above left to right] 1. “Samarkand,” “Uzbek,” and “Rangoli” toss pillows. (Photo: Neiman Marcus);
2. Baroque armchair with comic book fabric (Photo: Progarr); 3. Hand-crafted two-drawer side table.
(Photo: Cote France); 4. Japanese floral rose bowl. (Photo: Kate Spade)
Set against the backdrop of a custom photo mural, the luxurious black-and-white living room of the NYC Holiday House 2012 celebrates both past and present. (Photo: Houzz)
A black glassed cabinet, housing white china and books, sets the tone for this simple monochromatic living room. With such good “bones,” it’s ready for some colorful accessories. (Photo: Ethan Allen)
Make a bold statement in the dining room with a sturdy black table and vibrant red upholstered side chairs. (Photo: Ethan Allen)
Chalkboard paint covers the wall of the casual dining area in this contemporary-retro kitchen. The black-and-white checkerboard floor looks great with the lime-green refrigerator. (Photo: Planete-Deco)
The island in this white kitchen was personalized with a carbon finish. (Photo: Cliqstudios Cabinets)
A small, chic kitchen exudes personality with an impromptu chandelier, made with six different hanging bulbs wrapped around a pole commissioned from a blacksmith. (Photo: The Designer Pad)
Lacquered black cabinets in a high gloss finish are striking in this country-elegant kitchen. Benjamin Moore’s “Pink Mix” is on the walls and highlights the cabinet doors. (Photo: Elle Decor)
This bedroom is bewitching. Dark, dramatic walls and furniture are offset by soft grey bedding, shiny accessories, and mirrored drawers. (Photo: Ethan Allen)
An upholstered bed in faded black, muted greys, and white are used in this romantic bedroom. The soft Roman shade has a damask fabric. Antique intaglios hang above the bed. (Photo: Traditional Home)
The bold contrast of black and white lets accent colors, like the key-lime green pillow and floral arrangement, really pop. (Photo: Country Living)
Modern meets classic cool in this newly renovated farmhouse bath. It has just enough sunflower-yellow accent. (Photo: Sweet Peach)
An antique, distressed black dresser is paired with a contemporary sink. (Photo: HGTV)
An extra-large bathtub and original painting by artist Kolene Spicher pop against the dark wall painted in Behr’s “Sled.” (Photo: Country Living)
Interior Designer Deborah Needleman creates drama in a home office with charcoal walls, a slick black chair, and wonderful warm wood tones. (Photo: Lonny)
Commanding wallpaper sets the tone for this laundry room. Classic hexagonal tiles cover the floor, while polka dots play under the sink. (Photo: Traditional Home)
Here, a simple minimalist style defines the space with bright white cabinets and open shelving standing out against a charcoal wall. The dark color is repeated in the Roman shade. The lime-green area rug is a nice accent. (Photo: House and Home)
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