Black walls shouldn't be as shocking and scary as they once were. Hopefully we've warmed you up to the idea and you're realizing that black walls aren't so bad — they're actually rather dashing, as you can see in the photos gathered here.
Black walls can be in any room; there are no rules against having black walls in the bedroom or living room. It doesn't make your home goth or depressing, it's actually quite the opposite — super chic.
Paint one wall black in the living room and counter balance it with bright colors throughout the rest of the space. In the bathroom, honestly, just go for it. Paint all the walls black and play up the dark by incorporating rich jewel tones like yellow, green and gold.
Go black in the office to create a super masculine vibe. Use a vintage worn leather chair with a large wood desk. Keep the windows open and free of curtains or blinds so it doesn't get too sleepy.
• French By Design
• The Brick House
• Groves Natcheva Architects
• Scandinavian Retreat
• Lonny Magazine
Images: As linked above.
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anyone knows where I can buy a flatform bed like the one in the 2nd picture?
westelm or IKEA!
I painted 2 walls in my son's nursery black, and with all the bright toys and white shelving, it was very bright and very fun. Quite the opposite of depressing, it was very vibrant. So much so, that he wants me to repeat it in our current house.
I have to admit, it can feel a little intimidating when you paint that first virgin wall with black. But once everything is back into the room, it is gorgeous.
People who have painted a bathroom a dark color-- does it work if you don't have a window? What kind of lighting makes it look best? I'm worried my tiny bathroom would look like a Cave of Doom.
Looooves the black bathroom. I would do it to mine but I have the same problem as kara_b, no window. I think it would be like walking into a slightly oversize upright coffin.
Yes, @Kara_b and @Katiezmom don't do it! At my poor suggestion, my boyfriend painted his window-less bathroom a beautiful royal blue...it made it at least 10 times darker and certainly cave-like. We opted for cheery yellow after that. We probably could have fixed it up with a ton more lighting, but it just seemed easier to repaint. Learn from our mistakes :)
I promised my husband a black space when we have our own house. We'll decide what it will be when we have one... but he's getting at least an entryway or a hallway.
Talk about 'super chic' I absolutely looove my black bathroom. That last photo was my inspiration.
Not sure about a window-less bathroom...mine has a window and tons of light.
I have a black powder room and I LOVE it. It doesn't look cavelike... it looks moody and dramatic. Because the ceiling is still white, and the floors, vanity, and fixtures are light, it doesn't overwhelm the space. We use warm lighting, not too bright, and decorated with brightly coloured towels (orange, currently), soaps (lime) and black and white photography in stainless steel frames. It looks GREAT (if I do say so myself)!
Oh, and I should have mentioned, black powder room has no window.
We decided to paint our TV room a warm black - it has no windows, but we added two bold accent rectangles in a warm golden color -edged with white trim. We painted our built in bookcases and built in component shelves the same gold and trimmed them with white. I have beautiful curtains that tie all the colors together. The room is probably one of our brightest with can lights and zone lighting. In the rectangles we've hung black and white large scale prints and canvas' to give them a purpose. I highly recommend black - it's a gorgeous color to work with and with the right tone makes it so rich looking.
So I have a teensy half-bath off of my bedroom that I have considered painting black. There is a window and I do not think light is a huge issue. However, should I still paint it if bone white tile with a black border goes up the wall about 3.5 ft? If so, do people recommend painting the window frame and ceiling black as well? I am hopeless when it comes to paint, so any advice is welcome!
One of the most jaw-dropping rooms I have ever done was black... well, ok, it was actually espresso. I couldn't stand to do a black-black. I felt there had to be just the smallest hint of warmth.... it was a jungle and wild animal print motif....everyone who saw it wanted it! Super dark colors, if done right, say "Rich"!
Nice post! I've always worried about using such a strong dark colour, particularly black, on my walls. I'd thought it may be too dark. But this shows how great an effect it can make, and in so many different ways. I especially like the study - it seems somehow corporate yet cosy as well. Great job!