Europeans became acquainted with black furniture at the beginning of the colonial era, when black lacquered tables and cabinets began to arrive from China. Objects covered with carvings, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ivory, served as decoration for aristocratic houses.
Since then, black furniture has become much more affordable, but still remains a special theme in interior design. In modern design projects, interiors with black furniture are becoming more common. The right approach allows you to create attractive interiors in rooms of any purpose and style.
In the living room with a fireplace Source www.orl-baohns.org
What goes with black?
Black and white furniture harmonizes perfectly with expensive accessories. This color is suitable for any style. The finishing is usually chosen in light shades.
Red-black furniture is a bold choice for lovers of sophistication. White is often added to this tandem to dilute dark colors.
Black-gray furniture is often used by modern designers, adding shades of white, floral prints and paintings.
Read about the combination of colors in the interior in our article -
The need for light
If the interior is decorated in black, it is important to ensure there is enough light. If there is little natural light in the room during the day, lighting equipment will need to be used more often. The use of all types of black requires the proper level of illumination for the difference to be noticeable.
When planning where to install lighting equipment, you will need to consider its presence near the sofa and other furnishings. Not only the overall level of illumination matters, but also the ability to illuminate a separate area so that, for example, it is convenient to read or do other things.
Among the lamps and chandeliers existing today, it is easy to choose the ones suitable for each specific space. You can give preference to traditional chandeliers, floor lamps and sconces, or purchase LED strips or use point light sources. It is necessary to plan installation locations and the number of devices before starting repairs. The ability to partially turn on the equipment or adjust its brightness is important. The more possibilities you provide, the more comfortable you will be in the interior.
What wallpaper is suitable?
The most popular solution is white walls under black furniture.
In second place are pastel shades: beige, gray, green, blue. As a rule, they are plain or with discreet patterns.
For lovers of uniqueness, we will consider other, more daring options.
Dark wallpaper creates a muted atmosphere. Be sure to dilute it with light attributes on the walls, ceiling, and windows.
Striped wallpaper expands the space.
A large floral print will add romance to a dark interior.
Combined wallpapers visually highlight certain areas. For example, a reading corner or a wall above the bed.
Bright colorful wallpaper will lift your spirits. Used in combination with single black furniture. For rooms completely furnished with dark objects, this option will not work.
Photo wallpapers are suitable for any furniture, combining them with light-colored wallpaper.
And here about the latest trends in wallpaper design this year -
Additional decorative elements
The light palette of the carpet comes in handy. Long pile and soft structure. The presence of home textiles in bright colors and a soft blanket will complement the interior. If there is a need to decorate a plain wall surface, then it is best to use vinyl-coated stickers that contrast with the main background.
Over time, they can be easily replaced. Figurines made of metal or ceramics that match the general style, photographs in beautiful frames - all this will add individuality to your personal space.
Black pens
This element is worth talking about separately. Black handles are an elegant element of furniture. Used as an accent on light cabinets, it is the highlight of the overall look of the room. Used in kitchen sets and bedroom chests of drawers.
Can also be used on bright furniture. Also in combination with colored pens.
Black and white kitchen and dining room - so many trends, so many solutions
Do you have an open kitchen? Match her cabinets with the look of the living room. This contrasting arrangement of both spaces will ensure consistency in the layout. In open kitchens, white, sleek cabinets create an impression of cleanliness and order, and the decor can be complemented with a variety of accessories. In addition, if you have a small room, white furniture will decorate and visually enlarge the interior.
Black kitchen furniture is a proposal for the brave - matte, smooth cabinets without handles are especially suitable for a minimalist style. If you choose a wood-look countertop for them, your kitchen furniture will become more comfortable. However, with a countertop that imitates stone or stainless steel, you will also get a truly designer, albeit raw, effect.
White and black can also be used in classic kitchen interiors. If you're more traditional, use white cabinets with stylish fronts and stylized handles. To create a dramatic contrast, paint the walls black, combine white and dark cabinets, or choose black furniture elements (knobs, countertops).
The next area is the dining room. What furniture to choose? If you like a classic style, a white table with elegantly contoured legs and chairs with black upholstery would be a good solution. A Scandinavian dining room goes well with a white table with a simple design and wooden chairs, while a table with a white top and black metal legs will create a modern and minimalist dining room.
A table made of white gloss, with a wide base or bent legs, will be suitable for the glamor style - you should choose elegant chairs with quilted upholstery.
Glossy or matte surface:
Black gloss emphasizes the grace of black furniture, making it look more chic. But there is one drawback: such a surface requires regular maintenance.
The matte surface is less easily soiled, which is a definite plus, especially for the kitchen.
Varieties of shades
For many people, the first impression of black is as follows: it is a boring and monotonous color. This opinion is wrong. There is a difference: matte or glossy surfaces, wood or leather, muted or intense shades.
To prevent the environment from being boring and monotonous, it should have interesting shapes.
Different types of palettes go with different tones. Red, orange and yellow paints are suitable for gloss; a matte surface is best combined with raspberry, ruby, brick and other pastel colors.
Room in black style
In the photo examples we will look at modern styles of black interiors.
Gothic style
High tech
Minimalism
Classic
Modern classic
In the style of Chanel
Lux
Scandinavian
In pop art style
Art Deco
Choose a dark gray color for a softer look
True black can look a little harsh, especially if the lighting in the room isn't quite right, so opt for softer shades of gray in rooms that don't have much light.
The combination of stark black decor and the contrasting soft linen finish of the chairs creates the perfect balance.
Photo of black furniture in the interior
Next, let's take a walk through different rooms and see how you can play with black furniture. The living room uses dark shades more often than others. Because it is large in size.
A bedroom with black furniture usually chooses light textiles. Bedspreads, curtains, carpets are 2-3 shades lighter.
A children's room with black furniture looks playful and carefree. Since there are bright accessories, cheerful wallpaper, colorful textiles.
A hallway with black furniture looks noble and interesting.
A kitchen with black furniture looks rich and elegant, making it unique.
Reflections of gold will add luxury to an already rich kitchen.
Gray is a shade of black. Read about gray kitchens in the interior here.
The bathroom using this color adds a bright spot. For example, red textiles, or fresh flowers.
Apartments furnished with dark furniture are “closed” and a little mystical. To let in the air and smell of freedom, do not forget to dilute the black palette. Then your home will become truly kind and noble.
Advantages and disadvantages
Psychologists say that gloomy tones can suppress internal energy, depress mood and lead to depression. But designers have repeatedly proven the opposite: a certain amount of black in the interior can work wonders and bring elegance, severity, comfort and coziness.
The darkest side of the color spectrum has both advantages in decorating the environment and significant disadvantages. The first are the following positive points:
- Strictness and formality;
- Practicality and functionality;
- Neutrality and independence;
- Sophistication and elegance;
- Creating a mysterious, subdued atmosphere;
- Increasing the brightness of neighboring shades;
- Giving contrast to the interior;
- Balance and versatility of color;
- Correlation with most household appliances: TVs, stoves, kitchen panels, computers;
- Symbol of classic and office formal style
However, we should not forget about the disadvantages that appear when a room is overloaded with blackness, even in strong lighting: overwhelming atmosphere, visual reduction of space, inducing feelings of fear and alienation, gloominess, formality and meagerness.