From chic to cosy: 10 black bedroom ideas you need to try
Described by interior design legend Mark Hampton as 'the most daring of all deep colours', black and its decorative potential dominate a controversial space in mainstream interiors. Bedrooms in particular are regarded as vessels for decompression in the home – the premise of bringing a brave shade into our sleep sanctuaries is thus, admittedly, intimidating.
The trap here is failing to recognise the soothing potential of black. Despite its rebellious credentials, its darkness offers a cocooning effect – suitable for making a room feel cosy and dose-inducing. Layering it with the soft furnishings and textiles we associate with a snuggly sleep only helps to enhance this.
Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook, says: 'While black might not be considered a traditionally "calm" colour, it can create a serene and grounding atmosphere when deployed thoughtfully. Whether used as a backdrop to allow other colours and metallic finishes to shine, or used as an accent to ground the space and add contrast with eye-catching detail, black pairs beautifully with an array of textures.
'Opt for linens and cottons for a luxurious, laidback look, or with velvets and metallics for a glamorous take. By thoughtfully balancing black with natural light, reflective surfaces, or vibrant accessories, you can add depth and drama to your bedroom without overpowering the space.'
Alternatively, for those of us who admire black for its nonconformist impact, it can also be used in the bedroom to make a bold statement. In 2024, Lick collaborated with MAC on a limited-edition matt black wall paint, championing this dark hue as the ultimate colour for self-expression in the home.
Tash Bradley, director of interior design and colour psychologist at Lick, said she's always been fascinated by the unique role black plays in our lives: 'In fashion, it represents elegance and sophistication, however, in the world of interiors, many view black as a colour that requires a level of bravery and boldness to decorate with. That being said, since Lick was founded in 2020, we're seeing that people are bolder and braver when using colour than ever before. They're really seeing their homes as a vessel for their personality – and I'm here for it.'
Whether you're tapping into black for its relaxing properties or questing for all-out drama in the bedroom, our design ideas are sure to inspire your dark side...
Colour drench
A favourite technique of colour aficionados, colour drenching a room taps into the immersive potential of a shade and makes a room feel larger.
'Colour drenching with black will help to create a very calm environment,' says Tash. 'If you have a small, north-facing room, this is a great option as black will absorb the shadows, blue the edges of the space and add heaps of personality.'
• Tour this family home in Forest Hill
50/50 split
This monochrome effect will help to trick the eye and open up your bedroom space. Use black on the bottom half of the room and light neutral on the top half. Just ensure everything in that lower half is fully black, including any hardware or skirting boards. Choose black furniture and flooring if possible for optimal drench.
Pair with unapologetic sunshine
If black's a bit moody for your liking, why not try pairing it with a dose of dopamine? Unapologetically mood-boosting shades – yellow, in particular – create fabulous contrast when paired with black, and prevent it from veering too close to the valley of grunge.
In this shot from the House Beautiful archives, black appears in graphic shapes for drama, while cheerful yellows and soothing pinks temper the vibe.
Opt for blue-black
Homeowner Sylvie Morris has decorated her Georgian townhouse in Bristol with vintage, industrial and antique pieces, which are really allowed to pop against a simple, monochrome palette. In her bedroom, she's chosen a chalky blue-black – suitably deep, but natural light draws out the softer, inky tones. We recommend Basalt by Little Greene for a similar effect.
Back to school
Interior designer Deborah Gordon revived a shabby, secondhand wardrobe with some blackboard paint. Placing it in her sons' bedroom, it allows the boys to play and be creative – proving once and for all that black is as artistic as it is brave – and that no old piece of furniture needs to go to waste.
Play with pattern
A black pattern is visually exciting, particularly when it leans into the natural architecture and features of a bedroom. Choosing a print with a pale background will also bring contrast without leaning too moody if you err on the side of caution when it comes to black.
Anthology Farm in Cheltenham uses this pine print to enhance the roof angle beneath its eaves (the whole farm is a masterclass in monochrome — and it's available to book here).
A touch of black
'Every room needs a touch of black' — a famous design principle several powerhouses have taken credit for over the years. While we cannot attribute this quote to one name, we can concur with the principle itself. A delicate source of black, like this cone pendant light by Habitat, adds a smart accent without overpowering the Scandi bedroom scheme.
Layer linens
Textiles, textiles, textiles. If you want to up the cosy factor in your bedroom, layering oodles of soft furnishings is simply the easiest way. Opt for plenty of pillows, then add a bedspread and a throw, as well as your duvet. Here, The Secret Linen Store's black linen set shows off how good this shade looks in buttery soft, 100 per cent linen.
Say it with stripes
Lean into black's boldness by allowing it to make a loud statement. While stripes are a design classic found in homes of many styles, when put in a bold monochrome palette, their cool rating sky rockets. Paired here with soft pink, the result is an edgy Parisian bedroom scheme.
Paint the headboard
This bed's black panelled headboard, set behind crisp white sheets and classically woven throws, has us just about ready to clamber into it. Painting a headboard black has a surprisingly soothing effect and looks even better when fitted with complementary black wall lights, perfect for your evening read. Pooky's rechargeable collection is an ideal place to start if you're after a more affordable way to incorporate wall fittings.
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