Black is a bold, dramatic color that can transform any living room into a striking and sophisticated space.
While some may shy away from using black in a living room for fear it will make the space feel dark and gloomy, black can actually create a moody yet inviting atmosphere when used thoughtfully.
With the right balance of colors, textures, lighting and furnishings, black can elevate your living room to new stylish heights.
So read on for gorgeous black living room inspiration!
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Black Accent Wall
Nothing makes a statement in a living room quite like a black accent wall.
It serves as a bold, dramatic backdrop against which you can layer other colors and textures.
Flanking a black accent wall with white trim really makes it pop.
Choose a matte black paint with a subtle sheen to prevent the wall from looking flat and boring.
If you aren’t ready to paint a whole wall black, consider a black paneled accent wall, architectural feature wall, or patterned wallpaper in black and white.
When designing the rest of the room, balance out the dark wall with lighter furniture, decor items, and accessories.
White, natural wood tones and metallics work beautifully against a black wall.
The key is to keep the rest of the scheme neutral and subdued so the accent wall can take center stage.
A black accent wall works wonderfully in contemporary, modern and transitional living rooms.
Make the look cohesive by repeating black accents throughout the space.
Black Sofa or Armchairs
Bring in a black leather or velvet sofa or pair of armchairs to create a luxe, glamorous vibe in your living room.
Black leather sofas and chairs add a sexy, sleek look that is right at home in modern and contemporary spaces.
Or embrace the dark romanticism of a black velvet sofa, which feels decadent and seductive.
If the rest of your furniture and decor scheme is pared down to neutrals and wood tones, the black sofa or chairs will really stand out as a stunning focal point while still blending in.
Consider a black sofa with chrome legs or glass coffee table for a ultra contemporary ensemble.
Place black seating against a soft neutral wall or rug to keep the darkness from overpowering the room.
Incorporating metallic throws, cushions and accessories adds a glitzy twist.
Black sofas and chairs make a stylish statement in an eclectic space too.
Gallery Wall with Black & White Art
Nothing jazzes up a blank living room wall quite like an artfully arranged gallery wall.
For a contemporary twist, opt for a mix of black and white art prints and photography.
Stick to a black, white and gray color scheme when selecting frames to tie the look together.
Incorporate some rectangular frames along with round, oval and uniquely shaped ones for visual interest.
Hang the gallery wall above a black sofa or pair of chairs to complement each other.
You can also balance out the gallery wall with wood furnishings and greenery.
When styling your black and white gallery wall, play around with asymmetric arrangements for a dynamic look.
Mix in some metallics by including silvery frames or sculptural wall decor.
The graphic punch of black and white art makes a chic, modern statement in both minimalist and eclectic living rooms.
Black and White Abstract Rug
Anchor your black and white living room scheme with an eye-catching abstract area rug.
A graphic black and white rug adds an artistic element along with visual contrast.
Choose a rug with asymmetrical patterns and shapely designs formaximum impact.
Pair the abstract rug with a black couch or accent chairs to tie the whole look together.
For a cohesive feel, pick up some of the black and white tones in the rug and echo them throughout the living room in your throw pillows, curtains, artwork and accessories.
A bold abstract rug in black and white breaks up all the neutral soft furnishings.
Place it in a central living room area like under the coffee table or conversation area.
The high contrast colors and shapes make a strong style statement in any contemporary space.
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Black Shelving or Media Unit
Incorporate sleek black shelving or a media unit to ground your living room with a neutral anchoring element.
This allows you to get more adventurous with brighter colors, patterns and textures in the surrounding furnishings.
Plus, black shelving or media cabinets have a modern, streamlined look.
Try open shelves in black finished wood or metal for an airy, minimalist feel.
For media storage, look for a low profile media console table in black.
Choose one with simple lines that doesn’t detract from the rest of the living room furnishings.
Add baskets, decor items and greenery to the shelves to soften up the dark color.
Flank a black media unit with lighter toned armchairs or a couch to create contrast.
The dark shelving brings polish to a bohemian or eclectic space while complementing a contemporary minimalist living room.
Black Coffee or Side Tables
Bring in black-stained side tables or a coffee table to create an elegant base for your living room furnishings.
Black lacquered coffee tables feel sleek and blend into the background, letting your rugs, sofa and armchairs shine.
A black marble or wood coffee table makes a glamorous statement.
For side tables, look for dainty black metal tables with slim legs or circular tables with curved silhouettes.
Incorporate black tables into a neutral colored living room to add contrast and dimension.
Place them next to white, beige or gray seating.
The darker tables will beautifully anchor all the lighter furnishings.
Feel free to mix up the styles too – try pairing a midcentury black side table with a modern couch for an eclectic spin.
Vintage Black and White Photography
For a dose of nostalgic charm in your black and white living room, incorporate some vintage monochromatic photography.
Check flea markets, antique stores and online auctions for one-of-a-kind finds
Good options include black and white landscape photos, Parisian street scenes, close-up portraits, and old black and white family photos.
