Black is an underrated colour in the world of interior design, often blamed because of the atrocities of the 1980s duo of chrome and black. Good news though: black doesn't have to make a space look like a retro bachelor pad delight. Instead, it can be a great base to design a room with if it's used with care and balance. Here’s how you can create a great-looking living room with a black base.
A Black Sofa as a Decorating Base
Using the sofa or couch as a black base is a great way to start decorating the room. This works best in a more open room; a smaller and more enclosed room will feel small and dark with large pieces of dark furniture. Natural light will also work in the room's favour to keep it from feeling too much like a cave. Designers agree that if the couch is going to be black, it's best to avoid too much other dark furniture to keep it balanced and fresh. Aim for wall colors that complement the black: cream, grey, and even delicate shades of green are great colours to use with black. If the sofa happens to be particularly large, a more gently coloured rug positioned under the furniture will create a pleasing division and draw the eye away from the dark black of the sofa.
What to Do if the Room is Small
Decorating a small living room with a black base can be a bit more challenging. Small spaces need bright colours to make them feel more expansive, and too much black can definitely make the smaller spaces feel more drawn if the room is filled with dark furniture. Thankfully, the old notion of dark walls making a room feel enclosed no longer holds true in current design. Interior designers agree that darker coloured walls make the room's lines disappear, making it feel larger. However, this doesn't mean a room should be painted black! A light brown or dark grey paint will melt the room together so it doesn't feel choppy. As for furniture, small pieces in bold blacks make it feel more cohesive and bold. A large black-framed mirror, for example, will add space while giving the room a chic elegance. Black end tables, a dark buffet, or even a large rug with black accents are just enough to make the room feel elegant and chic.
Be Dramatic with a Dark Floor
When black furniture or accessories just seem like too much, a sleek dark floor is the perfect black base to any room. Light coloured walls will make the floor pop and increase the visual size of the living room. Wainscoting is a unique way to create two visual focal points without bringing more dark colours into the room. If the end result is supposed to be neutral, homeowners should stick with matching furniture pieces that blend in with the floor. If you want to create a brighter room with a black floor, you can keep the space bright and sunny with lightly shaded wood furniture.
Integrating black accents is the perfect way to add simple elegance to your living room without spending a fortune. Beautiful dark wood floors or classic black furniture are everything a room needs to become a tasteful retreat. By following these simple design tips, you can turn your black-based room into a masterpiece.