Black decor Quick Menu
Got couture taste on a thrift store budget? Then black decor is the best way to elevate your space. It's one color that doesn't disappoint, and little dresses aren't the only reason why this hue is coming in hot. Whether you're trying to create a sleek space or give it a moody atmosphere, this color doesn't mess around.
"Black is not just one color; it has different shades and undertones that can affect how it looks in different lighting conditions and with different colors," says David Goodell, founder of Paints Acrylic. "Generally, lighter shades of black are easier to work with than darker shades of black because they are less harsh and more forgiving." He also notes that warm undertones "are more flattering and inviting."
When decorating an apartment (especially one that's rented), homeware is the quickest route to freshen up your space without getting the toolkit out. And black has definitely got your back all year round.
9 black decor buys that will smarten up your space
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"Incorporating black in a room can be done through the use of furniture, lighting fixtures, wall treatments, or art," says Raf Michalowski, interior designer and founder of Meble Furniture. "It can be used as an accent color on pillows and throw blankets to add dimension to the space."
I've split this edit by room so you can dot dark decor around your home. All of my picks are under $190, and there are tons of items you don't need to wait until payday for.
Black decor for the bedroom
Price: $39
Size (in.): H20 x W26
Material: 19-momme silk
One of the best silk pillowcases in our guide is this one by Lilysilk. And it just so happens to come in black. While it's relatively cheap in comparison to others out there, this sham pays no sacrifice to quality. Rather, it's made of 100% non-toxic OEKO-TEX certified grade 6A mulberry silk, which effectively reduces friction between your pillowcase and hair, minimizing hair loss. Only 5% of silk in the world meets this standard!
Price: $39 (buy one, get one 25% off)
Size (in.): H84 x W52
Material: 100% cotton
Black doesn't instantly mean boring. In fact, pair this colorway with florals and you've got drama personified. I love how this sheer panel (in the Urban Outfitters home sale by the way) can be used to split a dorm room in half, section a studio apartment, or just stop creeps from peeping into your bedroom window. Consider this the multiway bra of interiors. For more coverage, check out our best blackout curtains.
Price: From $138 (usually from $184)
Size (in.): Twin: W70. x H90; twin XL: W70 x H96
Material: Shell: Cotton twill; Inner: LoftAIRE Down Alternative
Our former bedding expert Louise Oliphant featured this comforter in her best black bedding set guide, and we can totally see why. It has a 295-thread-count premium cotton twill shell and you can choose from three comfort weights (light, medium, and extra) for personalized coziness.
Black decor for the living room
Price: Was $42.99, now $25.99
Size (in.): H11.75 x W11.5 x D2.5
Material: Stoneware
Want to know a secret for adding chicness? Picking a vase that looks like an art piece. While we may not be able to decipher the meaning behind this vase, we can say that it would look really beautiful when placed atop a coffee table. It doesn’t even need flowers to add impact. Hello, quiet luxury.
Price: From $48
Size: 2 oz, 8.1 oz, 21.2 oz
Material: Glass and proprietary premium wax
This candle from Nest New York is our former head of ecommerce's go-to on a wet fall day. Not only does it sit inside a frosted glass back vessel, but it's made using black wax to add to your decor. The unique woody and smoky scent is impressive and it's the perfect pick for your living room coffee table. With notes of smoky labdanum, patchouli, and cedarwood combined with charred birchwood and a hint of black truffle, it's worth adding to your collection.
Price: From $189
Size (ft.): 4 x 6
Material: Polyester/polyurethane coating
Just like denim jeans, if "fresh" black feels too formal, go for a washed alternative. I love this faded black rug with its modern traditional Persian motif. As with all Ruggable designs, this one is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and machine-washable, too. The 4-foot by 6-foot option works great in a small living room even with a three-seater and two accent chairs present.
Black decor for your entryway
Price: $139 for two (final sale)
Size (in): H17.3 x W14.2 x D14.2
Material: Velvet/cane
We're big fans of stylish storage ottomans here at Real Homes, and these babies are pretty badass. Firstly, they're made of velvet and cane for those fancy French details, but the best thing is that one can be stacked inside of the other (like a little Russian doll). I'd pop these under a hairpin-legged console table to clear clutter and use them as a seat to do my makeup on.
Price: Was $209.99, Now $169.99
Size (in.): H63 x W24 x D2
Material: Sponge-filled flannel/glass
If you're searching for a blobby black mirror that'll bring drama to the room, you're looking right at it. Black sponge-filled flannel gives this glass homeware its squishy shape, while the mirror itself is made of high-quality floating annealed glass and a premium silver-backed glass panel, which can prevent warping and distortion.
Price: $172
Size (in.): H16.7 x W15 x L40
Material: 50% velvet, 50% MDF
Sorry, not sorry for the double Dormify drop. This bench is too good not to feature. I love how the texture straddles the line between a cloud bed and bubble home decor and is a really fun spin on something functional. Though I'd place it in the hallway, it would look great as a bedroom storage bench to pop freshly washed clothes on or as extra seating in the lounge.
Frequently asked questions
How do you incorporate black in a room?
"One way to incorporate black into a room is through lighting," says Jonathan Faccone, managing member and founder at Halo Homebuyers.
He notes that there are many ways of doing this, whether it's through pendants or sconces. Even floor lamps are great as "they can provide a softer light and bring an air of sophistication to any room."
How do interior designers use black color?
David Goodnell, founder of Paints Acrylic, says that there are three ways that interior designers use black to influence a space. Firstly, he says that it can add depth and dimension.
"Black can make a space feel more spacious by creating the illusion of depth and shadows," he says. "It can also make a space feel more dynamic by adding some movement and energy. For example, interior designers use black paint or wallpaper with patterns or textures to add some depth and dimension to a space."
It can create balance and harmony, too. "Black can help balance out the other colors in a space by creating a sense of proportion and scale," says Goodnell. "It can also help harmonize the different elements in a space by creating a cohesive and unified look."
Lastly, it can emphasize focal points or features in a space. "Black can draw attention to certain areas or objects in a space by creating a strong contrast or statement," he says.
Where to buy black decor
The internet is crammed with cool black decor. Naturally, we could only fit so much into this guide. If you want to shop the look yourself, try one of these outlets:
- Amazon black decor
- Target black decor
- Walmart black decor
- Wayfair black decor
- Urban Outfitters black decor
How we chose
We've been lucky enough to call in the silk pillowcase and candle in this guide. For the rest, we relied on highly-rated reviews from shoppers and complimentary feedback post-purchase. We also reach out to industry professionals to get their take on how to practically incorporate black decor into your space.
Meet the experts:
David Goodell, founder of PaintsAcrylic, is a visionary artist with a deep-rooted love for painting. With years of experience in the art world, Goodell recognized the need for premium acrylic paints that artists can rely on for superior performance and exceptional results. Driven by a desire to fill this gap, Goodell embarked on a journey to create a brand that embodies artistic passion, reliability, and innovation.
Raf Michalowski is an interior designer and the founder of Meble Furniture, one of the premier furniture retailers in North America. He helps customers design, create, and purchase the perfect furniture for their homes. His company has helped over 10,000 people find their dream furniture and create a personalized interior space suited to their lifestyle.
Jonathan Faccone is a full-time real estate investor and developer. He is the Managing Member of Halo Homebuyers, a real estate home-buying company based in Bridgewater, New Jersey, and doing business throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Halo Homebuyers has been named one of the best home-buying companies in NJ by Clever, Upnest, Houzeo & Real Estate Witch.
If you're not convinced that black is for you, navy decor might be the next best thing for you. We've got five ways to style this dark blue hue.