Black Paint
Color by Family
At first, black paint may feel like a daunting proposition. The reality is that when it comes to any shade of black, the end result is sure to be both unexpected and incredibly sophisticated.
From inspiration online, to advice from experts in-store, we can help you find the best black paint colors for any project.
Warm + Cool + Most Popular Black Paint Colors
The Beauty of the Black Living Room
Black walls can look great in any room. Often the rooms that are most successful have a balance between light and dark, where black walls are paired with a light floor color or furniture is upholstered in neutrals and white.Black paint has an interesting effect on the walls of a room because the corners and shadows are obscured more than if a mid-tone or pastel color is used. This visual trick blurs the boundaries in a space and can make a room feel a bit more expansive.
The Shades and Undertones of Black
Some black paint reads a bit blue. Other black hues have a brown edge. Then of course, there is “true black.”
Here, we makeover a basic mudroom with dramatic gray-black Soot 2129-20. Its subtle blue undertone enhances the sumptuous quality of this particular black paint color.
How do you select the perfect black paint color for your home? Buying Benjamin Moore paint samples is always our top recommendation. Seeing black paint in different lighting conditions—think artificial lighting versus daylight—deeply impacts what a color looks like, and how you’ll ultimately feel about it in your home.
Selecting Sheen for Your Black Paint Color
The selection of finish depends on the desired mood, aesthetic and functional goal of the room you are painting. For a highly sophisticated look, paint both walls and trim in one black hue, either using the same finish on both surfaces, or using a lower sheen on the walls such as a matte. Opt for a semi-gloss or high gloss on the trim for subtle contrast.
Here are some other tips when selecting the sheen for black paint…
Matte
A matte black paint delivers a soft, contemporary appearance.
Semi-Gloss
Higher sheens, like semi-gloss, are easy to clean, making them great options for cabinets or doors that are frequently opened, closed and in general, touched a lot.
High Gloss
A higher gloss offers dramatic highlights, making a black-painted room feel more formal. In general, deeper paint colors overall evoke more drama when paired with high gloss sheens.
Black Accent Wall. Posh Bedroom.
A black bedroom accent wall can add a layer of depth to the most private room in your home. Here, the classic combination of black and white layers beautifully with graphic elements. Consider bringing in bold strokes of geometric lines and pops of other colors to complete the modern look.
Another tip for black paint? Use lighter colors in adjoining rooms to balance out black’s depth and darkness, creating a harmonious “color flow” in your home.
Buy a Paint Sample
Test your paint colors from morning to evening,
under both natural and artificial lighting conditions