Designer Secrets to Decorating With Black

The dining room of this Sherman Oaks, Calif., home is decorated almost completely in black. From the dining room table, wallpaper, trim, chandelier, chairs and table settings, the dark color is layered to create the perfect balance.

To achieve proper balance with black, many factors come into play including use of metallics, layering of different shades, use of reflective finishes and proper lighting. Once balanced, a black room can take on a timeless, elegant and edgy personality.

While using the same exact finish of black throughout a space can be modern, sexy and sleek, it can also fall flat and appear cold. One way to warm up black is to make it tactile by layering different shades of black and by incorporating different textures.

Since black absorbs light, many homeowners hesitate to use it for fear of instantly making a room too dark. Yet a glossy finish on materials painted black instantly infuses a reflective quality that plays with light.