Black Contemporary Living Room Decorating Ideas

In case you haven't noticed, black living rooms are having a moment. If the thought of a black room makes you think of dreary and gloomy basements or dark and dingy unused rooms, you're probably not alone. But you are, in our opinion, wrong. Decorate with black the right way, and you could have a space filled with drama, confidence, sophistication and elegance. And it can be cozy, too, by the way.

Whether you're keen to make a statement or you simply need a touch of drama to enhance your space, we've gathered the best black living room design ideas for incorporating this daring shade into your living room.

For more living room paint ideas check out our full gallery.

1. Make a statement with a single black wall

See, straight away you can see black living rooms don't always have to be dark and dramatic spaces (although we do have lots of those coming up). This space is light and bright, but still has that statement black wall that works as the perfect backdrop for all the lime greens and pale yellows going on in this room.

2. Go all out with one hue

But if you are here for the proper gothic, all black living rooms, this space will be right up your street. We love the really cohesive look here with the uninterrupted walls of black and the perfectly matching furniture.

And don't be scared to go with this look if you live in a smaller space. Going all black can actually make a room feel bigger, as we have said many a a time it can blurs to edges of the room, creating the allusion it's larger.

3. Add warmth to a monochrome scheme

We all know black works with white, but a monochrome colorscheme can sometimes feel a bit cold. We personally always want our living rooms to feel warm and inviting, so to soften up a black and white theme just be sure to add in some wooden accents with your furniture and decor. The cabinet and the log pile in this living room may seem like small elements but they give this very elegant space a slight rustic edge.

4. Paint your floorboards black

Small living room idea with white white and dark floorboards

If you have been blessed with wooden floorboards, why not get out the paintbrush this weekend and transform them with some black paint. Firstly, it looks really cool and secondly, how practical would it be to have a black floor? That's going to hide a whole load of sins. You can add in some cozy vibes with a rug and link the black to the rest of the room with cushions and prints.

5. Use black to make colors pop

Nothing makes a color pop like a black backdrop. So if you love vibrant hues, consider painting your walls black to make those colors stand out even more. Adding a gallery wall, or a cool mirror wall like you see here will break up the black too and make it seem less dominating in the space.

6. Break the rules and pair black with brown

Traditionally, black and brown have been a no go, but actually they work really well together if done right. A deep charcoal can often make a room feel quote cold, and introducing some brown in the form of cute leather furniture can warm up the space and give it more of a cocooning vibe.

7. Go for dark walls but keep your ceilings bright

If you want to dabble in the dark side but not ready to paint every surface in your living room black, painting up to a picture rail (or a fake picture rail) will add the drama but not the darkness. Keep the tops of your walls and ceiling a bright clean white. Also, note in this room how the look has been warmed with the pink-tinged cushions and rugs – love it.

8. Pick a dark grey for a softer look

A true black can look a bit harsh, especially if the lighting the room isn't quite right so opt for softer greys in rooms that lack light. We love the vibe of this room, it's quite dramatic with all four walls and the ceiling painted, but it's also feel very cozy too, like a contemporary farmhouse feel. The mix of stark black decor and contrast of the soft linen finish of the chairs create the perfect balance.

9. Pick striking contemporary furniture for a black living room

black living room with black walls and a monochrome mid century sofa and ornate fireplace

But maybe you want those quite dramatic, contemporary vibes in your living room. In that case you can keep the furniture very sculptural and slimline and enhance the drama of a dark space. The Mid-century modern furniture works so well in this minimal space and creates a really quirky contrast with the traditional design of the room.

Another top tip that can be taken from this black living room – keep the floors light. If you have wooden floorboards either strip them back to a very light wood or try painting them in a lighter, softer grey. We have loads of tips on painting floorboards so check that out first.

10. Create stark contrasts with black living room walls and pops of color

A brooding palette with flashes of Art Deco creates drama in the period home of Cat and Dain Maginnis

Just as black mascara makes your eye color pop, black walls and floors make other colors in your space pop, too. Using black on all your surfaces creates a deep and solid background from which bright colors can take center stage and create real impact. A bright orange statement light in this living room creates a striking contrast and brings warmth to the scheme.

11. Choose deep and mysterious black floral wallpaper

There's something quite mystical about black floral wallpaper, especially when combined with jewel colors and shiny metallics. A dark background elevates soft and pale flowers. The perfect choice for a cozy and inviting living room to snuggle into at the end of the day.

Find more living room wallpapers in our gallery.

12. Bring grandeur to a black living room with elegant chandeliers

grand living room with black painted walls, black sofas and a white rug

Accenting black against white is a great way of highlighting architectural details. Here the recesses are transformed into monochrome masterpieces, where perfect symmetry keeps the room's feng shui en pointe. Add elegance and femininity with a statement chandelier for a room fit for entertaining.

13. Inject pattern with a statement print

Black has grounding qualities, being relaxing for the eye. If you want to ground your space and add a feeling of depth without overwhelming your room with a block of dark color, introduce black using pattern. Be it patterned curtains, a rug, or monochrome print tiles like this.

14. Paint sections of living room walls black

Sara Colclough and David Brass have added character to their new build home with a colourful makeover

If you're just not ready to let go of your light, white and airy scheme but still want in with the black living room trend, create definition and contrast by painting the bottom half of your wall black. A small yet mighty twist to the standard white wall which instantly enhances your space.

15. Embrace industrial style

Industrial style is a trend that isn't going anywhere any time soon. Whether it's painted wood or black metal, bringing in black with warehouse-style furniture is a simple way to create the look. Choose glass designs to allow light to pass through and warm up the look with soft brown leather.

16. Make a statement with black furniture

Bring in a hint of black to your living room with accent furniture. That old wooden side board that's been in the corner of your room for decades? Give it a new lease of gothic life by painting it black and then tie it in with some monochrome prints.

What colors go best with a black living room?

The best colors to add to your black living room really just depends on the vibe you want to create. Bold colors like pinks, greens and yellow will really pop against the black so if you want a more statement look choice throw cushions and prints in these more vivid hues.

Black also lends it's to neutrals too, so cream, white and grey. If you want a more toned-down look, this would be the color palette to go for. Layer up the textures too to get all those cozy vibes.