Black Wallpaper: The Guide

A timeless powerhouse when it comes to interior decoration concepts, black wallpaper is one of the most sought-after tonalities for those aiming to create a modern feature wall able to set the tone and draw visitors’ attention. Combined with more neutral colours, it can be used on all four walls to define an elegant dining area, a sophisticated bedroom or a statement living room. No longer considered too dark for home or office thanks to the arrival of many designer models that combine its seductive properties with colourful accents and graphic patterns, it is now an appealing and striking shade that is extremely effective in adding a dark touch to sizeable spaces bathed in plenty of sunlight, creating a bold contrast to the natural light in a room.

What makes black wallpapers such an interesting decoration tool?
Which variations of black wall décor are most popular with decorators?
Which colour pairings are best suited to black wall décor?
Which rooms is a black wallpaper best suited to?

What makes black wallpapers such an interesting decoration tool?

Whether the goal is to add a touch of exclusivity, create a statement atmosphere or spruce up a wall with some drama, nothing sets a room more apart from the dull monotony of the traditional colour palette than a bold black wallpaper.

Black wallpapers provide a dramatic, almost gothic effect

Black wallpapers are a popular option to set apart specific spaces in living areas or in bedrooms with the goal to create a dramatic statement, a wow moment that will truly impress. With their gothic flair, they combine shadows and darkness with colour accents to create a design narrative that works with many contemporary spaces.

Black wall décor is ideally suited for creating an impactful feature wall

The intensity and ability to immediately attract the eye makes black the ideal hue for those looking for an impact wallpaper aimed at defining a statement wall that acts as a focal point in a room. A bold graphic pattern or a sophisticated textured surface can add a touch of drama and make for a bold feature wall that will be perceived by guests as a wall-to-ceiling work of art.

Black oozes exclusivity and sophistication

Black is traditionally seen as the ultimate colour representing prestige, luxury and elegance. After all, it is the colour of choice for gala dinner gowns and sleek tuxedos. Therefore it is hardly surprising that black wallpaper is often selected for interior design concepts aiming to add a subtle yet impressive twist to classic luxury spaces, mixing both edgy and contemporary elements.

Which variations of black wall décor are most popular with decorators?

The chameleonic properties of what is often considered a non-colour make black a very versatile hue that works just as well as a plain shade as it does to emphasise patterned or embossed surfaces.

Plain black

While traditionally used in combination with textured surfaces or to highlight graphic patterns, there is no denying that the subtle allure of a plain black wallpaper can be a successful tool if the goal is to create a dark canvas that showcases precious works of art, elegant and unusual furniture or colourful details that will shine like jewels.

Patterned black

Independently of the design or colour of the pattern, a wallpaper with a shiny or matte black background will achieve extraordinary results. Depending on the type of the pattern - which can range from floral motifs to minimalistic geometric lines up to large-scale graphic Pop Art, black wall décor can make an impact in any spacious interior, or subtly add to it in a sleek and edgy way.

Embossed black

Combining the haptic effect of embossed wallpaper with the dramatic effect offered by the colour black is the perfect way to make a real impact in a room, especially when using it as a single feature wall to create a focal point that grabs the attention. Thanks to their raised, textured effect, embossed wallpapers, for example the Anaglypta models, add depth to the wall, further enhancing its mesmerising power.

Which colour pairings are best suited to black wall décor?

The innate ability of black to both melt into the background whilst highlighting all other colours makes it a suitable partner for wall décor solutions featuring gold, grey and green elements, creating extraordinary effects.

Black and Gold

Possibly one of the most successful colour combinations in history, the ability of the colour black to bring to the fore the allure and richness of gold can be traced back to the times of ancient Egypt and Rome, with both pharaohs and Roman emperors using lavishly it to decorate their palaces. A wallpaper featuring this high contrast blend mixes a sense of refinement with captivating opulence that works in a variety of settings.

Black and Grey

If the goal is to bring a sense of understated modernity and sophistication to a space, choosing a classic combination of contemporary anthracite black and grey for your wallpaper is a great decision. As the colour combo is the pinnacle of monochrome design, this type of wall décor needs to be combined with matching furniture and accessories to create an elegant and classy interior.

Black and Green

Green is a much-beloved colour often used to define a nature-inspired room, but in order to shine without having an overwhelming effect, it works best when paired with a neutral colour like black which will add depth. A wallpaper combining glossy black and matte green is an intelligent solution which provides instant sophistication and character to a living room or a study.

Which rooms is a black wallpaper best suited to?

Defining dramatic spaces like no other colour, black wallpapers are the perfect choice for bedrooms which are meant to impress, living rooms full of edgy elegance, and moody men cave spaces.

Stunning Bedrooms

While in traditional imagery most bedrooms seem to be characterised by variations of white, there is a growing trend that seeks to break away from this monotony and assert one’s own individualism by choosing a dramatic and stylish black décor for the walls. A stunning black wallpaper as a feature wall behind the head of the bed produces a dazzling effect highlighting its role as a focal point.

Statement living rooms

Together with a design that can be both daring and decadent, a living room featuring black wall décor is a sure way to add an aura of sophistication and confidence that sets this space apart, transforming it into a unique statement room that is testament to your style. Mixed with bright white furniture and one or two brightly coloured accessories, it creates drama without being too overwhelming.

Exclusive man caves

A “man cave” is a retreat many men seek to meet with their friends or just to unwind after a long day at work. Traditionally featuring low lighting, a bar area, and spaces for TV watching and gaming, so-called man caves tend to be dark and moody rooms that are complemented by the subtle drama brought by black wallpaper, which is also ideal for highlighting large posters or works of art.

Black Wallpaper