How to Choose the Best Black Paint Colors for Bold, Beautiful ...

Black used to be one of the least popular picks at the paint store. The dark hue has an unfair reputation for making rooms feel gloomy and cramped—characteristics most people don't want in a home. However, homeowners and designers alike are beginning to see the potential of this once-contentious color. Black is now stepping into the light as a trendy paint color that delivers drama and striking modern style. Black paint colors have also emerged as a go-to choice in bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and more.

David Tsay

Where to Use Black Paint

"People are craving deep and moody colors after a decade filled with whites and light grays," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "The color black has the power to act as a bold yet neutral backdrop that suits a variety of tastes and finishes, so we're seeing it enter the home in spaces we might typically not have seen before, such as dining rooms, bedrooms, and even spa-like bathrooms."

Black has also become a popular paint color choice for kitchen cabinets, living room accent walls, ceilings, window trim, and even exteriors. "Black exteriors are just so different from what has been done in the past and people are gravitating toward this surprising and modern look, even on traditional-style homes," Wadden says.

Indoors, black paint defies its dark and dreary reputation. Instead of making small rooms feel claustrophobic, dark wall colors tend to recede, making a tight space appear larger than it actually is, says Toronto-based designer Rebecca Hay. In fact, the effect is often more comforting than oppressive or gloomy. "Objects tend to fade into a dark background and so spaces with black tend to feel less chaotic and more soothing," Hay says.

David A Land

How to Choose Black Paint Colors

Black paint colors come in a wide variety of shades and finishes. Use these tips to choose the best black paint color for your home.

Consider the undertones.

"The trick to selecting black colors is to pay close attention to its undertones," says Lance Thomas of Lousiana-based Thomas Guy Interiors. Black is simply a dark version of another color, so look at the lighter shades on the paint strip to determine the underlying hue. Natural light brings out these undertones, so consider them carefully before making your decision. Black paint colors with green undertones, for example, can help encourage productivity and creativity in an office, while purple-toned blacks lend themselves to restful bedroom retreats, Thomas says.

James Nathan Schroder

Keep finish in mind.

The paint finish is another key consideration with dark colors like black. Flat or matte finishes, for instance, will soak up light and contribute to a cozy, intimate feel. These sheens also work well for disguising wall scuffs and imperfections. High-gloss paint adds shine and glamor, but these sheens should be reserved for smooth, unblemished surfaces, Wadden notes. "Overall, a satin finish helps black reflect light and gives the color a little bit of life," she says.

John Bessler

Best Black Paint Colors

If you're still stuck on which shade to choose, try one of these expert-approved black paint colors.

Tricorn Black SW 6258, Sherwin-Williams

Wadden notes that Tricorn Black consistently lands in Sherwin-Williams' bestselling paint colors. "It's a striking, true black that sets the tone and modernizes any space," she says. Pair this intense shade with natural textures and greenery for bold contrast. Wadden also suggests trying it on a front door or shutters for a "sophisticated and classic focal point."

Courtesy of Rebecca Hay Designs

Raccoon Fur 2126-20, Benjamin Moore

Hay calls Benjamin Moore's Raccoon Fur her go-to black paint color because of its "soft richness." She often uses this shade in bedrooms and small spaces. "Sometimes it's best to embrace the coziness of a small room, and black causes the space to envelop you," Hay says.

Inkwell SW 6992, Sherwin-Williams

Colorado-based interior designer Laura Umansky of Laura U Design Collective is a fan of the drama of Inkwell by Sherwin-Williams. "I love a room with a lot of contrast and this dark, inky shade pairs well with brighter whites and ivories," she says. Use it as a backdrop to highlight a striking piece of wall decor. "In spaces where you don't need a ton of light for tasks, it can create a cozy and warm space that allows for your favorite piece of art to shine," Umansky says.

Peppercorn SW 7674, Sherwin-Williams

If full black seems a little too intense, opt for a color that verges on dark gray. Detroit-based designer Candace Griffin of Candace Mary Interiors calls Peppercorn "the perfect compromise of a deep gray paint and a black." The classic color brings a moody touch to bedrooms, dining rooms, or powder rooms. Griffin suggests pairing it with contrasting colors such as Snowbound SW 7004 or Alabaster SW 7008.

