One of the most effective ways to add a sense of drama to the home is by incorporating the colour black. And using black paint is the most affordable way to do just that! Play it safe with a black painted door OR go bold and embrace black walls!
Going black on the walls is a trick designers use because it makes a big statement… without spending big! Come and be inspired as we share 3 zones of the home where black walls work effortlessly — the bedroom, dining room and living room.
Related article: Inspiration gallery: VJ panel living room walls
Related article: Design inspo: Beautiful black kitchens
Black walls — in the living room
The first zone of the home where black walls look right at home is in your living room.
Be bold and embrace it on all 4 walls to create a powerful statement or dip your toe in with just a feature wall or two. Yes, we know many designers are saying feature walls are out but they still serve a purpose and work particularly well when you mix up the material. For example, a living room with one timber panel wall or brick wall painted black and the other walls of plaster kept white or another neutral shade.
Here are some stunning living rooms with black walls you’re bound to fall for.
Modern traditional
This home is the perfect example of traditional (intricate mouldings and that sofa) vs modern (everything else you can see in the space!). It’s absolutely divine and we can’t get enough!
Sleek and downright sexy
If ever a room could be described as sexy… this would be it. This black on black statement home from Biasol is elegant, sophisticated and sleek as anything. See the full home tour here.
Panel me black
Black panelled feature walls are not something that immediately springs to mind, but we are here for it! It makes a statement and the panelling pairs it back, adding texture and interest.
Liven up black with plants
There’s no denying black walls are bold. But they also don’t have to dominate a space, as shown here in DIY Shelley’s living room. She softens the space with light sheer curtains, natural accents and plenty of greenery.
Indoor plants are a favourite of ours, as they breathe life into a space (literally!) and a pop of greenery. Check out this article on the top 10 trending indoor plants and our indoor plant care tips here.
Painted brick
We love a bit of exposed brick, but sometimes it needs a lick of paint to bring it back to life. Using a black feature wall at the end of a room, tricks the eye into seeing the space as longer than it is as black recedes. The black joinery on either side of the room ties the space together.
Beach vibes
When we envision beach vibes, we immediately think white or shades of blue or green. But let’s flip that on its head, because who says beachy can’t be black?!
The exposed beams, sheer curtains, natural fibres and touch of rattan… this room oozes coastal with being cliche.
If you lust after panelled feature walls, be sure to check out this article where the inspo keeps on coming!
Black walls — in the bedroom
The next zone of the home where we’re advocates for using black is in the bedroom. It’s a fab way to dial up the luxe vibes and instantly creates a moody space you want to retreat to. Let’s get inspired!
Hotel luxe
Did you catch the bedroom makeover Gina recently gave one of her friends? She created a custom square panel feature wall and painted it in a warm black (‘Black Felt’ by Dulux) to create a sophisticated and inviting feel.
Sophisticated style
Doesn’t this space just make you want to sink into bed and relax?! As well as black walls, black has also been used around the ceiling detail to provide extra emphasis and draw your eye upwards.
Minimalist style
This master bedroom, as seen in the birdcage home, uses black on all 4 walls and the ceiling! Surrounded by a view amongst the treetops and that fabulous birdcage-inspired balcony, the spaces speak for themselves.
Black woodgrain walls
It’s subtle, but you can just notice the wood texture coming through these black bedroom walls. It pairs perfectly with the laid-back linen bedding and egg-shaped side table.
Make it masculine
Pairing black walls with a mix of textures like tartan, leather and wood, effortlessly achieves a masculine aesthetic. The black accents in the cushion, occasional chair and bedside lamp creates cohesion in the space.
For more masculine bedroom inspiration, check out this bedroom before and after makeover.
Boho bedroom
Taking things a little boho now, with this gorgeous bedroom featuring a black panel ledge wall. We’re not usually ones for feature walls, but here where the material has been switched up, it just works.
Match their mood
Teenagers are moody… it’s just how they’re wired. So why not match their bedroom to their mood — makes sense, right?! This teen boy bedroom does just that, styled to perfection by Liberty Interiors.
Black walls — in the dining room
The final zone of the home where you can’t go wrong with black walls is the dining room. Get inspired to dine in style with these beautiful black walled dining rooms.
Archway goals
Arches are certainly having a moment in design right now and while they are generally painted white, check out this dining room to see how painting them black adds impact with the way different shadows are cast! It perfectly frames the tiled splashback feature beyond.
Intimate dining room
Nowadays dining rooms are generally part of a larger open plan area but if yours is a separate room like this one, why not embrace it by painting all the walls and ceiling black! Paired with metallic accents, herringbone floor and statement lighting, this dining room puts a whole new spin on elegance.
Scandi sleek
To create a Scandi-style dining room, you may think it’s best to keep things light and airy. This black feature wall proves dark colours can still feel Scandi, just stick to natural materials and minimalist styling.
Flip tradition on its head
A classic way to add style and character in any dining room is with a half-wall of panelling or wainscoating. What’s unique about this space, is the wall panelling is kept traditional and white, and the rest of the wall and ceiling have been painted in feature black.
It’s a different spin on what would otherwise have been a very traditional looking dining space. Clever. Simple. Gorgeous.
Eclectic and vintage
We added this dining room to the mix to show the versatility of black paint. By now you’ve seen it works beautifully in sleek and modern homes, coastal homes, period homes, and yes, even eclectic homes too!
Our fave black paints
Now that you’re sold on the look of black walls, let’s talk colour. Just as there’s no such thing as ‘white paint’ the same rings true for black paint. Some blacks throw more blue or green tones, while others appear more grey.
To help you pick the perfect black paint for your home, here are some of our favourite black paints.
- British Paints — Colorbond® Night Sky®
- Dulux — Domino
- Dulux — Black Felt (Gina used this shade in a recent master bedroom makeover)
- Haymes — Black Hills
- Taubmans — All Black
- Taubmans — Black Fox
So what did you think of our inspiration gallery on black feature walls? Which was your favourite zone? The bedroom, dining or living room? And has it given you the courage to give black paint a go? Tell us in the comment section below!
More interior inspo here
This article was first published in March 2021 and has been updated with new information and images.
Good evening!
Ms. Gina, my husband and I love the Sophisicated Style look, especially because our bedroom ceiling is built exactly the same. We’d like to replicate, we are in the middle of painting our home. What is your recommended black paint for this look please? Thank you!
Hi Kiki, love that! Picking the right black paint is much like picking the right white paint and depends on a few things, such as how much natural light your room has and whether it is north or south facing. For example, south facing rooms tends to throw a bluish tinge so you would need to neutralise this with a paint colour that has warmer undertones.
A few black paints that have the same ‘blackness’ as the picture that you could get sample pots or swatches of to test in your room are:
– Haymes ‘Enigma’
– Dulux ‘Klavier’ or ‘Black’
– Benjamin Moore ‘Wrought Iron’
Hope this helps 🙂