Black Sofa Set Decorating Ideas

Decorating with a Black Sofa

Like a black dress or pair of pants, a black sofa can be coupled with almost anything. And decorating with a black sofa has never been easier with these top tips and tricks.

Black and nearly black sofas offer a high degree of drama for your decorating dollar. Because of their ebony hues and physical mass, they contribute look-at-me silhouettes that stand as living and family room focal points. Happily, black sofas perform as adaptable neutrals that amiably partner with a wide array of colors and patterns and work in designs ranging from country to contemporary. Here's what you need to consider when choosing items to go with your black sofa.

Wall Colors and Black Sofas

Gray living room

Because coal and charcoal hued sofas are "go big or go home" design choices, they deserve a place in the limelight. There's no better way to showcase their profiles than by using a high-contrast wall color. But, before choosing your paint color, formulate a color palette for decorating the room; then, carry a version of one of those shades onto the wall. Generally, laid-back paint colors, such as pearly gray, pastel peach, creamy yellow, sky blue, and lighter earth tones, let black sofas shine while adding hints of color and warmth to the space. But, if you like spicier room designs, paint walls clear and crisp hues, such as lemon yellow, lime green, cherry red, cantaloupe, periwinkle blue, or hot pink. Forget about bright whites because the contrast between sofa and wall may appear stark and chilling. Stay away from black-shaded paint colors, such as forest green, navy, or burgundy, to avoid creating a black-hole effect between the wall and the sofa.

Fabrics, Furnishings and Black Sofas

living room

In addition to wall color, choose fabrics and furnishings with breezy patterns and lightweight profiles to counterweight a dark sofa's substantial presence. Solid black sofas will partner nicely with any fabrics that work with your decorating style, but consider introducing black-and-white prints as upholstery and accent fabrics. These high-contrast fabric designs, whether awning striped, animal print, or classic toile, make an impact when arranged alongside a black sofa. If your black sofa is covered in a patterned textile rather than a solid, introduce smaller scaled fabric patterns on accent pieces, such as ottomans or side chairs. Add a sense of buoyancy by incorporating wood furniture with light-to-medium stained finishes, pieces with painted or lacquered surfaces, glass-topped metal tables, and woven wicker or rattan chairs.

Accessories and Black Sofas

Keeping Busy

Boost the bright with favorite collections, vibrant artworks, patterned or shaggy area rugs, and window fabrics boasting touches of black or dark gray that tie into your sofa and upholstery fabrics. Starting with a black sofa makes decorating a bit more fun because the neutral furnishing allows you to change out accessories as seasons shift or whenever the mood strikes. If you like living in chromatic spaces, distribute your favorite hues around the room via vivid accessories, boldly patterned throw pillows, and accent furniture with colorful finishes. Got a penchant for more serene scenes? Maintain the peace while keeping interest high by accessorizing with gray tone-on-tone fabrics, black-framed photos, groupings of wall-hung mirrors, and silver or gold curios boasting both polished and weathered patinas.