Back to Black: How to Make Black Walls Work

Back to Black: How to Make Black Walls Work

Black is no stranger to the world of interior design. It adorns sofas, desks, entertainment centers, tables and accessories. But consumers willing to take a little risk with their interior design are starting to use black in larger swaths- particularly walls- with bold, stylish results.

Black walls are very current right now, but I think a lot of people shy away from them because they have this sort of ghastly reputation. But depending on how you do it, it really doesn't have to be that way at all. Ultimately, black is always chic, and through it's dark, it is a neutral and goes with everything.

Think of black walls as the equivalent of the little black dress: It takes many forms and can really shine when paired with the proper accessories. There are many simple tips for successfully dressing up- and pulling off- the black wall in any room.

Start Small. As many prudent designers knows, suggesting small does of change to wary clients is a smart strategy that can have far-reaching effects. For example, the bathroom may be the perfect place to branch out with black. The mirrors and typically chrome fixtures that are already in there really pop against the black and create a dynamic environment.

Think patterns and texture. Consider painting a wall a flat black, then covering it with a sheen in the form of graphic repeating pattern. You could use the vintage floral or geometric '80s pop art patterns to accomplish this. The sheen change is very subtle and elegant.

Experiment with gradation. If you have a large, well-lit room, particularly one with high ceilings, paint the walls black up to about eye level, switch to gray up to the ceiling, then finish off the room with a white ceiling. The black anchors the wall while the gray creates the impression that the room is opening up to a white sky. The effect is stunning. When used on one wall or two adjacent walls in a smaller room, it can really make the room seem much bigger, and the gradation is very uplifting.

Pick the right lighting and accessories. Picking the right type of lighting for a black wall is important, since it will absorb light. Track lighting can work well because you can angle the lights to hit the dark spots. Another great idea that is a huge hit right now is a chandelier. Using high-gloss paint rather than a flat or eggshell finish helps reflect light better. From an accessory standpoint, go for pops of color against the black. Especially if you're not a huge fan of just black and white. A pop of color makes a HUGE difference in the look of the room. Because it is a neutral color, any pop of color would work. Just don't over do it, you don't want to take away the impact of the black.

If you or anyone you know could benefit from my decorating services, please feel free to contact me at cperry@decorandyou.com.