Join the Dark Side
explore our favorite black paints and when to use them (hint: always)
Black paint may not be the first color that comes to mind when you think about decorating your home. It can conjure visions of teenage angst and gothic dungeons to some, but that’s just because they haven’t checked in with us in a minute.
Not only can black paint add a touch of modernity and drama to a space, it’s the perfect bandage for a host of design ailments and offers a surprisingly diverse range of shades to suit various styles and use cases. Read on to discover our favorite shades and how we use them to transform said design woes, and keep this on hand the next time you decide to get dark.
1. Black beauty by Benjamin Moore
What it is: The tiniest hint of blue adds a level of softness. Its boldness makes this a dramatic choice for rooms that need some interest.
Where to use it: On kitchen cabinets, as it doesn’t feel too stark paired with metals and other light finishes. We coated these formerly white cabinets in Black Beauty to take them from standard to striking—without wasting materials.
Max Burkhalter
2. Liquorice by farrow & ball
What it is: Liquorice is part of Farrow & Ball’s new Carte Blanche collection and is a warm black with a historic feel. Like other flat black shades, it’s a good option for hiding imperfections on walls or woodwork.
Where to use it: Elevate window and wall trim without over-modernizing them. We’re looking forward to using this shade on the trim of an almost-complete project paired with a green floral wallpaper.
3. aperture by c2
What it is: A pure, inky black that feels rich and velvety. Because it leans neither warm nor cool, it pairs easily with a range of other paint colors.
Where to use it: Interior doors that need a cool factor or to camouflage wear and tear. Many of the doors inside our headquarters are painted this shade to feel less “office” and more intentional.
4. midnight dream by benjamin moore
What it is: A deep, cool-toned black that feels moody and elegant. It’s a striking shade that works in modern and traditional spaces.
Where to use it: Give your home’s exterior a mid-century makeover and hide less-than-desirable architectural features.
5. Railings by Farrow & Ball
What it is: A ZF favorite—A stately black with moody blue undertones. Its coolness adds a touch of modernity and pairs well with other cool colors.
Where to use it: Elevates basic staircases and banisters (like its namesake) and also looks great on built-ins and kitchen cabinets.
6. black by fine paints of europe
What it is: A luxurious, jet black. Fun fact: The Hollendac line has a finish called Brilliant, which looks like lacquer.
Where to use it: Repaint furniture in this shade’s Brilliant finish to make a graphic statement. It also looks great in a small space like a vestibule.
7. Onyx by benjamin moore
What it is: A charcoal hue that lives in the gray family and is slightly softer than pure black. Its softness offers muted, understated elegance.
Where to use it: On the walls of a small space for handsome coziness, or on railings and balusters for that iron look.
Onyx by Benjamin Moore
Black by Fine Paints of Europe
BOOKMARK THIS:
Test a minimum of three and a maximum of five—don’t settle, but don’t get overwhelmed. Samplize is a mess-free way to try multiple samples.
Choose your sample based on type preference (pots, dry, peel and stick) and what will allow you to best envision the color in your space.
Always put the samples up in different areas of the room and observe over a 24-hour period. Different times of day will reveal different paint qualities.
Consider the most common type of weather and light sources that create the room’s atmosphere and let it guide your paint choice. For example, if you live in a mostly sunny part of the world, don’t test paints on the one rainy day of the month.
Test our tips and send us your photos! We might just give you a shout-out on Instagram.