Black And Gold: An Award-Winning Colour Duo

Black and gold in interior design

Black and gold has been with us for centuries. Whether it’s the black marble statues with gold leaf details from the ancient world, black cased antique mantle clocks with gold faces from the 19^th century, or the shimmering, swirling dresses of the roaring 20s, black and gold has been celebrated for its contrast and energy.

The success of black and gold in interior design is based upon its versatility and the abundance of possibilities it opens for style conscious designers. There are essentially two schools of thought when it comes to black and gold. The first makes almost exclusive use of the two, while the second has this dynamic duo support other tones and colours.

Using black and gold as dominant colours

For the brave among you, using black and gold as the core components in your space will create a décor that both shocks and delights.

Will using the black colour make my room feel dark?

Firstly, we need to surmount a popular misconception – “using a lot of black in a space will make it feel small and too dark”. This isn’t automatically true. Using a lot of black in larger spaces can make them feel a little more petite, but it’s the reverse with smaller rooms. Here, using black – and other very dark colours – will make a space feel larger, the trick is light.

The best ways to use black and gold in the home

A small room with, for example, black panel blinds, sofas, and parts of the wall will need light to add a soft glow to it. Luckily, gold can help you here. One of the most practical and chicest ways to make your space shimmer and sparkle is by using a metallic inner in your lamp shade. The metallic golden inners will help light dance in your space. Moreover, if the exterior of a black lamp shade is velvet, you’ll create a beautiful detail in your space.

What colours go with black and gold?

Focusing your décor on two contrasting colours may not be for everyone’s taste, but the good news is that you can introduce these colours to support other tones in the space.

Gold, black and white

Adding white to gold and black will create a contemporary take on chic monotone design. The gold will add an extra layer of comfort and depth to the décor, creating a more wholesome and sophisticated effect. Here, black cushions and black shutters combined with white walls, and gold mirrors and ornaments, are a true inspiration.

Gold, black and red

For classically-inspired interiors, introducing red to black and gold is a sure-fire way to create an elegant and fashionable space. One of the best ways to enjoy this combination is to use traditional jacquard fabrics or wallpaper to add a subtle patterning to the room. This can be easily achieved with red curtains or red Roman blinds to maintain that heritage effect.

Gold, black and grey

Similar to using white, mixing pale greys to black and gold will add more of a luxurious scandi feel to your space. Using grey as the dominant colour will allow you to be more expressive with the black and gold. Feel free to use a couple of grey shades too if you want to break up your décor a little bit more.

Gold, black and sage green

The gold, black and sage green colour combination may be slightly cheating, but we really love it. In any of the combinations listed above, you can substitute black for dark, anthracite greys or even dark chocolate browns to equal effect. If you do opt for a deep, dark grey or brown, consider using sage green – or any pale green tone – with gold to make a fresh and open space in your home.