Other than trim work, few people in the Naples, Florida area would ever consider painting exterior home or business surfaces black. First off, the color black totally conflicts with the overall southwest Florida style. More importantly, though, our bountiful sunshine would turn black-painted structures into hotboxes. Not only would a black painted building increase cooling costs, but the sun would cause the black paint to fade, blister, and peel much faster than other colors.       

However, anyone with a strong urge to “paint it black” should certainly consider using black paint for interior surfaces. If done right, black paint can add elegance and sophistication to interior spaces. It can also make spaces seem much larger than they are. Black is an interesting color to work with because it obscures shadows and corners and can provide a dramatic contrast with other colors.

The color black is also an exceptionally tricky color to work with. Therefore, FCI Painting offers the following tips to anyone contemplating a black paint job for their interior spaces:

Contrast is Crucial, So Start Small

Any room can be beautified with black paint but the balance between dark and light colors is one of the key factors in making black paint work. Just consider what a particular room might look like if you decided to paint everything black. Trust us, not very appealing.

The best means for making black paint strikingly beautiful is to create a distinctive balance between dark and light colors. Think of black walls paired with lighter floor colors, trim work, and/or furniture. The contrast between them can be subtle or dramatic depending on the ratio. The contrast is also dependent upon lighting, as black paint color schemes work best with plenty of light. In fact, available light should always play a primary role in choosing black paint color schemes.

For do-it-yourselfers who are new to black paint, figuring out the desired contrast balance can be a struggle—checking out fan decks, visualizers, and color-coordinating palettes will probably not provide sufficient guidance with regard to the final appearance. Thus, a good rule of thumb with introducing black paint into your interior spaces is to start small. Given that black paint helps make small spaces look bigger, introduce black paint to a hallway or powder room. Contrast it with a light trim and/or floor coloring to assess whether it’s creating the style you seek. Also, make sure that you view the end result under different light conditions.

With larger rooms, consider adding black as an accent first. In some rooms, painting all the walls black often makes them too dark and depressing. So, try painting one wall black in contrast to other lighter colored walls. You can also create a focal point by painting just one wall in a room black. This works especially well in rooms with uneven walls and/or slanted ceilings, especially when you paint walls with windows in lighter colors.

Make sure You Choose the Right Shade and Sheen   

Black paint colors that are not “true black” tend to include either a “cool” blue or “warm” brown accent. The warm black paint colors are more versatile with contrasting colors, while cool black paints work best with soft blue trims and other colors on the cool spectrum. Choosing the right sheen is equally important. Matte finishes offer a softer, more subtle appearance, while a high-gloss sheen provides dramatic highlights to the contrasting colors. As with everything else about black paint colors, contrast and lighting is key.     

Consult with an Interior Paint Expert to “Paint it Black”

If you successfully figure out your “paint it black” interior paint color scheme, we commend you for your perseverance and fortitude. Black is one of the most difficult paint colors to work with due to its broad variances with contrast colors and how it reacts to different light. With more than 25 years of professional interior and exterior painting experience in the Naples, Florida area, FCI painting is experienced with the challenges of working with black paint. We can help you come up with the perfect black color scheme for your interior spaces and deliver a top-notch finished paint job. To consult with us about any of your painting needs in the southwest Florida area, you can reach us by contacting FCI Painting online, or by giving us a call at (239) 435-1001.