When you picture a dreamy bedroom, a few hues probably come to mind immediately: white, blue, or maybe even green. A color that likely didn't make the cut is black — but we're here to tell you the dramatic hue is actually an ideal choice for a bedroom. Not only is it modern and aesthetically interesting, but it also has the ability to lend warm and inviting vibes to any space.
That said there are some approaches that are better than others when it comes to pulling off a space with a dark hue. So to find out how it's really done, we tapped four interior designers and asked them to break down exactly how they'd decorate a black bedroom (product recommendations included). Prepare to take notes — we're willing to bet these flawless black bedroom ideas will inspire you to redecorate your space with the hue.
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Video of the Day
Black Bedroom Idea #1: Coastal Chic
When New England-based designer Cynthia Hayes, principal at Cynthia Hayes Interior Design, set out to create a coastal bedroom that was slightly on the unexpected side, she accomplished her goal with a surprising, and beautiful, black accent wall.
"We decided we wanted to add a little bit of drama to this room, tempered by natural elements — thus the one black shiplap painted wall," the designer tells Hunker. "The entire room would have been too heavy for a coastal house, but one wall grounds the space and is a great backdrop for a natural woven bed."
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Natural textures lend a breezy, beachy aesthetic to a black bedroom. Opt for a rattan bed frame to get the look.
A whitewashed nightstand stands out against dark walls.
The light, distressed finish on the dresser adds an additional layer of texture to the space.
A sculptural lamp with clean lines holds its own against a bold ebony-hued accent wall.
When it comes to black paint, Hayes recommends Benjamin Moore's Black Ink. She painted the shiplap wall pictured above in a satin finish.
Black Bedroom Idea #2: Modern
Interior designer Cortney Bishop is famed for the modern, yet warm and welcoming, spaces she creates in Charleston, South Carolina. "It's a bold move to go for the black room," she says, "but a design choice that we have yet to regret."
According to the pro, black evokes an aura of sophistication and coziness. "You're folded into the darkness with a sense of security, and much like a stage, other design elements really stand proud in a room, with their own spotlight against the black background," she adds.
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A contemporary pendant light makes a statement and effectively pops against a jet-black wall.
Radnor Mae Bed, price upon request
Incorporate dreamy texture into a modern black bedroom with a natural caned headboard.
Amadi Carpets Moroccan Rug, price upon request
Since a black bedroom may come off as heavy or dark, Bishop advises including touches of coziness to soften the room, which can be achieved through a lavish, visually appealing rug.
A plant is a guaranteed way to bring life into a black bedroom. Bishop has an affinity for this monstera plant presented in a cool, modern planter. (And we can see why.)
The designer calls this particular shade her favorite black paint of the moment. With its understated, charcoal-like quality, it's a great way to embrace the dark hue subtly.
Black Bedroom Idea #3: Transitional
"I love the element of surprise in design and choosing black for the bedroom always creates an impactful statement," says Marie Flanigan of Marie Flanigan Interiors. "Simultaneously handsome and glamorous, soft yet structured, black is incredibly versatile. It's the perfect backdrop for crisp bedding and metallic accents and is an ideal companion for other neutrals like navy and camel." It turns out that black is an impeccable choice for a transitional bedroom, as Flanigan explains below.
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"Layering aged metallic lighting into a dark space brings a welcome contrast without being too brash," the designer offers. "The understated patina of finishes like antique brass or pewter are subdued and feel appropriately muted against black walls."
Since black is such an elegant, luxe color choice for a bedroom, it can be appropriately opulent to add an oh-so-dreamy blanket to the space. "This blanket is a firm favorite and is unbelievably comfortable," Flanigan says. "The charcoal version blends right into black bedrooms amidst white sheeting and duvets."
Shiir Honeycomb Rug, price upon request
For further coziness, Flanigan adores bringing a plush rug into a black bedroom, or any bedroom for that matter. She suggests choosing one made of silk or cashmere for an uber-luxurious space.
Black is an ideal color for putting special pieces front and center. Antique finds and beloved artwork jump out in a black bedroom, like this charming, handwritten framed receipt from the early 20th century.
"Sourcing art with a story goes a long way in helping your space feel curated and collected," Flanigan says. "A series of framed intaglios, sheet music, or even these quirky receipts feels orderly and invites a closer look."
"This rich hue is a chameleon that straddles the line between deep navy blue and dark charcoal gray," the designer shares. "It cocoons without overwhelming and pairs beautifully with bright white ceilings and trim."
Black Bedroom Idea #4: Cozy and Sophisticated
Homepolish designer Galina Holechek is located in Los Angeles, but that doesn't mean she steers away from interiors that are far from light and sunny. She's also been known to design a room with heft and cozy, substantial pieces, like this bedroom featuring a prominent black fireplace.
"There is a school of thought that teaches that bedrooms should be spaces that are designed to be light and airy and that dark colors close in a space and make it feel smaller," says the designer. "I think it's all about what else is going on in the room — the scale of furniture used, sources of natural and ambient light, use of window treatments, and the furniture layout is also critical."
Get the Look:
This lamp brings just the right amount of drama to a black bedroom. "It creates a beautiful glow in a dark corner," Holechek says.
Holechek is another designer who advocates texture in a black bedroom. "I love using a neutral rug in a bedroom like this one that you can really sink your toes into," she explains. "A rug like this that is a bit lighter in color can offset the moodiness of dark walls."
To create a black bedroom with hygge flair, Holechek always includes a ridiculously soft blanket. "A cozy, dark bedroom needs a dark throw on the bed or chair," she says. "I love, love, love this mohair one from Nickey Kehoe in black."
"One must-have in a dark bedroom is a good plant," the designer divulges. "I love the look of a large interior olive tree against a black wall. Big retailers like CB2 and Crate and Barrel have started selling silk versions of our favorite plants, but I love live plants in a bedroom."
Holechek's top paint pick for a black bedroom is Black Bean by Dunn-Edwards. "It's like a warm hug if an embrace could be a paint color," she explains.