Even when used individually, black or gold helps create interest, add subtlety, and produce contrast. So, it’s easy to understand why humankind would eventually combine these two colors, leading to the beginning of an incredible trend.
17 Brilliant Colors To Pair With Black in Your Home
Anna is a New York City-based writer and editor with a penchant for interior design, travel, and florals.
updated Sep 14, 2023
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When it comes to pairing colors together in your home, few hues have the power to command attention and complement a variety of hues like black. Unlike white, which tends to temper bolder shades, even just a touch of black will tie together any room and make your space really sing, whether you’re redesigning an airy bedroom or a cozy bathroom.
Choosing a color that goes with black starts with knowing which shade of black you are using (yes, there are lots!). Black can fall on both the warm and cool ends of the color spectrum, depending on its undertones. While the color is best complemented with deep contrast, there are several exceptions to help you create a room full of visual interest and a bit of drama to suit anyone’s design preferences. Read on to discover the editor-approved colors that pair well with black and how to use them in a design-centric way.
Tips for Pairing Colors with Black
- Pair with lighter hues for a soothing effect: Muted neutrals like whites, beiges, or earth tones help balance out black for a calmer, cozier space.
- Pair with brighter colors for extra emphasis: On the other hand, black allows bold, vibrant palettes or jewel tones to pop even more.
- Be mindful of different shades: Just like white paints can lean warm, cool, or neutral, black also has plenty of variety — from gray-leaning charcoals and graphites to colors with subtle blue or brown tints.
- Get creative: Because of its versatility and timelessness, black can realistically style well with just about any color.
Credit: Minette Hand
Black and Burgundy: Rich and Regal
Attorney and content creator Blake Gifford doesn’t shy away from black in her small-but-chic Chicago rental. Here, she pairs black printed wallpaper and a monochromatic marble table with velvet burgundy dining chairs for a timeless, elegant, and unique kitchen nook.
Credit: Dusan Vuksanovic
1. Emerald Green
Black is a universal color that looks good when you pair it with most shades, and one such color is emerald green.
Most people prefer painting black walls with a hint of metallic gold, which may suggest elegance. However, if you want to stand out, we recommend pairing it with a splash of emerald green.
This will transform your room from something gorgeous to eye-catching. If you are still unsure, try to imagine a green backdrop with a black couch and gold accents.
Now that’s a color combination that demands attention, wouldn’t you agree?
2. Brown
Brown is perfect for complementing gold and black, enhancing their appeal without grabbing too much attention. Although it may not be the most obvious option, you can add brown to create a vibrant bedroom décor.
In some cases, people tend to use these three hues to make their furniture pop, but we are thinking more along the lines of interior décor. For instance, chocolate brown may be the most suitable option if you want to create a deep tan effect.
3. Bright Red
What better way to leave your mark on guests than by pairing gold accents with poppy red that’s complete with a black border? In fact, you can find this color scheme in modern houses with slight variations like rose gold and metallic gold, adorning the door or window frames.
Additionally, you can use gold sparkles (a bright yellowish shade that glitters) with a dark red hue, or black paint with bright red shades. That said, don’t get too carried away because none of these are neutral colors; everything in moderation is the key.
