What Colors Go With Black? – Color Pairing With Black

Across history, black has found versatile applications, particularly as a favored hue in design due to its inherent associations with elegance and authority. However, working with black requires a certain finesse, and determining complementary colors poses a unique challenge. In this article, we aim to shed light on various color combinations that harmonize with black. Join us as we explore 16 colors that effortlessly complement black, providing you with insights on creating appealing combinations. Read on to uncover the art of pairing colors with black!

Colors That Go With Black

There are different color combinations that work easily and consistently together. This includes options such as white, but there are also a variety of shades of gray as well as other colors like beige, cream, and brown that also work well with black. You can also combine warm and cool colors; it just has to be done carefully so that the look is balanced and not overwhelming. However, It is easier to work with colors that have a similar color bias or temperature. Let us go through some of the basic types of color combinations.

Black and Burnt Orange

Let us start with orange colors that go with black. Black with warmer undertones like soot or ebony is easier to work with when combining them with warmer colors like burnt orange. This creates a warm and cozy feel to the space that has more continuity to it. However, if you wish to add more interest and contrast, try pairing orange with a cool black.

Black and Purple

Purple creates an amazing color combination with black. Black and purple are both sophisticated and are a great choice for more modern interior designs. Deeper shades, such as plum help to add drama when paired with black. However, to soften this effect, you can try pairing black with a softer purple, such as lilac or periwinkle. Make sure to balance out the colors, as purple and black are also popular Halloween colors, and you do not want to create a similar theme.

Try something like neutral base colors with purple to liven up the look and add black finishes or hardware.

Black and Green

Black is considered a neutral color, while green can be used as a more natural color, which can make for an appealing and soothing combination. Green helps to liven up the black, which can appear too harsh by itself. This combination can work wonderfully in the bathroom, providing a refreshing and comfortable space. Consider these color combos with black. Olive green and emerald green, paired with black. Green, in general, is a cool color.

However, olive green has a yellow undertone, making it a warmer green option. Emerald green is a cool green, as it has a bluish undertone.

Black and Blue

Blue is an easy color to pair with black, and there are many different shades of blue from darker navy to lighter sky blue. Blue can easily be used as wall paint or in accessories. Blue creates a cool and calming space and can be used in most rooms in the home. Black and blue can easily be layered in a room from bringing in a black sofa and blue cushions to items like blue or black pottery. When pairing black and navy, they would work best as accents to a neutral theme, which could help to add more depth to a space. You can also substitute black with navy if you are looking for a darker color.

Navy and blue outfits are quite popular and provide a sophisticated look. Lighter shades of blue provide more of a contrast.

Black and Red

Black is a great backdrop for red and creates a dramatic look that is both moody and powerful. However, there are many shades of red you can choose from, including darker burgundy, brighter Fuchsia, and softer pink. Fuchsia and black is a popular wedding color scheme that can include nail colors, cake decorations, and décor. Pastel pink and black are a more subtle combination that can still be used to create contrast.

Black and Mustard Yellow

Used in the proper proportions, black and mustard yellow can work wonderfully together. You can achieve great looks for both interior designs as well as fashion ideas. The mustard yellow stands out boldly against black, creating an interesting contrast. Consider adding white and shades of gray to the mix, for a more neutral look, with a touch of color.

Charcoal Black and Coral

This sophisticated combination brings together the depth of charcoal black and the vibrant warmth of coral. The muted richness of charcoal provides a refined backdrop, allowing the lively coral accents to pop without overwhelming the space. The result is a balanced and inviting ambiance, perfect for spaces where a touch of playfulness is desired.

Midnight Black and Gold

The timeless elegance of midnight black pairs seamlessly with the opulence of gold, creating a luxurious and dramatic atmosphere. The deep, dark tones of black set a strong foundation, while the addition of gold accents introduces a sense of glamour and sophistication. This combination works well in spaces aiming for a high-end, regal aesthetic.

Onyx Black and Blush Pink

Onyx black, a rich and velvety shade, finds a charming companion in blush pink. This pairing strikes a delicate balance between strength and softness, with the dark backdrop enhancing the subtle, romantic allure of blush pink. The contrast creates a visually pleasing environment, making it ideal for bedrooms or cozy sitting areas.

Ebony Black and Teal

Ebony black, a deep and intense shade, complements the calming and versatile nature of teal. This combination exudes sophistication and modernity, creating a dynamic visual impact. The interplay of these hues is perfect for spaces where a bold statement is desired, such as a contemporary living room or office.

Obsidian Black and Cream

The classic combination of obsidian black and cream brings a timeless and refined look to any interior. The stark contrast between the deep black and the soft cream creates a sense of balance and harmony. This pairing is ideal for creating an elegant and neutral backdrop that can easily accommodate various styles and design elements.

