10 Great Effects of Using Black Outdoors
From screens to hardware and timber stains, the dark side is more appealing than you think!
Jo Simmons
3 July 2017
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
These days, the garden is typically viewed as an extension of our home, rather than a separate area. This helps to blur the boundary between inside and out, ensuring any external area operates as additional living space whenever the weather allows.
As black has been a hugely popular shade for use inside in recent years, it makes sense to work it into a garden too. From seating and planters to the architecture of the space, black looks stylish, and is surprisingly versatile too. Check out these 10 reasons to try it.
As black has been a hugely popular shade for use inside in recent years, it makes sense to work it into a garden too. From seating and planters to the architecture of the space, black looks stylish, and is surprisingly versatile too. Check out these 10 reasons to try it.
1. It creates a dramatic backdrop to green
Just as hanging an artwork against a darkly painted wall helps it shine out, so a black backdrop is the perfect dramatic contrast to foliage. Try painting fencing or a wall black and enjoy how the planting in front is beautifully highlighted.
Just as hanging an artwork against a darkly painted wall helps it shine out, so a black backdrop is the perfect dramatic contrast to foliage. Try painting fencing or a wall black and enjoy how the planting in front is beautifully highlighted.
2. It’s both contemporary and traditional
Timber stained in rich black, as used on this striking extension, looks brilliantly contemporary without being too edgy. Perhaps that’s because black is also a traditional finish used on many buildings, from barns to seaside shacks. Black timber references this vernacular tradition.
Timber stained in rich black, as used on this striking extension, looks brilliantly contemporary without being too edgy. Perhaps that’s because black is also a traditional finish used on many buildings, from barns to seaside shacks. Black timber references this vernacular tradition.
3. It adds a flash of drama
Black isn’t always top of the list for inclusion in a garden, so its use still feels unexpected and dramatic. Just look at these striking black planters; they add structure and glamour to this garden space, without fighting with the lush planting.
Plant types to put in built-in planters
Black isn’t always top of the list for inclusion in a garden, so its use still feels unexpected and dramatic. Just look at these striking black planters; they add structure and glamour to this garden space, without fighting with the lush planting.
Plant types to put in built-in planters
4. It creates a beautiful focal point
Black draws the eye, but unlike a bright colour or shiny material, will not shock or jar, so it’s extremely versatile. Here, a black globe sculpture makes an unusual and artistic focal point without screaming for attention or overpowering the planting scheme. A black dog is an optional extra.
Black draws the eye, but unlike a bright colour or shiny material, will not shock or jar, so it’s extremely versatile. Here, a black globe sculpture makes an unusual and artistic focal point without screaming for attention or overpowering the planting scheme. A black dog is an optional extra.
5. It ties in with architecture
If black features on your property, reference that with a few black pieces in the outside space. Choosing black garden furniture or planters will create a unified feel outside, which is particularly helpful in a small space.
If black features on your property, reference that with a few black pieces in the outside space. Choosing black garden furniture or planters will create a unified feel outside, which is particularly helpful in a small space.
6. It helps merge inside and out
Blurring the boundaries between inside and out can boost a home’s sense of space, with the garden and interior rooms flowing together.
To help this happen, choose a colour scheme outdoors that marries with the one used inside. Here, a mix of black, white and grey runs from the living room into the garden. It helps the spaces merge and also creates a thoroughly coordinated and chic feel.
Browse more striking decks
Blurring the boundaries between inside and out can boost a home’s sense of space, with the garden and interior rooms flowing together.
To help this happen, choose a colour scheme outdoors that marries with the one used inside. Here, a mix of black, white and grey runs from the living room into the garden. It helps the spaces merge and also creates a thoroughly coordinated and chic feel.
Browse more striking decks
7. It changes with the weather
Some naturally dark materials will become inky when wet. Slate paving stones that are grey when dry become luxuriously black in the rain, allowing you to work black into your garden, but only on a temporary basis!
Some naturally dark materials will become inky when wet. Slate paving stones that are grey when dry become luxuriously black in the rain, allowing you to work black into your garden, but only on a temporary basis!
8. It can makeover modest materials
We are super-familiar with the concept of a fresh coat of paint reviving a tired interior, but sometimes forget that the same applies outside. Even the grungiest garden wall or drabbest fence can be beautified with a layer or two of exterior paint.
A solid block of colour adds drama, a point of focus and a fresh feel to a garden. Try black for a really strong, defined backdrop that’s nevertheless easy to live with.
We are super-familiar with the concept of a fresh coat of paint reviving a tired interior, but sometimes forget that the same applies outside. Even the grungiest garden wall or drabbest fence can be beautified with a layer or two of exterior paint.
A solid block of colour adds drama, a point of focus and a fresh feel to a garden. Try black for a really strong, defined backdrop that’s nevertheless easy to live with.
9. It zones a garden
Dark furniture against pale paving powerfully zones the seating area in this garden. Together with minimal planting, it marks this out as a space where sitting and socialising is the priority.
Outdoor living rooms come of age
Dark furniture against pale paving powerfully zones the seating area in this garden. Together with minimal planting, it marks this out as a space where sitting and socialising is the priority.
Outdoor living rooms come of age
10. It can weather well
Damp, rain, sun and frost can all take their toll on garden furniture and landscaping. Black elements in a garden are more likely to weather well than pale colours or natural wood, which can all fade or become dirty.
Tell us
Have you worked black into your outside space? Tell us about it in the Comments below.
More
Read more garden stories
Damp, rain, sun and frost can all take their toll on garden furniture and landscaping. Black elements in a garden are more likely to weather well than pale colours or natural wood, which can all fade or become dirty.
Tell us
Have you worked black into your outside space? Tell us about it in the Comments below.
More
Read more garden stories
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Thanks Gemma! The fence is stained in Sikkens Cetol HLSe in Ebony.
The only thing is that it doesn't show the shadows from the plants as well.