You may think it sets a heavy, dark or even funereal mood to a room.   If that’s the case, you should think of it from a different angle. Consider that over time, some cultures have thought of black as a positive force representing life and rebirth – dark as the fertile soil.   And if you look at its power from a more contemporary angle, black is the color to say “sophisticated.” It says the same thing about a room.

Using Black: When and Where

When you start a room design, flooring is a good place to contemplate using black. An elegant and traditional choice utilizes black marble or granite to set off tall white baseboard moldings. You can create a dramatic entrance to your home (and parties) with a black stone entrance and white trim and columns.   Another option in older homes is painting the floor black with white border stencils.   This can be a beautiful as well as easily maintainable look.   If you prefer to use black as an accent, try white ceramic tiles with a black border, or as in the classic Victorian style, tiles laid in an alternating black and white diamond pattern.   This same affect can be done on a budget using alternating vinyl tiles as seen on your favorite 1950’s TV show.

In contemporary design, neutrals, black, and white are often the main colors used in a room – and punched up and accented with a bright color. Black is often used on a large scale to ground and define the room, such as with the floor. Walls are then painted a basic neutral providing a backdrop for black furnishings and bright colored accessories or modern artwork. Note, if the walls and windows are painted in pastels, the trims should be neutral. If a wall is a bright, bold color, neutrals should be used everywhere else.   To create a surprise of sophistication, try making a black accent wall and displaying contemporary with a splash of bright primary colors. If you’re feeling daring, try pastoral or realism art.

Believe it or not, black can be used in a more traditional or country style setting. To make it work, consider pairing black and white toile fabric with gingham checks on chair covers, tablecloths, and pillows. Other suggestions include hanging a collection of black metal trays on a white dining room wall, black and white borders for picture matting, or black and white ticking stripes for a bed skirt. Accent pieces of black iron are very popular and easy to find – from black metal table base with glass top to black iron candlesticks and light fixtures in a dining room. Black iron bookends in family room or home office can also add oomph to an interior.

Make it Seasonal

In every day decorating, you’ll find using black can be easy because it matches virtually everything. Use reds, yellows and perhaps a bright lime green in the summer as an accent. During fall or winter, try a darker red.

As to which black to use? You have a huge selection. Benjamin Moore offers 32 shades of black -- from black berry all the way to midnight black.   The choices and combinations are endless.

So remember when decorating a room, don’t be afraid to use black.   It adds a touch of sophistication and timelessness and can help you make a bold and memorable statement.