21 Colors That Go With Black in Any Room

<p><a href="https://www.michelleberwickdesign.com/project-everson">Michelle Berwick Design</a></p>

Conventional decorating wisdom has always stated that every room needs a touch of black, but today more of us are choosing black as a dominant feature element in any room in the houseā€”from the bedroom to the bathroom to the kitchen and even the nursery.

While black is a strong, neutral base that stands up on its own, it also works beautifully paired with every shade of the rainbow. Check out these ideas for colors that go with black to inspire your renovation of any room in the house.

White

<p>Design by <a href="https://www.lightanddwell.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Light and Dwell</a> / Photo by Amy Bartlam</p>

Design by Light and Dwell / Photo by Amy Bartlam

Black and white is the ultimate no-fail color scheme, as timelessly winning as a black-and-white checkerboard floor, a zebra-striped pillow, or a classic Cape Cod-style house.

In this L-shaped open-plan kitchen, Light and Dwell paired black floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and bar stools with white walls, countertops, and pendant lights for a balance of light and dark.

Red

<p>Design by <a href="https://www.chango.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Chango & Co.</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.sarahelliottphotography.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Sarah Elliott</a></p>

Black and red is a perennial color combination that gets rediscovered every few years in home and fashion design while never really going out of style. Chango & Co. paired a red vanity with black stone countertops and black tile floors and white shiplap walls to create a crisp feel in this modern farmhouse bathroom.

Gray

<p><a href="https://www.marypattondesign.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Mary Patton Design</a></p>

Black and gray is a classic combination that works in a range of interiors, from industrial-style interiors to traditional space. Mary Patton Design paired matte black walls and matching window trim with a large gray sectional in this living room, accenting with colorful textiles and gold accents to add a warm and inviting feel.

Green

<p><a href="https://www.dburnsinteriors.com/projects/boston-waterfront-residence" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Desiree Burns Interiors</a></p>

Plants and botanical prints will look extra green and vibrant against black walls. This bedroom from Desiree Burns Interiors mixes both with an equal measure of white for a balanced and bright feel with plenty of warmth.

Burnt Orange

<p><a href="https://www.louisdhe.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Louis Duncan-He Designs</a> / <a href="https://eymericwidling.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Eymeric Widling Photography</a></p>

Pair black walls with a burnt orange sofa for a high-contrast feel. Louis Duncan-He Designs painted the half brick walls of this moody basement lounge space black and paired it with a burnt orange sectional that brings in plenty of warmth.

Pink

<p><a href="https://www.carolineandreoni.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Caroline Andreoni Interior Design</a> / Photo by Sophie Lloyd</p>

Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd

Black and pink is the stuff of retro bathroom tiles and 1950s boudoir bedrooms, but it works just as well for a contemporary space with a lighter touch. Caroline Andreoni Interior Design paired saturated black walls with pale wood tones and shades of pink on the headboard and bedding of this Paris bedroom.

Brown

<p>Design by <a href="https://www.chango.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Chango & Co.</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.sarahelliottphotography.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Sarah Elliott</a></p>

Pair black with shades of brown for a sophisticated take on earth-toned neutrals. In this modern farmhouse bedroom from Chango & Co., a black bathtub, floor tiles, and vanity countertops are paired with rich wood tones and lightened with plenty of white for an inviting industrial farmhouse-style feel.

Cream

<p><a href="https://www.sissyandmarley.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Sissy + Marley Interior Design</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.marcoriccastudio.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2">Marco Ricca Studio</a></p>

Black and cream is a signature color combination of Coco Chanel, a soft take on black and white that is luxurious, chic, and easy to pull off. Feel free to mix in shades of white, tan and beige, pale woods, and gold or bronze accents to complete the quietly chic look, like this living room from Sissy + Marley Interior Design.

Dark Blue

<p><a href="https://www.margaret-wright.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Margaret Wright Interior & Lifestyle Photographer</a></p>

Darker shades of blue such as navy, indigo, and cobalt are surprisingly chic paired with black, adding subtle depth and nuance. Pair midnight blue wall paint with blue undertones with a patterned rug in lighter shades of blue and dark wood furniture for a complementary look.

Yellow

<p><a href="https://www.michelleberwickdesign.com/project-everson" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Michelle Berwick Design</a></p>

Black and yellow is a high-spirited color combination that is bold and versatile. Michelle Berwick Design paired black walls with a yellow barn door and mirrored nightstands in this primary bedroom for a modern feel.

