Paint it Black!

Hey there, design enthusiasts! Today, I want to chat about a bold choice that I’ve been seeing more and more lately: painting a room black. Yes, you heard that right – black! It might sound intimidating, but trust me when I say that it can be a seriously chic way to transform a space. And if you’re thinking “Wendy, I live in Western Massachusetts not New York City.” I promise you you might change your mind before the end of this blog.

Now, before you start worrying that painting your living room black is going to make it feel like a dungeon, let me assure you that it’s all about balance. Black walls can actually create a cozy, inviting atmosphere when paired with the right furniture, lighting, and accessories.

In fact I recently painted my own living room black! My husband thought I was nuts of course. But, after seeing it, he’s all in!

First things first, let’s talk about furniture. When you’re working with black walls, it’s important to bring in pieces that will help to lighten things up. This could mean opting for a light-colored sofa, like the white linen one that I chose, or choosing a coffee table with a glass top to reflect light around the room. Adding in pops of color through pillows, throws, and artwork can also help to brighten things up too.

Next up, let’s chat about lighting. One of the keys to making a black living room work is ensuring that it’s well-lit. You don’t want your space to feel dark and dreary! If you don’t have a wall of windows like I do, consider adding multiple light sources, such as table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces, to create a warm, inviting glow. My room has ceiling fixtures, but I also added the arc lamp to make a cozy reading corner.

And don’t forget about texture. Adding different textures to your black living room is another key to creating a space that feels cozy and inviting rather than dark and heavy. Think about incorporating materials like plush velvet, woven textiles, and natural fibers like rattan or jute. I used a driftwood coffee table base. A chunky knit throw draped over the back of a sofa or a shaggy rug underfoot can add just the right amount of tactile interest to your space. And don’t forget about incorporating texture through your accessories, too – think sculptural vases, woven baskets, or a collection of pottery on a shelf. By layering in different textures, you’ll create a living room that feels both luxurious and approachable.

Finally, let’s talk about accessories. When you’re decorating a black living room, it’s important to keep things simple and streamlined. Opt for a few statement pieces, like a large piece of artwork or a funky rug, rather than cluttering the space with too many knick-knacks. This will help to keep the focus on the dramatic black walls. My room happens to have a large wall unit. I kept the accessories monochromatic and simple and added plants for life, color and texture.

Now, I know what you might be thinking – painting a living room black sounds like a lot of work! And it’s true that going dark can be a bit more challenging than sticking with a neutral shade. It’s extremely important to use good quality paint! This one is Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams. It only took two coats because we used Sherwin Williams Emerald paint. But trust me when I say that the payoff can be seriously amazing. Black walls can create a sense of drama and sophistication that you just can’t achieve with beige or white.

So, if you’re feeling bold and ready to take a risk, why not give black a try? With the right approach, it can be a seriously stylish way to transform your living room into a space that you’ll love spending time in.

Speaking of paint colors, did you know that you can schedule a paint consultation with us? That’s right, just book a Consultation and specify on the Questionnaire that you’re in need of paint colors. We’re happy to pick all of your colors for you! In fact, we have extra large paint boards. No more squinting at tiny paint chips and trying to picture how it’ll look on your wall!

You can find more info here – detailsfullserviceinteriors.com/services

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