The Rise of Warm Black in Interior Design
For many of us, the idea of decorating with black can quickly conjure images of overly dramatic spaces that are far from cozy. But, this moody hue doesn't have to be cold and intimidating – warm-toned blacks are officially in style, and it's the need-to-know-about trend if you want to add depth (but in a livable way) to your home.
'I’m so happy we’re finally seeing warm blacks having their moment,' says Tash Bradley of Lick. 'What makes them so versatile is the undertone. The warmth running through these blacks, whether that’s brown, red, or even a touch of yellow, makes them sit beautifully alongside so many materials and colors.'
From soft charcoals, espresso tones, and red-toned blacks, this color trend is quickly proving just how stylish black room ideas can be, and here, designers share all you need to know about channeling it stylishly.
Why Designers Are Loving Warm Black
'Deep, brown-toned blacks are replacing harsh industrial black,' says interior designer Lori Hicks Cazenave of Hicks Cazenave Interior Design. 'They have the same grounding effect but feel much more generous and adaptable. Think coffee, cocoa, molasses tones – they hold shadow in a softer way.'
'These shades are still bold, but they feel more lived-in, more versatile, and much more inviting,' designer Kristina Khersonsky of STUDIO KEETA adds.
Interiors in recent years have tended to favor warm color schemes over cool ones, and so it makes sense that this typically cool color is being reinvented as one that's able to add warmth to rooms. 'For so long, black in interiors meant those cold, flat, blue-based blacks, which can be incredibly harsh,' says Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick.
There's more to this color trend than simply how it makes a room look, though. Tash says that it is rooted in color psychology, with warm blacks making spaces feel comfortable and inviting. 'People want depth in their homes, but not drama for drama’s sake,' she says. 'These warm blacks have an earthy softness to them. They’re grounding and comforting rather than stark. They act almost like a modern neutral: they give instant sophistication, but they still allow a space to feel warm, intimate, and inviting.'
5 Beautiful Ways to Decorate With Warm Black
From paint ideas to living room furniture, here's how designers are using warm blacks in their projects – proving that black is not a color to shy away from.
- Create a Moody and Sophisticated Dining Space
This dining room proves that in the right setting, black walls can be livable. Paired with a chocolate brown ceiling, the space is unexpected, cozy, and sophisticated.
'A client wanted a moody dining room but was hesitant to go full black, fearing it would feel too overpowering,' says Kristina Khersonsky of STUDIO KEETA. 'We started with a deep green to ease into that depth, but eventually transitioned the space to a rich black, paired with a deep chocolate brown ceiling to accentuate the room’s coved architecture.'
'The space now feels like a warm embrace,' she adds. 'It’s one of her favorite places to host, precisely because it breaks from the norm. That’s what makes these warmer blacks so special; they still carry weight, but they don’t feel cold or imposing.'
- Choose a Warm-Toned Black Paint
'This formal bar is fully painted in Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze,' says the designer Victoria Tanforan of Pacific Design Group. 'It's a super dramatic hue that really distinguishes a room without feeling like you're in a stark black hole.'
Urbane Bronze, which is a popular shade among designers, can be more livable than other black paints, Victoria suggests. 'It has a beautiful brown undertone to it, making it feel more natural and comfortable.'
'These warmer blacks play better with other colors that are also warm,' Victoria adds. 'In this particular room, we knew we wanted to keep the original terracotta flooring, and it needed a complementary color to make the brown tones feel relevant.'
- Bring This Statement Shade to Your Kitchen
So often, kitchen cabinets play it safe with warm whites, beige, and cream. But a warm black can ground the heart of the home and make it into more of a design feature. In this transitional kitchen, Benjamin Moore's Midsummer Night, a black paint with brown and violet tones, was used on the cabinets.
'The colors in this project were chosen to support the design of the original house, which had interesting, bold graphic shapes,' says the designer Jessica Helgerson. 'We did this by adhering to a simple base palette of rich dark brown-black, warm white, and wood and repeating the existing shapes in the rooms we redesigned.'
- Style Wallpaper in Traditional Spaces
Painting the walls with black paint can be too much in some cases, and sometimes, a smaller introduction of this rich hue is all that's needed. In this bedroom, the warm black wallcovering feels cohesive alongside the antique furniture, without overpowering the room.
'When incorporating antiques, I tend to lean toward warmer color palettes,' says the designer Lisa Gilmore of Lisa Gilmore Design. 'This primary bedroom demonstrates how to mix Art Deco antiques with warm blacks and charcoals. I layered two different types of wallcoverings to give the space dimension.'
- Go for Espresso-Toned Furniture
Furniture upholstery is another great place to decorate with warm blacks, since the tactile quality will keep things relaxed. Here, the rich espresso hue of this sofa feels fresh and modern, while adding depth and contrast to the room's lighter palette.
'We often use espresso finishes, charcoal velvets, burnished bronze, or dark wood with subtle red undertones,' says Lori Hicks Cazenave of Hicks Cazenave Interior Design. 'They create depth without feeling graphic or cold.'
Shop the Warm Black Decor Edit
Bringing this room color idea to life isn't just about painting the walls. For a more subtle take, shop the decor pieces below that will work well in lots of rooms, from bedrooms to living spaces.
McGee & Co.
Alice Wood Stool
This wooden stool feels vintage-inspired and would work well styled in a bathroom.
McGee & Co.
Tess Ceramic Table Lamp
This dark brown table lamp adds depth and richness to a room, without feeling too heavy.
H&M
Linen-Blend Tablecloth
Bring this moody color trend to your dining table with this gingham tablecloth.
Lulu & Georgia
Carys Contrast Linen Pillow
This linen pillow in a rich espresso tone with subtle trim contrast would make a stylish addition to light neutral bedding.
Lulu & Georgia
Haston Medicine Cabinet
The wavy edge of this medicine cabinet softens its dark hue.
Ferm Living
Corduroy Pot
For a much smaller nod to this trend, go for this dark brown plant pot, which would work well in a kitchen.
If you're looking to add depth, sophistication, and a bit of drama to your home, there are few colors better than warm blacks. Whether you go bold by painting the walls or add these trending (but timeless) shades with decor, it'll no doubt elevate your home with a refined feel.