Black is back—appliances, hardware, walls, decor, you name it. Dramatic black walls might seem like too much for your home to handle, but with the right decor it can take any room to the next level.
We chatted with Tessa Wolf, creative director at Framebridge, to hear her tips for how everyone can decorate black walls. Don't think this look is reserved for the design elite—keep these do’s and don'ts in mind and you’ll be well on your way to nailing this haute hue.
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Do flaunt your furniture
Go dark on your walls if you want to show off the furniture and details in your space. Placing anything against a rich black background makes it pop instantly.
We’ve all heard that small spaces feel smaller when they’re painted with dark colors, but if you keep the art and styling clean (like black and white photography in slim black frames), small spots can be the perfect places to make a statement.
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Do go for grain against black
If you’re looking for something masculine and rich, there’s nothing better than a wood frame against black. We have a serious soft spot for the look of wood frames with visible grain (burl and walnut, especially) against a black backdrop.
If you’re going with black walls and another color trim, floor or ceilings, any small painting mistakes will be amplified. This is definitely a time you’ll want to whip out your painter’s tape and forgo freestyling.
The way to make the monochromatic look work is to have fun playing with texture. Some of our favorite spaces feature tone-on-tone hues with totally different materials. Black bamboo and oiled steel frames add beautiful depth and richness to black walls.
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Don't be afraid to mix metallics against a dark surface
Gold, silver and copper each look sophisticated against black, but together, they’re magic. Imagine a black-walled entryway with brass sconces, an oversized art piece in a silver frame, and copper tabletop accessories.