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 Skirting Boards
If you’re looking to introduce black into your home decor, begin by painting the woodwork. Skirting boards 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.
Walls: Shallows
Trim: Jack Black
Door Inset: Smalt
Floor: Air Force Blue
Discover our advice for painting skirting boards
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 Matt 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.
Walls: Jack Black
Fire surround: Batsman
Side table: Dark Lead Colour
Dark and Defined: Use Wallpaper Alongside Black Paint
Whether you’re using a delicate floral pattern, geometric designs, large scale botanicals or stripes, adding black paint to finish the scheme will elevate your wallpaper design. Traditional, archive wallpaper designs found in stately homes can be paired with black for a contemporary finish. Pair Darwin – Serein, Vine - Bleu or Tailor Stripe – Bakerloo with Lamp Black in a chic bedroom or dining room scheme.
Wall: Vine - Bleu
Woodwork: Lamp Black
Kitchen cupboards: Portland Stone – Deep
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 skirting boards to give the illusion of space in smaller rooms.
Walls: Slaked Lime - Deep
Beds: Cape Red
Floor: Jack Black
Explore our guide to painted floors
Bathroom Black: Use Black Paint for Luxurious Bathroom Schemes
Create a striking bathroom scheme by using Jack Black alongside white baths, basins and window frames painted in Shirting. This monochromatic, white and black interior design will provide a visual surprise in homes that are predominantly lighter throughout. For traditional bathrooms, paint woodwork and recesses in Jack Black. Team with black freestanding bathroom cabinetry and a stand-out painted bath.
Wallpaper: Cranford – Wheat
Wall, skirting, bath & door: Jack Black
Discover our guide to painting a bathroom
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.
For a punchier look, choose a bolder shade such as Cape Red and team it with Jack Black on the floor. Depict room details such as picture rails and cornicing in the same shade of black paint.
Brickwork: Confetti
Cupboards: Lamp Black
Black Alternatives: Black Interior Design without Black Paint
For an alternative to black, consider Pompeian Ash: a National Trust colour, which was used in Ickworth House in Suffolk. It is a dark grey-green colour with a sense of heritage and refinement, seen here 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 wrap-around feel that exudes cosiness.
Walls & woodwork: Chocolate Colour
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 garden buildings, sheds and fences in Lamp Black. Or pick out architectural details and furniture in black paint to punctuate softer schemes.
Summer House: Lamp Black
Chairs: Turquoise Blue
Stool: Trumpet
Explore our range of black exterior paintFor more inspiration on how to incorporate black shades in your scheme, browse our image gallery.