10 Black Living Room Ideas That Make a Moody Statement

Create a bold look with black paint, furniture, and decor.

Black is a fashion staple, but can it work in a living room? If these black living room ideas are any indication, the answer is yes. No matter your preferred design style, adding a touch of black is a surefire way to turn your living room into the focal point of the home.

Despite the myth that dark colors visually shrink a space, black walls and accents can actually recede into a space to make it feel larger. What's more—just as with clothing—black a classic neutral that evokes elegance and will never go out of style. So, if you’re looking to incorporate darker hues into your home but aren't sure where to start, these black living room ideas should inspire you to take the leap.

Related: Decorating with Bold Colors

Black and White Living Room

This black living room idea capitalizes on the fact that opposites attract. In this monochromatic space, black window frames and an oversized black bookcase pop against bright white walls, while a white ceiling helps balance out dark floors. Play with accessories, such as black-trimmed Roman shades, a duckbill pendant light, and patterned vases, when creating contrast in a black living room.

Related: 8 Designer-Approved Ways to Decorate with Black

Black with Jewel Tones

Create a glam living room by pairing black walls with rich jewel-tone accessories. Jewel tones are highly saturated and bring a lot of depth to a space—especially when paired with black. An emerald loveseat, sapphire flooring, and bursts of ruby accessories all stand out against dark walls, which help ground the space.

Related: How to Decorate with Jewel-Tones for a Bold, Gorgeous Home

Black and Gold Color Scheme

There’s a reason that the combination of matte black and gold is so alluring: It’s chic, timeless, and gives an air of opulence. Pair black walls with metallic accents, such as an end table, wall art, and a geometric pendant light. Bring softness into the space through gold velvet armchairs and throw pillows. Add drama with floor-to-ceiling curtains. To make the room feel extra luxurious, install picture frame molding on the walls before painting them with high-gloss black paint.

Related: What Colors Go with Gold? How to Decorate with the Warm Metallic

Black Ceiling

Love the idea of a black living room, but not ready to fully commit? Look up. A black ceiling is a subtle yet strong design choice. Neutral walls and floors help tone down the look, while paneled curtains and sky-high mirrors draw the eye upwards. Lucite accents and soft blush tones bring a feminine feel that balances out the bold, black ceiling.

Related: How a Statement Ceiling Can Breathe New Life into Your Space

Traditional Style

Black is a classic neutral. In this formal sitting room, the books, art, and collected treasures are showcased by bookcases painted in rich black paint. The color creates a focal point and provides a solid backdrop for both furniture and décor. Vertical shiplap behind the shelves adds even more depth to the space. Meanwhile, minimalist furniture pieces and a barely-there animal-hide area rug keep the rest of the room simple.

Related: 27 Neutral Paint Colors and Tips from Experts On How to Use Them

Chalkboard Aesthetic

Bring out your inner child with a black-and-white chalkboard-inspired design. This black living room idea comes to life with a white chalk-like pattern painted over black chalkboard paint. It's a simple enough pattern to recreate, or you could design one all your own. Stick to one accent wall to avoid overwhelming the space, but paint the rest of the walls in the same solid shade. No art skills? Consider using black patterned wallpaper to create a similar statement. Then, extend the black and white motif across the room with a striped accent rug and matching couch pillows.

Related: 17 Easy Ideas for Chalkboard Paint Projects in the Home

Unexpected Combination

Black alone isn’t boring, but you can spice the neutral hue up even more by sprinkling unexpected colors across a moody space. For example, this black living room idea relies upon a moss-green sofa, rust-red rug, and animal-print armchairs against solid charcoal walls to create an eclectic look. A mix of plants and flowers adds a warm touch and keeps the dark hues from overwhelming the space.

Related: What Colors Go with Black? 15 Sophisticated Combinations to Try

Black Living Room Accents

To make a statement without creating a dark cave, layer color throughout a black living room. Start with matte black walls as the base, then start building layers. Add a few more black accent pieces, such as this gorgeous glass-paneled armoire and pair of unique table lamps. Then counter the dark elements by sprinkling a few bright colorful accents throughout the room.

Rustic Design

When you think of a rustic cottage, you might picture shades of beige and brown. Instead, consider modernizing the look by pairing black paint with brown furniture and accents. Here, black walls, bookcases, and window trim provide the backdrop to let furniture and accessories in muted, natural hues shine. Leather cognac armchairs, a distressed coffee table, and an espresso pendant light bring additional warmth to the space.

Related: 24 Rustic Living Room Ideas for a Cozy Retreat

Refined Living Room

An all-black living room exudes sophistication. For a formal living room or study, choose black paint that has a hint of brown to mellow it out. Lay down a light-colored area rug to soften dark floors, and opt for a tan ceiling for balance. Leather chairs, mahogany tables, and a marble fireplace create a smart yet soothing atmosphere.

Related: How to Choose the Perfect Area Rug for Your Room

Whether it shows up on a wall, a sofa, or a bookshelf, black is a striking décor choice—and, surprisingly enough, it doesn't always make a space feel gloomy and gothic. Depending on how you use it, the deep neutral can look sophisticated, glamorous, rustic, elegant, or even whimsical. The key is to strike a balance by using contrasting colors and by mixing up your textures. Pair plush velvet fabrics with sleek finishes. Try pairing soft blush hues with inky black, Mix mossy greens with deep, brownish-blacks. Above all, when designing a central gathering space, make sure there is plenty of light—natural or not—to keep your black living room welcoming, warm, and full of life.

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