The Effect of Black and Black Furniture
Until a few years ago, the use of black in living spaces was considered daring. It quickly reminded people of the dark, large wooden furniture of the colonial era and other past epochs. Now, however, black accents are being deliberately used in living spaces - as furniture, in fittings, as decoration or as an accent color on the wall.
But what effect does the color black have in living spaces?
Here we have to briefly dive into color theory: Black is - just like white - actually not a color, but a so-called non-color. Non-colors are also referred to as neutral colors. They are called this because they are "colorless" and are created by mixing white and black. So gray is also a non-color.
In everyday language, however, we refer to black, white, and gray as colors.In color psychology, black stands for elegance, prosperity, power, and sexuality. Black also reminds us of the urban, so it fits well with urban apartments and contrasts with the bright living spaces in the country in the country house or Scandi style.
So it is a strong color that can also appear mysterious and eccentric. Too much black, on the other hand, can seem threatening and "evil". For this reason alone, the principle in our living spaces is: black should be used with care - both as an accent color and as the color of our furniture.
Black furniture and black accents – what you should consider
Those who bring black furniture – for example, a black metal shelf, an elegant, dark living room table, and a black sideboard – into their living spaces should ensure that the apartment does not resemble a dark cave.
The accents should be chosen consciously and harmonize with the surroundings. A black sideboard in front of a black accent wall – that's too much of a good thing. If black and white alternate instead – for example, if the wall behind the sideboard and the TV on the wall has been painted a light color, it creates an interesting contrast.
It's a different story with the floor: If the furniture is dark and the walls are light, the floor can also be darker. The floor could, for example, be made of dark parquet or gray stone. However, the secret here is also variety: A black floor would be too much. Gray or anthracite, however, are possible.
In this example, the black living room table should not stand on the dark floor, but on a lighter living room carpet. And it can also be the other way around: If the floor is light, a noble, dark carpet in front of the sofa stands out well.
5 Tips for Decorating with Black Furniture
- Black looks noble, but it can also affect the mood.If you are one of the more sensitive people, you should use black in your living spaces very sparingly and instead of black furniture, you should rather focus on noble black metal decor - such as black candle holders, pictures with black frames, and black sculptures or art objects. In the bathroom, black fittings on the sink and in the shower look exclusive and elegant.
- A coherent lighting concept is particularly important when designing your living spaces with black. Black deprives the room of light. Or the black shelf in the corner of the room completely recedes into the background without good lighting and does not come into its own at all. However, you can easily counteract this: with a complementary lamp or light in the corresponding corner. The light bulb is welcome to spread warm white light.In the study, on the other hand, the light may shine cool white.
- Accessories such as candles or even better, a blazing fireplace, bring coziness to elegant rooms with black furniture.
- Black and gold is the perfect combination. Nothing emphasizes elegance as much as small, golden details. These can be the feet of the coffee table or the handles of the cupboard - or golden decorations on black shelf surfaces. But materials such as wood, leather, and glass also complement black furniture. The possibilities are diverse.
- A lighter ambient color ensures that black elements stand out. If the walls are not supposed to be white, then cream, beige or sand colors. You can also paint a wall color as an accent wall black - if you dare.
Which interior design style do black furniture suit?
Black furniture can be a part of various interior design styles. In modern, purist rooms, in urban jungle apartments, in Hygge decor, and in Japandi-style apartments. In lighter interior design styles, black furniture acts as accent pieces - that is, they should be used sparingly.
Black furniture perfectly suits the Loft style. In loft apartments or houses in the Loft style, dark colors may predominate despite black furniture: The black clothes rack might then stand in front of the orange brick wall, the bed is adorned by a black, upholstered headboard, and the floor is made of gray concrete.Black shoe racks, black decorative elements, or even black wall shelves, can often make your interior design look very high quality. Especially our minimalist metal furniture, with its sleek design, does not take up too much space and uniquely enhances your living concept.
But even or especially with this style, a good lighting concept is important. High ceilings, large windows, bright accent colors, soft home textiles, and many small and large light sources then compensate for the predominantly dark furnishings.
Are you magically drawn to black furniture? At
