Black - The Color of Sophistication
Black is a neutral, not a color, you can find out about what this means here, but for this article we will call it a color.
Black is a fantastic color for interior decorators, the Japanese use it frequently with rich glossy lacquer paint finishes, highlighted with red.
It is an excellent color if you want something to disappear, use a matt black and it often goes unnoticed.
Black, being a neutral can team up with any color, and can have a striking effect. Think of the bumble bee - yellow and black stripes!
Black with metallic gold, silver, copper and brass creates an opulent look. It is often used for joinery hardware to create an elegent accent.
Black teamed with red and white is always a stunning, eye catching color combination.
Black is a popular color for leather furniture, it looks sleek and smart. It looks very smart and powerful in coroprate offices especially when teamed with chrome and glass.
We often think of black as dark and morbid, but used with warm colors it can be sophisticated, mysterious and provide a sense of intimidation, very useful in offices as previously mentioned.
Black doesn't show off the form of objects very well as light is absorbed rather that reflected from it. Therefore if you have a sculpture, lamp or something which the form is important, then choose a different color or use a high gloss to achieve some light reflection.
Black is a masculine color, and men do tend to gravitate to black, especially if it is a sports car! But black is now becoming more popular with women, especially when teamed with hot pink, teenagers love this for their bedrooms, it gives them a sense of drama to their rooms.
Of course there is black teamed with another neutral - white. The ever popular black and white chequered floor vinyl that has been around on our bathroom and kitchen floors for years is still popular as it creates a sense of drama, it is solid, it is easy to see the dirt, it looks elegant, it is high contrast and is still a timeless choice.
Black has so many good uses, as a decorator don't rule out black as dead!
Here are some color meanings for black. For more information on the color black.
