When it comes to interior and exterior house painting, the color black is a popular choice for creating dramatic accents or fully dark spaces. Many assume black paint is simply black paint. However, there are actually many shades and finishes of black paint to choose from. The shade and finish can impact the look and feel of the black significantly. So are there really shades of black paint? The short answer is yes, absolutely. Read on to learn about the different shades and finishes of black paint, what makes them different, and how to choose the best black paint for your needs.
Different Shades of Black Paint
Black paint comes in many shades from jet black to charcoal and more. Here are some of the most popular shades of black paint:
Jet Black
Jet black is the deepest, darkest black paint available. It reflects almost no light, creating a bold high-contrast look. Jet black can feel modern and sleek or ominous depending on how it’s used. This extremely dark shade works well for dramatic accent walls, gothic styles, or a bold statement vibe.
Charcoal
Charcoal black has a very deep dark gray tone. It’s slightly lighter than jet black, reflecting a tiny bit of light. Charcoal black can feel softer for an accent wall or stylish as part of contemporary décor.
Onyx
Onyx black has a brownish undertone, creating a warmer softer black than jet black. Onyx reflects more light for a subtler look. It works well for an accent wall that you don’t want to seem overly dark and dramatic.
Licorice
Licorice has a bit more brown in it than onyx black for an earthy tone. It’s a nice nature-inspired shade of black. Licorice is soft enough for bedrooms and living rooms when you want black to feel warm and inviting.
Smoky Black
Smoky black is a grayish charcoal tone with hints of brown. It’s muted and hazy like a plume of smoke. Smoky black is a nice compromise if you want something dark but jet black feels too harsh.
Ebony
Ebony is another deep, dark black option. But it has a tiny hint of blue in it. The subtle cool undertone gives ebony black a sophisticated allure. Ebony can appear richer and more nuanced than plain black.
Matte, Satin, and Gloss Finishes
In addition to shades, black paint also comes in different finishes – matte, satin, and gloss. The finish dramatically impacts the look and feel of any black paint color. Here’s an overview:
Matte Black
Matte black has a completely flat finish with no reflective quality. It absorbs light and hides imperfections well. Matte black looks bold, sharp, and moody with a rough almost chalky texture.
Satin Black
Satin black has a hint of sheen – less than gloss but more than matte. Satin reflects a small amount of light for slight luminosity. It offers a smooth velvety look. Satin black feels richer and more luxurious than matte.
Gloss Black
Gloss black has a high-shine finish that reflects light well. It looks slick, polished, and luminous. Gloss black feels glamorous, sleek, and modern. The reflective quality magnifies imperfections in surfaces.
How Lighting Affects Different Blacks
The way different shades and finishes of black paint look can shift significantly depending on the lighting conditions. Here’s how lighting affects the most popular blacks:
Jet Black
Jet black maintains its deep dark color even in bright direct light. This shade reflects almost no light. The matte finish in particular stays matte and non-reflective.
Charcoal Black
Charcoal black appears lighter and warmer in well-lit rooms. The dark gray tones absorb less light than pure black. Charcoal can look sparkly under direct light with a satin sheen.
Onyx Black
Onyx black with brown undertones can look slightly orangey or faded in very bright direct sunlight. The warmer tone absorbs more light. Lower lighting keeps its richer dark color.
Gloss Black
Gloss black appears luminous and inky in low light. Under bright light it maintains the glossy wet sheen but can show wall imperfections. Soft diffused light is most flattering.
Tips for Choosing Shades and Finishes
Here are some top tips for selecting the perfect black paint for your space and needs:
- Jet black matte paint makes the boldest dramatic statement. Use it sparingly.
- Satin or gloss black looks amazing for accents like doors and trim.
- Choose softer shades like charcoal or onyx for living rooms or bedrooms.
- Sample blacks on walls with your lighting conditions.
- Matte finish hides imperfections. Gloss highlights any flaws.
- Darker shades can make small rooms feel more closed in.
- Pair cool-tone shades like jet with silver accents. Warm blacks with gold.
Test out samples on walls before deciding on the perfect black. Lighting, room size, gloss, texture and undertones all affect the final look.
Using Black Paint Like a Pro
Here are some designer tips and ideas for using black paint effectively:
Accent Wall
One black accent wall adds drama, dimension and style to any room. Use the boldest jet black matte paint for maximum impact. Keep other walls bright white for contrast.
Trim and Doors
Painting trim and doors black instantly amps up the stylistic edge. Use gloss or satin black paint for bold definition with a hint of sheen. Leave walls white or pair with lighter gray walls.
Ceiling Accent
Beyond walls, don’t overlook painting a ceiling black. A black gloss ceiling can feel moody and intimate or like a night sky when paired with recessed lighting.
Built-ins and Cabinets
For contemporary flair, paint built-ins, cabinets, bookshelves or paneling in a black shade. Try a charcoal or soft smoky black for a more inviting vibe. Add glass cabinets or shelving for contrast.
Furniture
Repaint vintage furniture pieces in black paint to give them an updated modern look. Use a glossy finish on dining chairs or tables. Opt for matte black on accent dressers and nightstands.
Exterior Elements
Black paint doesn’t have to be limited to interior accents. Paint a home’s front door black for instant curb appeal. Choose a very durable gloss finish for outdoors. Or refresh wrought iron fencing and railings with a fresh coat of satin black. Matte black window trim and shutters add a nice contrast.
How to Pull Off Black WallsSuccessfully
Painting a whole room or entire walls black can seem daunting. Here are some pro designer tips for using black wall paint effectively:
- Soften black walls with plenty of lighting. Try stylish pendant lights, sconces and recessed lighting.
- Pair black walls with light ceilings and trim for contrast and to keep the space from feeling too dark and closed in.
- Add mirror accents and glass furnishings to bounce light around.
- Keep floors light – white, light wood, or medium wood tones.
- Use metal finishes like chrome or nickel for hardware and fixtures instead of black on black.
- Include plenty of texture and layers with rugs, bedding, curtains and furniture.
With the right balance of textures, lighting and accents, black painted rooms can look incredibly stylish.
Creative Ways to Use Black Paint Colors
Looking for unexpected ways to add black paint colors? Get creative with these unique applications:
Chalkboard Paint
Create a fun chalkboard wall with black chalkboard paint. Use it in kids’ rooms for drawing, playrooms for messages or kitchens for menus and organization.
Damask Stencils
Use a damask stencil and black paint to create a textured accent wall with dimension. Try a silver damask stencil on black for metallic elegance.
Faux Taxidermy
Paint faux animal skulls, horns or antlers in black for an exotic stylish statement. Try grouping them over a mantle or on an accent wall.
geometric Patterns
Make a bold geometric focal wall in black and white. Use painter’s tape to create striking lines, triangles, diamonds or chevron patterns.
Silhouettes
Paint black silhouettes like trees, birds or abstract shapes on a wall for artsy organic impact. Keep surrounding walls white for definition.
Faux Brick or Stone
Paint black horizontal stripes on walls and then sponge over them for a textured hand-painted faux brick or stone wall effect.
Conclusion
Black paint comes in many shades and finishes from jet black to charcoal, onyx and more. Matte, satin or gloss sheens also dramatically affect the look. Lighting conditions, room size and color pairings also impact how black paint colors appear. While it may seem simple, there are many factors to consider when choosing and using black paints. With the right combination, black can create a dramatic, modern and stylish impact. From bold accents to soft backdrops, black paint offers endless possibilities.