Group several vintage photos together on a sideboard or console table to create a unique display.
You can also collage vintage black and white photos on a wall for artistic impact.
Arrange them asymmetrically and hang at different heights for interest.
Add a touch of luxe glam by opting for black and white photographs with Art Deco flair.
The nostalgic feel of vintage photography effortlessly enhances a black living room interior.
Gothic Black Decor
Channel moody, gothic style in your living room through the strategic use of black decor.
Opt for a black candelabra as a striking centerpiece on your coffee table or console.
Place it alongside books stacked high for an atmospheric vignette.
Hang a large black ornate mirror on the wall to reflect light and make the room feel brighter.
Adorn side tables with black metal lanterns and different candlestick holders.
Check thrift stores and flea markets for unique black Gothic finds at bargain prices.
Paint a dainty black side table or chair matte black for a custom look.
Layer in dark colored throws and pillows in deep jewel tones like emerald, sapphire and amethyst.
The mix of black decor with regal details creates a lush, romantic environment no matter your home’s style.
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Black Geometric Area Rug
Make a graphic statement in your living room with a black and white geometric area rug.
Look for an area rug with angular shapes and linear patterns.
Black and white geometric rugs have a mesmerizing optical effect.
Pair the rug with equally striking modern furnishings like a Mies van der Rohe style black leather sectional.
Or place it under mid century armchairs for a retro modern look.
A sculptural floor lamp positioned over the area rug adds height and drama.
For a minimalist look, pair the black and white rug with streamlined shelves, a chrome and glass coffee table, and clean-lined white seating.
The bold geometry energizes the space.
In an eclectic room, layer the geometric rug with colorful art and accessories for playful contrast.
Black Faux Fur Throws & Pillows
Make any living room feel cozy and elegant with the addition of black faux fur throws and pillows.
Drape black faux fur blankets over gray sectionals or light neutral sofas for an inviting feel.
Layer them at the foot of your bed when transitioning your living room into a guest bedroom.
For pillows, look for black faux fur cushions in different shapes, sizes and pile lengths.
Combine them with velvet and leather pillows for texture and sheen.
The black fur provides a dark, romantic contrast to light walls, rug and furniture.
It has a glamorous, Old Hollywood vibe that jazzes up contemporary spaces.
For extra dazzle, look for pillows and throws that mix black faux fur with metallic accents.
Black fur looks right at home in sophisticated, feminine living rooms.
Industrial Black Metal Furnishings
For an edgy industrial vibe, incorporate black metal furnishings like console tables, shelves, lighting and bar carts.
The dark color coupled with the metal material creates an urban, stylishly gritty look.
Opt for matte powder-coated black metal rather than glossy.
Good finishes for metal furnishings include galvanized, aged patinas and hammered effects
Place a black metal console table behind your sofa and style it with modern abstract sculptures and art books.
Add open black metal shelving to divide a large living room into two distinct zones.
Position a black metal floor lamp in an unused corner to create a reading nook.
Roll over a bar cart in black metal to serve drinks when entertaining.
The rugged textures combined with black create a modern, warehouse chic living room.
Black and White Patterned Wallpaper
Make a bold visual impact in your living room by installing black and white patterned wallpaper.
Choose a graphic black and white wallpaper with a contemporary design, like zigzags, geometric shapes, stripes or abstract patterns.
Use it to paper one accent wall or go for a more immersive look by covering two adjacent walls.
Pair the dynamic wallpaper with clean-lined mid century modern furnishings, like a black sofa and marble coffee table.
The patterned paper brings wonderful contrast and energy when offset by solid black and white furnishings.
Or make the wallpaper the star against a minimalist backdrop of wood and neutral tones.
For dramatic effect, install black and white wallpaper on the ceiling too.
Add pops of gold, brass or white ceramic decor to really make the black and white scheme sing.
The graphic wallpaper brings striking style to any living room interior.
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Black Panelled Wall + Crown Molding
Take your black living room decor up a notch with black paneled walls and crown molding.
Install faux shiplap panels stained in black or charcoal gray to create textural interest.
Flank the dark paneled accent wall with crisp white trim and crown molding for contrast.
The black panelled wall immediately gives traditional flavor to the living room.
Build up the architectural details with wall sconces flanking the fireplace and a gilded mirror hung above the mantel.
Style a Chesterfield sofa in gray velvet or linen along with Persian rugs and tufted ottomans for a glamorous yet cozy vibe.
Keep the rest of the furnishings light and airy to prevent the space from feeling too dark.
The shiplap wall adds subtle contemporary edge to a traditional decor scheme.
Black living room decor may seem risky, but when done right, it brings striking style and sophistication to any space.
Use the inspiring ideas in this article to reimagine your living room with tasteful black accents and feature walls that make a statement.
Keep most furnishings in light neutrals and natural wood tones so the black decor can take center stage without overwhelming the space.
With a careful balance of colors, textures and materials, your black living room design will feel current, elegant and entirely unique.
So embrace the dark side and give your living room a black makeover it won’t soon forget!
