Mysterious and ethereal, black stands apart from all other colours on the spectrum. In the world of interiors, black is a defining colour that can be used to punctuate a lighter scheme or dominate an all-over look. Although, at first this colour may feel a little overwhelming, there is no need to be intimidated when using black in your home as any black house interior is guaranteed to create an impact.

All in the Detail: Use Black Paint on Skirting Boards

If you’re looking to introduce black into your home decor, begin by painting the woodwork. Skirting boards painted in ‘Jack Black’ will define the edges of a room and create a visual break between the floor and the wall. Continue this colour onto the door frames and your eye will follow the line around the room, creating a sense of cohesion – especially striking in hallways, staircases and open plan spaces.

Think Big: Create Entirely Black Walls

Painting an all-over scheme using black will instantly create drama and a sense of intimacy. Shaded corners will become undefined and shadows will be exaggerated. You can either create this look in rooms with plenty of natural light or in smaller spaces to create a cocooning, cosy feel.

When using darker shades, use Absolute Matt Emulsion, which has a flat sheen of just 2%. Break up the intensity of the colour with contrasting white furniture for a sophisticated monochrome scheme and add flashes of a third contrasting colour to further enhance the personality of the room.

Dark and Defined: Use Wallpaper Alongside Black Paint

Whether you’re using a delicate floral pattern, geometric designs, large scale botanicals or stripes, adding black paint to finish the scheme will elevate your wallpaper design. Traditional, archive wallpaper designs found in stately homes can be paired with black for a contemporary finish. Pair Darwin – Serein , Vine - Bleu or Tailor Stripe – Bakerloo with Lamp Black 228 in a chic bedroom or dining room scheme.

Floor Story: Paint Floors Black for a Bold Contrast

For an effortless, failsafe way to introduce black paint into your home design, look no further than the floor. Paint sanded floorboards in Jack Black 119 Intelligent Floor Paint, which is extremely hard-wearing and water-based. Paint walls in Slaked Lime Deep 150 for contrast. Alternatively, pair patterned floors with Lamp Black 228 skirting boards to give the illusion of space in smaller rooms.

Bathroom Black: Use Black Paint for Luxurious Bathroom Schemes

Create a striking bathroom scheme by using Jack Black 119 alongside white baths, basins and window frames painted in Shirting 129. This monochromatic, white and black interior design will provide a visual surprise in homes that are predominantly lighter throughout. For traditional bathrooms, paint woodwork and recesses in Jack Black 119. Team with black freestanding bathroom cabinetry and a stand-out painted bath.

Black Companions: Complementary Colours for Black Interiors

To soften the sweetness of a pink scheme, pair the dark Lamp Black 228 on cabinets and dressers with Confetti 724 on the walls in kitchens. The pink warms the black and the black prevents the pink from becoming too sugary.

Black Alternatives: Black Interior Design without Black Paint

For an alternative to black, consider Pompeian Ash 293: a National Trust colour, which was used in Ickworth House in Suffolk. It is a dark grey-green colour with a sense of heritage and refinement, seen here alongside Lute 317 and Slaked Lime 105. For another option, look to Chocolate Colour 124: a deep, rich edible brown shade, ideal for wooden panelling in reading rooms and sophisticated spaces.

Embrace darker shades, especially in rooms where warmth is an important factor. Deep, inky tones like 'Basalt' work well in an all-over scheme. Use on every wall for a wrap-around feel that exudes cosiness.

Take It Outside: Black Exterior Paint

Black interior design needn’t be restricted to interiors alone. Black adds a contemporary touch to gardens and provides a backdrop on which to exhibit highlights of floral colour and emphasise the lushness of green foliage. Paint garden buildings, sheds and fences in Lamp Black 228. Or pick out architectural details and furniture in black paint to punctuate softer schemes.

Explore our range of black interior paint