Painting Walls Black: 4 Tips for Using Black Paint in Your Home

Are you thinking about painting your interior walls black? Hopping on this hot interior painting trend can be a quick way to update your home interior and create an elegant aesthetic. While black paint can be a bold statement, it is also considered a classic color that complements many types of furniture and decor. Follow these tips for using black paint in your home to beautifully transform your space and bring it into the 21st century.

1) Paint the Right Surfaces Black

When you’re considering painting your walls black, it’s important to first choose which surfaces to paint. This can be your walls or other elements such as trim or doors. While black paint can look sophisticated in rooms of all sizes, it can make a room overly dark or uninviting if you don’t paint the proper surfaces. Consider the following before your interior painting team begins the paint job. 

• Paint an accent. If you aren’t sure if you should paint an entire room black, you can always paint an accent first. Whether you are painting a large or small room, painting just one accent wall, door, or even your ceiling black can add sophistication and depth to your space. In a small space, a dark accent wall paired with three lighter walls in white or cream can actually make it seem more spacious.
• Paint the tallest wall in the room. If the room you wish to paint has a slanted ceiling and uneven walls, painting the tallest of your walls black is a great option if you’re looking to create a focal point. Painting the rest of the walls in a lighter color will make the room feel larger and brighter – this is especially true when you paint walls lighter around windows.
• Paint your entire hallway or powder room black. Black can actually be a gorgeous and surprising color choice for small powder rooms or hallways in your home. Just be sure to paint your baseboards and trim in a white or cream to create much-needed contrast.

2) Choose the Right Black Paint & Sheen

Once you know which room you would like to paint black, it’s important to also choose the right black paint and sheen to complement the room you’re painting.

• Cool black paints contain blue or violet undertones. These are perfect if you are painting your interior trim or doors in soft blues or other cool colors. They also work well with bold and bright hues found in decor and furniture and can look great when painted on every wall in a room. Try Black Flame by PPG Paints.
• Warm black paints contain brown or true black undertones. Warm blacks are extremely versatile and can be ideal if you want to purchase accents, decor, or furniture after painting. Try Black Magic by PPG Paints on an accent wall, trim, or even cabinetry.

Remember to also choose your sheen or finish carefully. While matte black paint may look the best to you, it isn’t as durable as eggshell or satin blacks. This means a matte black probably won’t work best in a kitchen, child’s room, or other high-traffic areas. A high-quality professional painting company will offer free in-home color consultations to help you choose the right paint color and finish for the surface or room you’re looking to paint.

3) Pay Attention to Lighting

Black paints absorb light, so you want to make certain that the space you’re painting black is well-lit. This can be from natural light or the proper light fixtures. If you don’t have enough light in a black room, it will feel constricting and boxy — not cozy. Keep the following in mind:

• If the room is small and has just one window, use it to your advantage. Try leaning a larger floor mirror or hanging one on the opposing wall from the window. This will help create more natural light during the day and open up the space.
• If the room is small and doesn’t have windows (think a powder room or guest bath), it’s important to use an overhead light or sconces with plenty of wattage.
• For any room you paint black, always use proper lighting. This can come in the form of higher-wattage overhead lights, wall lights, and floor lamps. A good tip is to keep your lighting on dimmers so you can create the proper mood throughout the day. While you may want a brighter space during the day, you may also want a more relaxing feel at night.

4) Blend and Contrast

Choosing decor, furniture, and accents that both blend and contrast with black walls can make your space look more cohesive and inviting. Here’s how to make your decorative elements work with black walls.

• Use the black wall color at least once more in the room. This will help tie the room together and make it appear more spacious. You may want to think about purchasing a large furniture piece in black. This will help your dining table, credenza, or bookcase blend in nicely with the rest of the room. Or you could even use a rug or other small accents to tie everything together.
• You should also make sure to include contrasting colors to offset the dark hues (e.g. brighter throw pillows, a bold sofa, a cream headboard, white picture frames, a coffee table in a contrasting hue, etc.). This will make an otherwise too-dark room feel lighter, airier, and cozier.

Choose Professional Interior Painters

If you’re wanting to paint your walls black, it’s always important to call on professional interior painters for help. They are experts at painting interior walls and use the right tools and techniques to give your home a flawless, lasting finish. Sharper Impressions proudly paints homes in Columbus, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Nashville, and Atlanta. Get your free interior painting quote today!

Want to learn more about Sharper Impressions and our most recent projects? Be sure to follow us on Facebook!