Sponsored Content
Must-Know Tips for Choosing the Right Black for Your Home
Cross over to the dark side and add drama to your home with bold black – here's how to go about it
Sponsored Content
Black is bold, luxurious and can be surprisingly easy to live with. A style chameleon that works equally well in classic and contemporary homes, it’s the go-to hue for interiors and exteriors in 2023.
For an easy and affordable way to introduce this on-trend ‘colour’ to your home, nothing beats paint. Selecting a black for your interior or exterior walls sounds easy enough, but you’ll soon discover there are myriad shades to choose from, and each creates a different look and feel in your home. But don’t be daunted – we spoke to a paint expert at Wattyl to get some insider tips on selecting the perfect one.
For an easy and affordable way to introduce this on-trend ‘colour’ to your home, nothing beats paint. Selecting a black for your interior or exterior walls sounds easy enough, but you’ll soon discover there are myriad shades to choose from, and each creates a different look and feel in your home. But don’t be daunted – we spoke to a paint expert at Wattyl to get some insider tips on selecting the perfect one.
Cool versus warm blacks
A black interior exudes glamour and sophistication. Whether your style is contemporary, retro, modern country or something in-between, it’s the perfect way to change the mood in a room. It can also be a clever design tool; use black on walls to make them visually recede so you can focus attention on a beautiful view or a favourite decorative piece.
But no two blacks are exactly alike. They have different undertones, ranging from brown, navy and purple to green, which will affect how they look and feel in a space.
“Like whites, blacks have either a cool or warm undertone,” says Katherine Champion, a Wattyl colour consultant. “For a harmonious colour scheme, ensure the undertones in your room’s base colours – those of your flooring, furniture and window treatments – are the same,” she says.
Tip: You can easily check the undertones in your chosen black by ordering Wattyl colour cards or sample pots online.
A black interior exudes glamour and sophistication. Whether your style is contemporary, retro, modern country or something in-between, it’s the perfect way to change the mood in a room. It can also be a clever design tool; use black on walls to make them visually recede so you can focus attention on a beautiful view or a favourite decorative piece.
But no two blacks are exactly alike. They have different undertones, ranging from brown, navy and purple to green, which will affect how they look and feel in a space.
“Like whites, blacks have either a cool or warm undertone,” says Katherine Champion, a Wattyl colour consultant. “For a harmonious colour scheme, ensure the undertones in your room’s base colours – those of your flooring, furniture and window treatments – are the same,” she says.
Tip: You can easily check the undertones in your chosen black by ordering Wattyl colour cards or sample pots online.
Generally speaking, contemporary homes and those that receive a lot of natural light, such as north-or west-facing, will suit a cooler black. Meanwhile, warm blacks sit well in traditional homes or those that don’t receive much light.
“If your colour scheme features cool whites and neutrals, select a black with a cooler blue undertone such as Wattyl Cotswold. Deep blue-blacks like this are great for modern homes as they sit beautifully alongside sleek, steel finishes to create strong, dynamic energy,” says Champion.
“If your colour scheme features cool whites and neutrals, select a black with a cooler blue undertone such as Wattyl Cotswold. Deep blue-blacks like this are great for modern homes as they sit beautifully alongside sleek, steel finishes to create strong, dynamic energy,” says Champion.
“If your colour scheme features warm colours, select a black with a warmer undertone, such as Wattyl Grey Ember. Or try an off-black or dark charcoal, such as the cool-toned Wattyl Black Pearl, which can feel softer and more understated than pure black,” says Champion. “Pair warm black with rich, sumptuous fabrics and timber furniture for a cosy and cocooning feel.”
A monochromatic palette consisting of black and white is a timeless choice that won’t date. “A predominantly white colour scheme with touches of black conveys elegance and confidence, and feels light and airy,” says Champion. “The reverse, with mainly black and touches of white for contrast, feels enveloping, moody and dramatic. Rich Wattyl Noir creates a look that is both classic and timeless when teamed with pristine white trims or marble,” she says.