Things to Know Before Painting Your Walls Black

The right color can change the feel of a space, but there are a few things to keep in mind before working with dark, moody colors. First, take care to prep your walls with good-quality painter's tape—especially around baseboards, window frames, and the ceiling. Even little mistakes will be hard to miss with boldly contrasting colors. Second, know that multiple coats of paint will likely be necessary—even if you use a primer. To achieve a flawless finish, allow each layer to dry completely before adding another layer. Finally, to create a sense of coziness, balance out your newly dark walls with light or neutral furniture and decor and add some plants (faux or real) to give the space vibrancy and life.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I add black to a room without overwhelming it?

  If you like the idea of bold, black paint but don’t want to commit to painting an entire room, choose an accent wall, opt for a black-painted ceiling, or paint the trim black.

• Are black walls hard to paint over?

  No, but don’t skip the primer. When moving from deep, moody colors to light neutrals or white, it’s important to start with a coat of primer. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply several layers of paint. The same can be said for transitioning a wall from white or beige to black, grey, or deep blue. When going darker, a grey or deep-hued primer will give you full coverage with fewer coats.

• Can I use a black-painted wall as a chalkboard?

  You can, but if your wall is porous, it may not erase cleanly. If you would like to use your black wall as a chalkboard, it’s best to use chalkboard paint (not to be confused with chalk paint). It can be applied like regular paint but dries with a hard, matte surface that mimics a classroom chalkboard. You must also condition the painted surface before writing on it the first time. Chalkboard paint costs around $20-$30 for a 30-ounce can and works best on smooth surfaces. If you have a textured wall and want to create a chalkboard effect, you may need to sand the surface smooth before painting.

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Do you want to paint a room all black but are scared and unsure of the result? A year ago we finished our basement and I went with SW Black Magic in our media room. It was a risky choice and way out of my comfort zone. I’m known for painting everything white. If I were going to do it, might as well do it in the basement which is completely separate level of the house and has its own design style. I wanted a mix of modern and vintage for the entire basement space. The media room was going to have two oversized leather sofas and I could just picture a dark, moody, clubby vibe with sconce lighting and all black walls. I think I pulled it off.

There are some things I learned and mistakes I made in the process of painting a room all black and I will share them with you here.

Paint the whole room or just one wall?

I know accent walls are very popular and they have been for a long time, but I personally don’t like them. They scream lack of commitment.

I understanding the thought of painting an entire room a very dark color – especially black – can seem scary and daunting. But painting a single wall will not have the same effect as applying the treatment to the entire room. You have already decided to make a bold statement – go all the way, and you will love the result!

Should I paint the ceiling black?

I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer to this question. It all depends on the mood you are trying to create. A white ceiling will bring more light into the room. A black ceiling, on the other hand, will create drama and a more cozy atmosphere. Think of a dark club or theater room. Speaking of theater or media room, painting a room all black including the ceiling is the perfect setting for watching a movie. No white ceiling to detract from the screen.

What sheen should I pick?

Here’s where I might have made a mistake. I wanted a matte finish which is just one level up from flat. But my painter used a line of paint that doesn’t offer a matte so I ended up with flat. Both matte and flat create a very deep, velvety like effect when used with black paint. It looks absolutely scrumptious! The trouble with flat paint is that it has no tolerance for fingerprints or touchups, and is not wipeable. It is great for a room that will be rarely used and not by kids. And it’s not just an issue with black paint. White paint in flat finish will also have the same problem. It is not good for a high traffic area like a hallway or stairway or kids room. In my case, it’s mostly ok because my kids are older and the room doesn’t get much traffic near the walls. The better choice would have been a satin enamel finish.

Which black paint color should I use?

There are so many popular black shade paint colors in the market. You thought black and white were simple colors until you started looking at paint – they’re not! In my media room, I used Sherwin Williams Black Magic. It is probably one of the blackest black paints on the market. You can tell how dark a color will be from the Light Reflective Value of the color. The higher the LRV, the more light it reflects which means it will be light and airy. The lower the LRV, the less light it reflects, and it will be dark and moody. SW Black Magic LRV is 3.0. By contrast, the LRV for SW Pure White is 84.0. These values are especially useful when comparing similar colors to one another. The LRV number will tell you which one is darker and by how much, relative to the other color. You can use this tool to look up most popular brands paint colors LRV numbers.

My final verdict is that I still love the look of an all black room but I wish I had gone with a satin finish to minimize the appearance of the slightest print or rub against the surface.S

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