Black may be the “new neutral,” but it’s always been a designer go-to for injecting energy and drama into a space. My stepmother, who has a great eye for design, has told me for at least 25 years to always have “a touch of black” in every room. If you’re looking for a simple way to add trendy black into your home, a black accent wall is one of the most versatile ways to do it. It’s a fun way to add a modern, edgy vibe to a space without committing to a specific color.
The beautiful black accent walls in this bedroom are a warm, grounding feature.
Is a Black Accent Wall a Good Idea? What Is the Rule for Painting an Accent Wall?
Truth be told, accent walls don’t work for every room. They can distort the visual balance of a space (making all the “drama” feel disproportionately one-sided).
And since this is a home staging blog, I should point out that, for the most part, accent walls are not a great idea for selling your home, either. This is because they are typically too taste-specific and lack the mass appeal needed to successfully entice the largest number of potential buyers possible. In other words, there’s a decent chance you could unnecessarily limit your buyer pool.
But if you’re not planning to sell your home and you’ve got just the right spot…go for it!
The black accent wall in this dining room gives it some depth and elegance.
How to Make a Black Accent Wall Work
- Pick the right wall. In general, an accent wall works best to emphasize your room’s existing focal point. So, for example, a black accent wall in the bedroom where your headboard goes, a black accent wall in the living room on the fireplace wall, or a black accent wall in the kitchen near the dining area are often logical choices for “accent” walls. Avoid adding accent paint to random unimportant architectural features.
- Choose a spot with ample light. Black paint naturally adds visual weight to the space around it, so balancing it out with plenty of light is a must. Ideally, choose a wall in an open area with natural light from a facing or adjacent window to keep the room from feeling too heavy.
- Pair it with the right hues. Wondering what color goes well with a black accent wall? Your best bet is to balance a strong accent wall color like black with neutral colors on the other walls. Rich wood tones and warmer brass accents work well with black.
- Add decor. Your accent wall will be the focal point of the room so don’t leave it empty. Layer in mirrors, art, gorgeous lighting, and other furnishings to give the eye a resting place.
- Incorporate a little texture. Board and batten trim, shiplap, and even stencils can add a little interest.
Black Accent Wall Paint Colors We Like
Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron 2124-10 is a beautiful blend of black, dark gray, and blue with just a hint of purple.
Iron Ore 7069 by Sherwin-Williams is a soft, deep black. Because it’s in the Green-Yellow hue family, it has a tiny hint of warmth that keeps it from feeling too stark.
Benjamin Moore’s Gray 2121-10 is a gorgeous soft charcoal. It’s a super subtle near-neutral color from the Purple-Blue hue family, which gives it a gentle feel while still adding a distinctive touch.
Not Quite Sure About Black Paint? Alternatives to Black Accent Wall Ideas
There are plenty of other deep, rich colors that can add drama and dimension to your space. Navy blue, rich wine tones, dark teal, and eggplant are all fun options. If your home already has a black or gray palette, you might want to add a little balance by considering a warmer hue, like an earthy cognac or mustard.
If you’ve been looking for a way to add a little boldness and drama to your room, a black accent wall may be the way to go! Have you tried a black accent wall in your home? Share your experience with us below!
Find Your Perfect Shade with Expert Guidance and Curated Color Palettes
If you’re struggling to find the perfect paint color, we’re here to help! Our ready-made paint color palettes for home interiors and exteriors are expertly designed to help you create a cohesive, stunning look without the guesswork. Plus, each guide includes real-life 8″ x 10″ paint swatches, so you can see exactly how the colors will look in your space before committing.
Vannessa Rhoades
Vannessa Rhoades is the author of Just Right! Easy DIY Home Staging and the founder of the award-winning firm, Three Bears Home Staging®. She specializes in providing positive, empowering virtual consultations that help homeowners and real estate agents all across the country sell more quickly and for more money.
What is this turquoise pint colour?
Hi Kate! If you click on the photo, you’ll be redirected to the Houzz profile page of the designers who shared it, Lace and Grace Interiors. According to the information on their page, the dark blue paint is Dark Night by Sherwin Williams. Hope this helps!