Tip: Black walls will show every imperfection, so invest in scrupulous wall prep and high-quality paint such as Wattyl I.D Advanced Low Sheen, which has a low-reflective finish with a slight sheen that hides imperfections. It’s also easy to clean, making it ideal for high-traffic spots.
A monochromatic palette consisting of black and white is a timeless choice that won’t date. “A predominantly white colour scheme with touches of black conveys elegance and confidence, and feels light and airy,” says Champion. “The reverse, with mainly black and touches of white for contrast, feels enveloping, moody and dramatic. Rich Wattyl Noir creates a look that is both classic and timeless when teamed with pristine white trims or marble,” she says.
Tip: Black walls will show every imperfection, so invest in scrupulous wall prep and high-quality paint such as Wattyl I.D Advanced Low Sheen, which has a low-reflective finish with a slight sheen that hides imperfections. It’s also easy to clean, making it ideal for high-traffic spots.
Add texture
To offset the heaviness of black, be sure to introduce plenty of texture to your room scheme. Timber, stone and indoor plants work a treat, adding instant warmth and a natural feel against a black backdrop.
Up the texture in a room with tongue and groove wall panelling, a timber-lined ceiling, patterned, parquetry flooring, marble benchtops and splashbacks, and touch-me fabrics such as linen, velvet or boucle.
Other ways to bring in textural variety include mixing matt and gloss tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, introducing sheer linen curtains or rattan and leather furniture pieces. Dial up the luxe factor by adding brass hardware and tapware.
“And remember, black can throw different colours under different light conditions, so when choosing a black for your interior, be sure to view it at various times of day and night and under both natural and artificial light before you commit,” says Champion.
Tip: Get expert help picking the right black or a black and colour combination for your home with a free colour consultation with Wattyl.
To offset the heaviness of black, be sure to introduce plenty of texture to your room scheme. Timber, stone and indoor plants work a treat, adding instant warmth and a natural feel against a black backdrop.
Up the texture in a room with tongue and groove wall panelling, a timber-lined ceiling, patterned, parquetry flooring, marble benchtops and splashbacks, and touch-me fabrics such as linen, velvet or boucle.
Other ways to bring in textural variety include mixing matt and gloss tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, introducing sheer linen curtains or rattan and leather furniture pieces. Dial up the luxe factor by adding brass hardware and tapware.
“And remember, black can throw different colours under different light conditions, so when choosing a black for your interior, be sure to view it at various times of day and night and under both natural and artificial light before you commit,” says Champion.
Tip: Get expert help picking the right black or a black and colour combination for your home with a free colour consultation with Wattyl.
Create balance
If you love the idea of black but you’re worried it might be too dark for your interior, try adding punches of the bold hue in other ways.
You don’t need much to make an impact; consider adding black steel-framed doors or windows, matt-black hardware, a black-tiled splashback in the kitchen or bathroom, or create an interesting vignette in the corner of a room by upcycling a few dated planters with a coat of dark paint.
Tip: Want to make that wall-hung television screen recede from view? Try painting the wall behind it black.
If you love the idea of black but you’re worried it might be too dark for your interior, try adding punches of the bold hue in other ways.
You don’t need much to make an impact; consider adding black steel-framed doors or windows, matt-black hardware, a black-tiled splashback in the kitchen or bathroom, or create an interesting vignette in the corner of a room by upcycling a few dated planters with a coat of dark paint.
Tip: Want to make that wall-hung television screen recede from view? Try painting the wall behind it black.
Make your black exterior sing
While it may seem wise to play it safe when it comes to major features like the exterior of your home, bold design decisions can really pay off. A black facade is chic and timeless, and makes an unforgettable first impression. And if your facade is dated but still in decent condition, it will bring it right up-to-date, without you having to spend a fortune.
“Black is a real jack-of-all-trades when it comes to exteriors,” says Champion. “It complements a variety of architectural and design styles, from coastal to contemporary, and makes the perfect backdrop for greenery.”
