About a year ago, I decided to take the walls of my living room from stark white to a deep, translucent blue (Benjamin Moore Midnight, to be exact), and I haven’t looked back. Moody paint colors can completely transform a space, bringing depth, drama, and dimension—especially to small New York City homes like mine. While black walls aren’t for everyone, they offer a bold alternative to the neutrals we’re seeing everywhere these days. And, if you’re a renter like me, paint is an affordable way to make your space feel custom without worrying about your security deposit. It’s an easy way to feel like you’ve moved into a new home without going anywhere!
If you’ve been thinking about painting your space black but are a little hesitant, that’s understandable too. Here, you’ll find valuable tips from interior design experts about everything you need to think about when it comes to black paint. But remember: really is something just paint—if you change your mind in six months, so be it!
Featured image from our interview with Suruchi Avasthi’s Kate Arends.
Be Careful With Standing Points
If you’re going dark in a room that’s part of an open floor plan, this tip from designer Anna Baraness is essential. “It’s important to consider the starting and stopping points of black paint as you transition into adjacent areas, especially if those adjacent areas are painted in a lighter color,” Studio AK Interiors founder explains. “It’s better to have openings with a case, beadwork, or other architectural details that create a natural setting and a logical transition to a different wall color,” he says.
Consider Your Room Size and Lighting
Black paint colors are by no means one-size-fits-all. “Light spaces bloom with bright blues or dramatic greens, while warm browns or plums bring a soothing feel to dark rooms,” explains Elle Cole, founder of Elle Cole Interiors. Of course, anyone taking on a painting project should always take swatches of the shades they are considering and note how they appear at different times of the day before committing to a color.
Drench for color
Sarah McCarty, founder of Sarah McCarty Interiors, likes the idea of a color that drenches the room with a deep hue, painting the walls, ceiling, and trim all in one shade. “Change the lighting to add some dimension,” he says. “This not only creates a cohesive look, but a huge change in vibe!”
Add Wainscoting
On the other hand, maybe you’re not ready to go yet everything in black color. In this example, you can always add wainscoting to create a two-toned look, notes Rebecca Ward. Doing so will “break up the dark color of the wall,” he said, though remember that’s a strategy best left to owners, not renters! “This style works well in dining rooms,” adds Rebecca Ward Design founder.
Decorate Like a Pro
You will want the furniture and accessories you choose for your space to go well with the dark paint color you choose. “Pair dark walls with simple furniture and rich textures to keep the space dramatic yet inviting,” Cole suggests.
Metals and prints also make excellent marks. McCarty recommends going for statement artwork with metallic colors, throw pillows, or window treatments, adding warm-toned lighting, and bringing in a patterned rug to round out the dark-walled room.