Essential Tips for Painting a Room Black: Embrace the Dark Side of Home Decor

Let’s talk black paint!

Once we had the keys in our hands for our newly purchased home, we decided it was time for some updating—starting with all new paint. All that I could think about was adding black paint somewhere, even if just one room! I don't know why, but the allure of black walls kept calling to me.

Everyone around me warned that painting the walls black would make the rooms too dark and uninviting. I trusted my gut, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Yes, you read that correctly—black! Despite the naysayers, I went ahead with my bold vision, and it transformed our home into a chic, sophisticated haven. So, if you are thinking of a room transformation with black paint, then you have come to the right blog!! Read on for helpful tips for painting your space black.

Note: I have to give credit where credit is due, The Decorating Center in Hazard, Kentucky, painted the interior of our Home. They did amazing work and helped to guide us through the entire process from picking wall paint, sheen, to all things paint!

Painting these walls black gave our “Kentucky” Horse, Bourbon, and Wine room a cozy and sophisticated feel. One of our favorite rooms!

Why Black Paint In Your Home?

Black is a color often associated with sophistication, elegance, and modernity. It can create a dramatic and stylish ambiance that few other colors can match. But choosing the right sheen and complementing it with the perfect accents are key to making a black room work.

Shades of Black: Finding the Perfect Hue for Your Space

One of the most unanticipated discoveries in my journey to paint a room black was realizing that black isn't just black. There are countless shades and hues of black, each with its own unique undertone and characteristic. From deep, inky blacks to softer, charcoal tones, the options are endless. I eventually found this to be true with all colors!

Exploring the Shades

When considering black paint, it's essential to understand that not all blacks are created equal. Some blacks have warm undertones, like hints of brown or red, while others have cool undertones, like shades of blue or green. Choosing the right shade for your space can make a significant difference in the overall feel of the room.

Get Samples and Test on the Wall

To find the perfect shade of black for your space, I highly recommend getting paint samples and testing them on your walls. Paint small sections in different areas of the room to see how the color looks in various lighting conditions. This step is crucial because black can appear very different depending on the lighting and the surrounding décor. You can find peel and stick paint samples that make it easy to compare various shades and make for easy removal. However, I personally like to do it the old-fashioned way… paint it on the wall and see what it looks like. The stick-on samples just aren’t the same in my opinion.

Lighting Matters

Lighting plays a significant role in how black paint appears on your walls. Natural light, artificial light, and the direction your room faces can all impact the perception of the color. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Natural Light: Black walls can look stunning in rooms with plenty of natural light. The light helps to balance the darkness and can make the room feel inviting rather than cave-like.

• Artificial Light: In rooms with limited natural light, you can use artificial lighting to enhance the space. Consider using warm-toned bulbs to add coziness or cool-toned bulbs for a modern, sleek look.

• Accent Lighting: Highlighting specific areas with accent lighting can create focal points and add depth to the room. Think about using wall sconces, floor lamps, or even LED strips to emphasize architectural features or artwork.

The dining room lighting enhances the elegance of our black walls, creating a sophisticated ambiance.

Choosing the Right Sheen Of Black Paint

When it comes to painting a room black, the sheen you choose can make a significant difference. Here are a few options to consider:

• Matte Finish: A matte finish offers a deep, velvety appearance that absorbs light, making the color look rich and luxurious. It's excellent for creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. However, it can show scuffs and fingerprints more easily, so it's best for low-traffic areas or rooms where you can maintain it regularly.

• Eggshell Finish: Eggshell has a slight sheen that adds a touch of softness and elegance to the walls. It's more durable than matte and easier to clean, making it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas.

• Satin Finish: Satin finish has a subtle sheen that reflects light, adding a bit of brightness to the room. It's durable and easy to clean, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and family rooms.

• Glossy Finish: A glossy finish can create a striking, contemporary look by reflecting light and adding a mirror-like effect to the walls. It can make a room feel more expansive and is highly durable, but it also highlights imperfections on the walls. It's ideal for accents or feature walls rather than entire rooms.

My Choice: Tricorn Black SW 6258

After testing several samples and considering the lighting in the room, I ultimately chose Tricorn Black SW 6258 (Flat Sheen) from Sherwin-Williams. Its neutral undertones and deep, rich color were exactly what I envisioned. It complements the white trim beautifully, creating a striking contrast that adds sophistication and elegance to the space. (note: Sherwin-Williams is not sponsoring this article in any way, we just love the quality of their paint)

Painting a room black can be a bold and rewarding decision. By exploring different shades, testing samples, choosing the right sheen, and paying attention to lighting, you can find the perfect hue that reflects your style and transforms your space into a chic haven.

Complementing with White Trim

To balance the darkness of black walls, I opted for crisp white trim. The contrast between the black walls and white trim creates a striking visual effect that adds depth and dimension to the room. It helps highlight architectural features and makes the black look even more sophisticated. We used Sherwin Williams semi-gloss white trim paint for our house.

The white on the trim, columns, and wainscoting in our dining room really pops against the black walls!!

Trusting My Gut

Despite the naysayers, I trusted my instincts and went for the black walls. The result? A stunning, stylish room that feels both modern and cozy. It's a space that truly reflects my personality and taste, and I couldn't be happier that I followed my heart.

If you're considering painting a room black, I encourage you to take the leap. Choose the right sheen, complement it with the perfect accents, and trust your instincts. You'll be amazed at how transformative and beautiful a black room can be. At the end of the day, if you don’t like it….it’s just paint.

Happy painting!