Bear in mind, however, that the darker you go, the warmer your interior can feel. “Darker colours such as black have lower Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) and absorb more heat and light than lighter colours,” she says. “If you love a black exterior but you’re concerned about your indoor temperature, consider adding it in smaller doses, such as black window frames or a black front door – noting the latter works best on a timber door that does not receive direct sunlight.”
Tip: With our brutal climate, it’s crucial to choose a quality paint that is designed to cope. Wattyl Solagard is a durable exterior paint specially made for Australian conditions. It provides UV blockout, inhibits mould and mildew, and has a 25-year guarantee against flaking, peeling and blistering.
While it may seem wise to play it safe when it comes to major features like the exterior of your home, bold design decisions can really pay off. A black facade is chic and timeless, and makes an unforgettable first impression. And if your facade is dated but still in decent condition, it will bring it right up-to-date, without you having to spend a fortune.
“Black is a real jack-of-all-trades when it comes to exteriors,” says Champion. “It complements a variety of architectural and design styles, from coastal to contemporary, and makes the perfect backdrop for greenery.”
Bear in mind, however, that the darker you go, the warmer your interior can feel. “Darker colours such as black have lower Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) and absorb more heat and light than lighter colours,” she says. “If you love a black exterior but you’re concerned about your indoor temperature, consider adding it in smaller doses, such as black window frames or a black front door – noting the latter works best on a timber door that does not receive direct sunlight.”
Tip: With our brutal climate, it’s crucial to choose a quality paint that is designed to cope. Wattyl Solagard is a durable exterior paint specially made for Australian conditions. It provides UV blockout, inhibits mould and mildew, and has a 25-year guarantee against flaking, peeling and blistering.
As for some winning black and black-and-white exterior combos, Champion reccommends:
More: Learn more about Wattyl paint products here.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
- A red brick home with terracotta roof tiles: Try Wattyl Grey Ember on walls paired with a warm white such as Wattyl Calcium on wood trims.
- A sleek, contemporary home: Consider a slick, tonal palette consisting of a deep grey like Wattyl Pitchstone on your main walls, a warm neutral like Wattyl Cold rush on feature walls or columns, and trims in Wattyl Black Tied. Pair with dark bricks with similar undertones for a bold yet simple and sophisticated exterior palette.
- A Victorian terrace: Rather than a harsh pure black, consider a nuanced charcoal such as Wattyl Black Pearl, which has an inherent softness. For a classic combination, pair it with architectural details and window frames in a crisp white such as Wattyl Moody White. Then add a pop of colour to your front door with Wattyl Red Spice.
- A home in a bush setting: Consider Colorbond Nightsky for your walls and roof – a colour that will blend beautifully with the natural landscape. Pair it with a warm timber stain on decking, such as Wattyl Forestwood Deck and Timber Stain in Red Kwila.
More: Learn more about Wattyl paint products here.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Wattyl is an iconic and trusted Australian brand offering professional paint solutions, ensuring success across... Read More
Wattyl is an iconic and trusted Australian brand offering professional paint solutions, ensuring success across... Read More
More Stories from This Brand
How to Bring Your Exterior Up-to-Date With Gentle, Natural Hues
By Wattyl
Blur the lines between your home and garden with this year’s trending natural colours and earthy textures
Full Story
No-Fail Guide to Selecting the Perfect White
By Wattyl
From cools to warms and everything in between, the number of whites available can be overwhelming – here's how to choose
Full Story
7 Timeless Palettes for the Best-Looking House in the Street
By Wattyl
Decision-making stress begone! These seven expertly curated palettes for your home's exterior are guaranteed to impress
Full Story
8 Perfect Pairings for the Hardest-Working Rooms in Your Home
By Wattyl
Take the guesswork out of choosing colours and finishes for a kitchen, bathroom and outdoor area with 8 curated schemes
Full Story
Hi Guys, love the article on choosing the right black. Am curious to know if you could source that burnt orange sofa as am looking for something just like that !
Regards, Wendy