8 colors to avoid pairing with black, according to designers

Black is a classic shade, praised for its versatility, its chicness, its timelessness. But are there any shades you shouldn't pair with black? Like any color, yes of course there are colors that aren't always going to work when combined.

We spoke with designers and color experts to get their thoughts on what colors to avoid with black. Often when I research these pieces and speak with designers, they are reluctant to really zone in on what color combinations don't work. I often hear most colors work with anything, never say never, type responses. And I agree, you can make most combinations work if you know what you are doing.

But with black, I got some very clear answers. It seems that black, despite its popularity, can be a tricky color to work in a combination. These are the pairings best to avoid and what to do instead.

1. Pink

'I would recommend homeowners steer clear of the combination of dark/hot pink and black, since it’s an outdated color combination reminiscent of an early 2000s teen room and harsh on the eyes,' suggests Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.

'Instead, I recommend going for a trendier color like a deep jewel-toned green to pair with black to create a modern and bold space. I would also recommend against black and navy, since the similarities between both shades can create a bland and “too dark” room. Instead, I would recommend homeowners go for the color pairing of black and white to get the classic and timeless look homeowners tend to search for when using navy.'

It's not to say this combo can't work, the key is to go for a soft, of black and a dusty rose pink, as you can see in the kitchen above. The pink will bring out the warmth in the darker color and the result will be cocooning and soft rather than stark.

2. Orange

'Depending on what items and how much of a space is black will determine what other colors will complement it. Colors to avoid pairing with black are super bright and saturated colors like red and orange. They feel a bit over the top unless specifically going for a holiday theme,' explains designer Mollie Ranize.

'In general wood tones work best with black and feel the most sophisticated. Earth tones can also work nicely with blacks – black paint, hardware and furniture to name a few,' she adds.

You can combine more orangey woods and tones with black successfully if both are accent shades. It's a specific look, pretty retro but it works, and as this living room proves it can look very chic.

3. Navy blue

'I’d probably sidestep navy blue to use with black; if dark’s the look you’re after just use black on black,' suggests designer Benji Lewis.

'In this black living room, I used blues that weren’t navy and included the red poster because there was artwork in other colors to diffuse a black, white, and red room look. I looked for a black that had a softness to it without veering into gray and chose Little Greene's Lamp Black.

'To prevent gloom but not compromise on the dramatic effect I filled the walls with artwork (dark walls are amazing for showcasing art) with strong punches of red and yellow. I also added ivory into the mix with the blue/ivory flecked fitted flatweave carpet and chose soft furnishings that were mid-blue – rather than midnight – tan and cream.'

4. Yellow

'Black is very versatile, and while I wouldn’t be too afraid of pairing it with just about any color, pairing yellow with black is ill-advised to avoid a bumblebee aesthetic,' says designer Kati Curtis.

'The stark contrast between the bright, sunny tones of yellow and the deep, dark hues of black can mimic the appearance of a bumblebee, potentially making your space appear less chic and more like a sports team mascot. This pairing can dominate the visual space, creating a distraction rather than a cohesive and stylish environment.'

'Instead, consider decorating with black and softer tones like blues or greens to maintain sophistication while ensuring a moody, cohesive vibe. This approach allows you to enjoy the classic energy of black without the risk of your space being reminiscent of buzzy insects.'

5. Cool white

'When using black on your walls, a cool, blue-toned white could appear too harsh for this environment. Instead, choose a more empathetic white. Strong White (pictured above) would be a happy bedfellow!' suggests Patrick O'Donnell, of Farrow & Ball.

'I would also recommend (as with all schemes) to really invest in the lighting in the space. Avoid anything too cool and really consider using table lamps and picture lights to soften the drama and avoid overhead lighting where possible.'

6. Green

'Cosy or chic, soft or bold, black is surprisingly versatile and can complement any style of home from traditional to modern. Using black paint, whether just a touch or a whole room, can have tremendous visual impact, explains Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore.

'However, it can also become overwhelming if you pair black with another bold hue such as bright yellow or vibrant green. Although technically a ‘neutral’ color, due to its saturation and depth, black makes a statement when used in the home so it is best to think about its proportions and to create balance with the colors used on other surfaces.'

'For a fool-proof design scheme, opt for black walls against light flooring or furniture upholstered in neutrals and white,' Helen suggests.

Green and black can work, just stick with a lighter, more sage-toned green and use black as an accent shade as you can see in this space.

7. Brown

'Black is one of those unique neutrals that can pair with every color in the correct dose, tone, and proportion. There are only a few colors that I would tread carefully when pairing with black,' says Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design at Lick.

'Firstly, very dark colors. Pairing black with other very dark colors like deep navy, dark brown, or charcoal grey can create an overly heavy and oppressive atmosphere. While these combinations can work in small doses, using them extensively can make a space feel too dark and claustrophobic. They are competing to do the same job, so I would recommend choosing one and color-drenching your space.'

8. Purple

'I personally feel that any combination can work when properly balanced or used in small doses as an accent color. However, as a general rule, I avoid pairing black with navy blue, as it can create a drab and indistinct look, lacking the contrast needed to make either color stand out,' says designer Jennifer Davis.

'Similarly, pairing black with dark purple can lead to a somber and gloomy atmosphere. Lastly, be cautious with black and deep red combinations, as they can evoke a heavy and intense mood. That said, I have seen all of these color combinations beautifully executed, but it takes a skillful eye to pull it of,' she adds.

There's a definite theme to the colors you shouldn't pair with black. Highly saturated colors like pinks, yellows, reds, and greens are a no-go unless you use them in only small amounts. Likewise, darker shades like browns, purples, and navy blues are tricky to make work with black without creating quite gloomy spaces.

That being said, color combinations are always subjective and come down to personal style and a particular space, so as I always say when talking about paint, just order swatches and try out different combos before you rule anything out.