How to Design With Black Sofas
- 1). Paint your walls. Choose a muted color palette to serve as a backdrop for your black sofa. White serves as an ideal canvas for a black sofa. To bring in a pop of color, select one bold color and use it on an accent wall -- red, purple or electric blue, for instance. Another option is to paint a geometric design on a focal wall, such as a combination of lime green and black circles on a white wall.
- 2). Bring in furniture. After painting the room, fill it with furniture. Choose pieces that will coordinate with a black sofa. A glass-topped coffee table with silver legs, or a white lacquered coffee table would work well for a modern design. Instead of using an actual coffee table, place an oversized leather upholstered black ottoman in front of the sofa. Flank the sofa with mirrored end tables. Set a large oak or birch wood entertainment center on the wall across from the sofa.
- 3). Add lighting. Place black or silver-based lamps with shades that coordinate with the accent color you've chosen -- red, purple, lime green or electric blue, for instance. Hang white rice paper globes from the ceiling. To add an unexpected touch of glamor to the room, hang a crystal chandelier from the ceiling, or crystal wall sconces.
- 4). Dress the windows. Floor to ceiling satin drapes in your chosen accent color will work for the look of this modern living space. White sheers will soften the room and give it a touch of whimsy. The clean lines of black Roman shades tie in well with the look of the sofa and the style of a contemporary room.
- 5). Add decorative accents. Place solid-colored throw pillows that correspond with your chosen accent color on the back of the sofa. Lay a circular plush white area rug on the floor. Hang floating black shelves on the walls and use them to display photos in silver frames and other personal items. Set an arrangement of exotic flowers -- orchids, for example -- in glass vases on an end table.
