9 expensive-looking black decor staples every apartment could benefit from

It (doesn't) take a billion to look this good with black decor

Black decor lifestyle shots from Dormify and Urban Outfitters on neutral gradient background
(Image credit: Future / Dormify / UO)

Got couture taste on a thrift store budget? Then black decor is the best way to elevate your space. It's one color that doesn't disappoint, and little dresses aren't the only reason why this hue is coming in hot. Whether you're trying to create a sleek space or give it a moody atmosphere, this color doesn't mess around. 

"Black is not just one color; it has different shades and undertones that can affect how it looks in different lighting conditions and with different colors," says David Goodell, founder of Paints Acrylic. "Generally, lighter shades of black are easier to work with than darker shades of black because they are less harsh and more forgiving." He also notes that warm undertones "are more flattering and inviting."

When decorating an apartment (especially one that's rented), homeware is the quickest route to freshen up your space without getting the toolkit out. And black has definitely got your back all year round. 

9 black decor buys that will smarten up your space

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"Incorporating black in a room can be done through the use of furniture, lighting fixtures, wall treatments, or art," says Raf Michalowski, interior designer and founder of Meble Furniture. "It can be used as an accent color on pillows and throw blankets to add dimension to the space."

I've split this edit by room so you can dot dark decor around your home. All of my picks are under $190, and there are tons of items you don't need to wait until payday for.

 

Black decor for the bedroom

Black decor for the living room

Black decor for your entryway

Frequently asked questions

How do you incorporate black in a room?

"One way to incorporate black into a room is through lighting," says Jonathan Faccone, managing member and founder at Halo Homebuyers.
He notes that there are many ways of doing this, whether it's through pendants or sconces. Even floor lamps are great as "they can provide a softer light and bring an air of sophistication to any room."

How do interior designers use black color?

David Goodnell, founder of Paints Acrylic, says that there are three ways that interior designers use black to influence a space. Firstly, he says that it can add depth and dimension. 

"Black can make a space feel more spacious by creating the illusion of depth and shadows," he says. "It can also make a space feel more dynamic by adding some movement and energy. For example, interior designers use black paint or wallpaper with patterns or textures to add some depth and dimension to a space."

It can create balance and harmony, too. "Black can help balance out the other colors in a space by creating a sense of proportion and scale," says Goodnell. "It can also help harmonize the different elements in a space by creating a cohesive and unified look."

Lastly, it can emphasize focal points or features in a space. "Black can draw attention to certain areas or objects in a space by creating a strong contrast or statement," he says.

Where to buy black decor

The internet is crammed with cool black decor. Naturally, we could only fit so much into this guide. If you want to shop the look yourself, try one of these outlets:

How we chose

We've been lucky enough to call in the silk pillowcase and candle in this guide. For the rest, we relied on highly-rated reviews from shoppers and complimentary feedback post-purchase. We also reach out to industry professionals to get their take on how to practically incorporate black decor into your space.

Meet the experts:

David Goodell, founder of Paints Acrylic
David Goodell

David Goodell, founder of PaintsAcrylic, is a visionary artist with a deep-rooted love for painting. With years of experience in the art world, Goodell recognized the need for premium acrylic paints that artists can rely on for superior performance and exceptional results. Driven by a desire to fill this gap, Goodell embarked on a journey to create a brand that embodies artistic passion, reliability, and innovation.

Raf Michaelowski, Interior designer and founder of Meble Furniture
Raf Michalowski

Raf Michalowski is an interior designer and the founder of Meble Furniture, one of the premier furniture retailers in North America. He helps customers design, create, and purchase the perfect furniture for their homes. His company has helped over 10,000 people find their dream furniture and create a personalized interior space suited to their lifestyle. 

Jonathan Faccone, Halo Homebuyers
Jonathan Faccone

Jonathan Faccone is a full-time real estate investor and developer. He is the Managing Member of Halo Homebuyers, a real estate home-buying company based in Bridgewater, New Jersey, and doing business throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Halo Homebuyers has been named one of the best home-buying companies in NJ by Clever, Upnest, Houzeo & Real Estate Witch.


If you're not convinced that black is for you, navy decor might be the next best thing for you. We've got five ways to style this dark blue hue.

Christina Chrysostomou
Former acting head ecommerce editor

Hi, I'm the former acting head ecommerce editor at Real Homes. Prior to working for the Future plc family, I've worked on a number of consumer events including the Ideal Home Show, Grand Designs Live, and Good Homes Magazine. With a first class degree from Keele University, and a plethora of experience in digital marketing, editorial, and social media, I have an eye for what should be in your shopping basket and have gone through the internal customer advisor accreditation process.