Jet Black and Mint Green

Jet black and mint green form a striking and refreshing combination that adds a contemporary twist to interior design. The deep richness of jet black grounds the space, while the invigorating mint green injects a sense of vitality. This pairing is well-suited for spaces where a modern and energetic atmosphere is desired, such as home offices or creative studios.

Raven Black and Terracotta

Raven black, a deep and velvety hue, pairs effortlessly with the warm and earthy tones of terracotta. This combination creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of natural elements. The dark backdrop enhances the warmth of terracotta, making it an excellent choice for spaces where a rustic and welcoming feel is desired, like dining areas or kitchens.

Coal Black and Lavender

 Coal black and lavender create a sophisticated and calming ambiance. The deep, grounding effect of coal black is complemented by the serene and soothing qualities of lavender. This combination is perfect for bedrooms or relaxation spaces, where the aim is to achieve a tranquil environment with a touch of drama.

Pitch Black and Sky Blue

 The bold contrast between pitch black and sky blue creates a modern and visually striking combination. The deep intensity of pitch black is balanced by the airy and uplifting quality of sky blue. This pairing is ideal for contemporary spaces seeking a vibrant and dynamic aesthetic, such as living rooms or entertainment areas.

Carbon Black and Rose Gold

Carbon black and rose gold form a chic and contemporary duo, blending the boldness of black with the elegance of rose gold accents. The contrast between the dark base and the warm metallic tones adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to the space. This combination is well-suited for modern and upscale interiors, including bedrooms and living rooms.

How to Incorporate Colors With Black

• When using a black color scheme, consider bringing in as much natural light as possible, to prevent it from becoming too dark.
• When bringing in black accents, think of adding black to key focal points. For example, couches in the living room or the bed in a bedroom.
• Consider using neutrals like white, as well as light wood elements to break up the dark color and add contrast. Green plants can also add color to the room.
• In the kitchen, consider pairing black cabinets with marble tops, metallics, and lighter wood flooring.
• If you do not want to go all-black, consider pairing it with shades of gray. You can also pair it with pastel shades for a more gentle look. You can also choose darker gray tones like charcoal if you are worried about using black.
• Try using black in unusual places. For example, a black sink is different and will stand out against a lighter color-neutral color scheme.
• You can also paint doors and window frames black. This will especially stand out against the white trim on a door frame. Black windows will draw your attention to them and outside, creating a more expansive feeling.
• Create a black accent wall for a bold effect. The dark focal point will help to highlight the rest of the lighter and brighter décor.

Black is a neutral color that has been used in all forms of design for countless years. It can be used in many ways to fit any style and mood. When used properly, black can be used to add drama, sophistication, and depth to any interior design idea!

Take a look at our “what colors go with black” webstory here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Colors That Go With Black?

Black is quite a versatile color and can go with almost any color. However, it does tend to work best with neutral colors, such as white, beige, gray, and brown. It also works great with shades of green and blue, as well as yellow, and orange. Of course, you will need to create a balanced color scheme for the best results.

What Are the Complementary Colors for Black?

Are there colors that complement black? Pure black is technically not a color, so there are no complementary colors to go with it. To get colors that complement black, you will need a black that has a certain undertone. For example, you can get a black with a brownish or blue undertone. You can then determine the complementary color, based on the undertone.

Can You Pair Dark Colors With Black?

Some might avoid doing this; however, you can pair darker colors like navy blue with black, which should help to create more depth and a subtle layering effect. You can also balance the colors by including lighter browns and white.

Charlene Lewis( Content Creator and Creativity Writer )

In 2005, Charlene completed her Wellness Diplomas in Therapeutic Aromatherapy and Reflexology from the International School of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy. She worked for a company offering corporate wellness programs for a couple of years, before opening up her own therapy practice. It was in 2015 that a friend, who was a digital marketer, asked her to join her company as a content creator, and this is where she found her excitement for writing.

Since joining the content writing world, she has gained a lot of experience over the years writing on a diverse selection of topics, from beauty, health, wellness, travel, and more. Due to various circumstances, she had to close her therapy practice and is now a full-time freelance writer. Being a creative person, she could not pass up the opportunity to contribute to the Art in Context team, where is was in her element, writing about a variety of art and craft topics. Contributing articles for over three years now, her knowledge in this area has grown, and she has gotten to explore her creativity and improve her research and writing skills.

Charlene Lewis has been working for artincontext.org since the relaunch in 2020. She is an experienced writer and mainly focuses on the topics of color theory, painting and drawing.

Learn more about Charlene Lewis and the Art in Context Team.