Purple

<p><a href="https://www.sarahbarnard.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Sarah Barnard Design</a> / Photo by Steven Dewall</p>

Sarah Barnard Design / Photo by Steven Dewall

Purple is an unexpected companion to black that brings the drama. Sarah Barnard Design decorated the walls of this '80s-style bedroom with two-tone paint in shades of black and purple, carrying the color scheme onto the bedding and carpeting.

Teal

<p><a href="https://www.forbesmasters.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Forbes + Masters</a></p>

Black and teal will create a bold and dramatic look. Forbes + Masters paired black wood paneled walls with a monumental teal channel-tufted velvet headboard in this moody guest room suite.

Copper

<p><a href="https://erinwilliamsondesign.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Erin Williamson Design</a></p>

Pair black and fiery copper for a dramatic look. In this bathroom from Erin Williamson Design, a black ceiling creates a grounded, cozy feeling that complements the bling of a copper bathtub; black and white floor tile in a fun pattern and a black side table pull it all together.

Gold

<p><a href="https://www.marypattondesign.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Mary Patton Design</a></p>

Black and gold is a luxurious color combination that always works, whether you're using gold-toned cabinet pulls or faucets in a black kitchen or designing a contemporary bathroom.

Mary Patton Design paired black walls with a headboard upholstered in gold fabric and a brass vintage table lamp for a playfully elegant feel in this primary bedroom.

Sage Green

<p><a href="https://alvinwayne.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Alvin Wayne</a></p>

Pair saturated black walls with sage green for a study in contrasts. Interior designer Alvin Wayne painted this corner banquette dining area sage green and hung a colorful photo on the wall to create a dramatic focal point.

Silver Tones

<p><a href="https://www.louisdhe.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Louis Duncan-He Designs</a> / <a href="https://eymericwidling.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Eymeric Wildling Photography</a></p>

Pair all-black finishes with silver-toned stainless steel appliances for a bold feel, like this midcentury modern kitchen remodel from Louis Duncan-He Designs. Light wood flooring and bar stools and red range knobs add a touch of warmth to the cool-toned pairing.

Mustard Yellow

<p><a href="https://alvinwayne.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Alvin Wayne</a></p>

Matte black painted bedroom walls create the perfect foil for any number of colors on bedding. Interior designer Alvin Wayne paired black walls with earthy mustard yellow bedding and rich wood tones in this New York City bedroom.

Khaki

<p><a href="https://www.laquitatate.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Laquita Tate Interior Styling & Designs</a></p>

Pair black and khaki for a moody look that is warmer than all-black. Laquita Tate Interior Styling & Designs painted the walls of this TV room with khaki paint and paired it with a large black leather sectional, a black metal floor lamp, and a graphic black-and-white patterned rug for an enveloping feel.

Terracotta

<p><a href="https://www.carolineandreoni.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Caroline Andreoni Interior Design</a> / Photo by Sophie Lloyd</p>

Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd

Mix warm terracotta with black to create a sophisticated feel in a modern bathroom. Caroline Andreoni Interior Design paired bright terracotta walls with an all-black vanity and geometric black-and-white floor tiles to create a vibrant bathroom color scheme.

Walnut Wood Tones

<p><a href="https://www.louisdhe.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Louis Duncan-He Designs</a> / <a href="https://eymericwidling.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Eymeric Widling Photography</a></p>

Mix black walls with walnut paneling or furniture for a rich feel. Louis Duncan-He Designs mixed black wall paint, black stone with white marbling, and walnut wood paneling with plenty of visible wood grain to add texture to the walls of this modern living room.

Mixed Colors

<p><a href="https://alvinwayne.com/portfolio" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Alvin Wayne</a></p>

Black is an excellent companion for any color of the rainbow, or all of the colors all at once. Interior designer Alvin Wayne energized this black bedroom accent wall with technicolor wall art that demonstrates this point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What color complements black?


Any color complements black. This includes neutrals such as white and gray, jewel tones such as emerald green, pastels such as blush pink, or earth tones like mustard or terracotta.

What colors should you pair with black in a color palette?

Black and white is an obvious pairing that works every time. You can also mix black with another neutral such as cream, tan, or beige. You can combine black with red or yellow for a bold look; with dark blue or brown for a sophisticated feel; or with any other color that strikes your fancy. Black also marries well with metallics such as gold tones for a glamorous look, or silver tones for an industrial feel.

Read the original article on The Spruce.