Blackout: Using black in your home

Black won’t work for everyone, but if you have the right space for it, it can be anything but dark and gloomy.

It’s not all black

Just as the feathers on a male bowerbird appear blue in sunlight, black comes in many hues and you can use that to add effect. Remember also that high gloss will reflect light brilliantly, whereas a matt finish will be more subdued.

Black can be used to introduce panache into a drab bedroom, as a contrast, or to make a spacious room more intimate.

Black walls

If the room has plenty of natural light coming in, particularly onto the wall that you’re painting, black can look stunning. Go bold with furniture and décor; you’ll find that the dark background makes bright colours ‘sing’.

• Use a black wall to serve as the perfect backdrop if you have a lot of artwork you want to display.
• Alternatively, nail some timber strips across the wall to mimic the look of panelling. When it’s painted, the panelling will add texture and dimension.
• Paint one wall at the end of a narrow or small room black to make the room appear longer.
• Dark walls in a bedroom can be used to create a sense of intimacy. Balance them with lighter hues in the bedding and splashes of colour in bedside tables, lamps and artwork.

Add accent

Black can be effectively used as an accent colour to highlight doors, windows, ornamental architraves or other architectural features of your home.

A lofty ceiling will appear closer when painted in a dark colour, allowing intimacy without sacrificing height. So if you have a room with a high ceiling and tall windows that offer a lot of light, try painting the ceiling black, with perhaps a lighter tone on the walls.

Black tiles

Gleaming black tiles with matched grouting can make an unexpected statement in a bathroom. Add a chandelier and glass accessories to enhance the reflections and a bright green fern for colour and texture.

Consider high-gloss black tiles or a black splashback in your kitchen for an ultra-modern effect. They will look stunning with stainless steel appliances and marble benchtops.

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It can take some nerve to shun the traditionally safe white walls that most homeowners choose. If you’re still not sure, try a section with black wallpaper and see how you feel after a few weeks.