When choosing a colour for black furniture, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. The colour you choose can dramatically affect the look and feel of the space, so it’s important to select a shade that complements the existing decor. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best colour options for black furniture and provide tips on how to make the right choice for your home.
Benefits of Using Colour with Black Furniture
Black furniture has a bold, striking look that makes a statement. However, on its own, an all-black decor scheme can feel austere or uninviting. Adding pops of colour is a great way to soften the look and add visual interest. Colour provides contrast against the dark furniture, draws the eye, and keeps the space from feeling flat or monotonous. Carefully selected accent colours can also pull together the rest of your decor, creating a cohesive, polished look.
Best Colour Choices for Black Furniture
When selecting a colour for black furniture, you’ll want to consider the size of the space, the style of the furniture, and existing colours/textures in the room. Here are some of the best options to consider:
Neutrals
Shades of white, grey, tan, and other neutrals work beautifully with black. They act as a crisp, clean backdrop that allows the dark furniture finishes to stand out. Neutrals also add lightness and brightness to a space featuring black furniture. For example:
– Soft greys or warm greys provide subtle contrast and sophistication.
– Creamy whites give a fresh, contemporary feel.
– Light taupes or tans work for more traditional rooms.
Metallics
Metallic accents like silver, gold, bronze, and copper add glamor and shine to black furniture. They enhance the sophistication of the space and tie in with the black’s bold appeal. Metallics to consider include:
– Polished nickel or chrome for an elegant, modern look.
– Antique brass for traditional styling.
– Aged bronze or copper for an industrial vibe.
– Metallic paint colors like champagne, rose gold or silver gray.
Jewel Tones
Deep, saturated colors in the purple, green, blue, and red families complement black furniture beautifully. The richness of these jewel tones enhances the moody feel created by the dark finishes. Specific colors to try include:
– Royal purple or eggplant purple
– Deep teal or emerald green
– Navy blue
– Burgundy
– Ruby red
– Midnight blue
Earth Tones
Natural, earthy hues provide warmth and calm against stark black furniture. They work especially well for more casual, rustic, or bohemian spaces. Some go-to earth tones options include:
– Moss or olive green
– Terracotta
– Light camel or taupe
– Warm woods like oak or walnut
– Sand
Bright Accents
While generally more difficult to pull off, bright pops of color can work with black furniture in some situations. If done right, brights provide an energetic, vibrant foil that keeps the room from feeling too somber. Consider:
– Sunny yellow in a cheery kitchen
– Coral in a tropical bedroom
– Turquoise for a playful, eclectic living room
– Lime green as a whimsical accent in a kid’s room
Factors to Consider
Aside from choosing a complementary color scheme, here are some other factors to keep in mind when selecting a color for your black furniture:
Room Size
In a smaller space, bright whites and pale neutrals will make the room feel open and airy. Deep/bold colors can overwhelm a tiny area. For larger rooms, consider layering in shades like navy, emerald, or violet for dramatic effect.
Amount of Natural Light
Well-lit rooms can handle darker paint colors without feeling gloomy. North-facing rooms with minimal sunlight should stick to lighter neutrals.
Style of Furniture
Contemporary black furniture pops against bright white walls. Traditional ornate pieces pair better with warmer neutrals or jewel tones.
Existing Elements
Take cues from colors, textures, and materials already in the room. For example, coordinate with the undertones in your flooring or tie in artwork.
Personal Taste
While some color pairings are classic, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Choose colors you are naturally drawn to for a space that reflects your personality.
Tips for Decorating with Black Furniture
Once you’ve selected the right color scheme, keep these tips in mind when decorating your black furniture space:
– Use colour in moderation. Little accents of colours go a long way against black.
– Repeat your accent colours throughout the space for cohesion. Use throw pillows, area rugs, blankets, artwork etc.
– Add in metallics for sheen and touches of luxury.
– Include multiple textures like wood, leather, velvet, glass, and marble.
– Layer in lighting. Table lamps, pendants, and sconces break up the heaviness.
– Incorporate greenery from plants. It helps soften the bold black.
– Mix in wooden furniture pieces to warm up the look of the room.
| Colour Family | Specific Colours |
|---|---|
| Neutrals | Soft greys, warm greys, creamy whites, light taupes/tans |
| Metallics | Polished nickel, antique brass, aged bronze, champagne |
| Jewel Tones | Royal purple, deep teal, emerald, navy, burgundy, ruby red, midnight blue |
| Earth Tones | Moss green, olive green, terracotta, light camel/taupe, oak, walnut, sand |
| Bright Accents | Sunny yellow, coral, turquoise, lime green |
Conclusion
With so many options, choosing a color to pair with black furniture may seem daunting at first. But keeping the style of the space, existing elements, and some color theory basics in mind will help you select a shade that enhances your black furniture rather than competes with it. The most flattering and versatile color families include neutrals, metallics, jewel tones, earth tones, and bright accent colors. Avoid going overboard with bold color and instead use it thoughtfully to add interest, light, and personality. Thoughtful use of color alongside rich textures and lighting fixtures will result in a sophisticated black furniture space you’ll enjoy for years to come.
