How to decorate with black and brown – experts weigh in on this moody and sophisticated color combination

If you want to create an interior scheme that feels moody and sophisticated in equal parts, then look no further than pairing black with brown.

The ultimate bold color combination for rooms, decorating with black and brown can seem daunting, but when carried out thoughtfully, it can be incredibly chic and timeless. 'When it comes to creating a space that feels both grounded and effortlessly sophisticated, few color combinations work as well as black and brown,' says Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design at Lick and color psychologist.

Here, we reveal all you need to know about this bold color pairing, sharing interior designers' tips for decorating with brown and black in a balanced and liveable way.

Decorating with black and brown

'At first, you might think that pairing two darker tones would feel heavy, but in reality, the warmth of brown and the depth of black complement each other perfectly – especially when using the right shades,' Tash Bradley explains. 'Brown, often found in wood tones, brings warmth and an organic feel to a space. Black adds depth, contrast, and elegance, preventing brown from feeling too rustic or traditional.'

Before incorporating this bold color pairing, it's worth understanding the basics of color psychology of these two hues to learn how they make a room feel, as Tash explains:

'Brown is a reassuring and dependable color, connecting us to nature and giving a room a warm, inviting energy. Take Lick’s Brown 02, a rich, earthy brown with warm, chocolatey undertones – it has a deeply grounding effect, creating a sense of stability and comfort in a space.

'From a color psychology perspective, black adds a sense of elegance, confidence, and security, while also acting as the perfect grounding color to anchor a room. Lick’s Black 02, for example, is a soft, smoky black with warm red undertones. Unlike cooler blacks like Black 01, Black 02 has a softer, more enveloping quality, making it feel luxurious without being overpowering.

'By balancing the emotional warmth of brown with the bold elegance of black, you’ll create an interior that not only looks stunning but also feels deeply comforting and inviting.'

'Another reason this pairing is successful is its natural harmony,' adds San Francisco-based interior designer Tineke Triggs. 'Since brown is found in materials like wood, leather, and stone, it introduces an organic element that prevents black from feeling flat or overwhelming. Together, they create a look that feels grounded yet refined.'

'There’s also an undeniable luxe factor at play,' Tineke continues. 'The contrast between these shades, especially when mixed with brass, marble, or textured finishes, immediately elevates the design. At the same time, both black and brown are timeless neutrals, ensuring the space remains stylish regardless of changing trends. Whether you lean toward a modern moody aesthetic or something more classic and warm, this palette can adapt beautifully.'

Expert tips for this dark color pairing

Below, we've rounded up designers' top tips for pairing black and brown in your interior schemes while ensuring the end result is liveable and balanced.

1. Incorporate interesting textures and materials

For Denver-based interior designer Nadia Watts, decorating with black and brown is all about balance. One way you can create balance in your scheme is by incorporating different textures and materials, as she explains below:

'The key is in the balance – since both colors are deep and moody, combining different textures and finishes helps keep the space feeling dynamic rather than heavy. Think supple brown leather against matte black walls or a mix of wood tones with sleek black metal accents.

'I love using this pairing in spaces where I want to create warmth with a bit of edge. The combination makes the space feel elevated yet inviting. The trick is to introduce a variety of materials – soft textiles, natural finishes, and a touch of metallics like brass or aged gold can really bring the palette to life.'

2. Match the undertones

Another key consideration when pairing black with brown is the undertones of each hue. For a cohesive look, try to match cool-toned browns with cool blacks in cool color schemes, and vice versa in warm color schemes suggests Tineke Triggs:

'Brown can be warm, like walnut or cognac leather; or cool, like espresso-stained wood. Pairing it with the right black – cooler blacks with espresso tones, warmer blacks with walnut – creates a more cohesive look.'

3. Add lighter colors to brighten the room

'To prevent the palette from feeling too heavy, incorporating lighter elements like white countertops, softer flooring ideas, or warm lighting ideas can break up the darkness,' continues Tineke Triggs.

'Even small pops of color, like fresh greenery, add life to a black and brown space without taking away from its boldness. The key to making this combination work is all about balance – when the mix is just right, it’s effortlessly chic and endlessly sophisticated,' says Tineke.

4. Add interest through hardware

If you're decorating with black and brown in a kitchen or bathroom, your choice of hardware can balance your color scheme. 'Metal accents like brass, bronze, or gold – seen in the lighting, hardware, and fixtures here – help tie everything together while adding a touch of brightness,' says Tineke Triggs.

Similarly, wood tones can be balanced with black metal hardware for a more modern look, as recommended by interior designer Melissa Read, creative director at Studio Burntwood: 'We often introduce this pairing through joinery, where a deep espresso wood finish is contrasted with black-stained oak or matte black metal hardware. This adds depth without overwhelming the space.'

5. Decorate with black and brown paints

If you want to go bold with your color scheme, consider decorating with either black paints or brown paints. Below, Tash Bradley shares some of the best ways to do so for a dramatic look that feels perfectly balanced:

'For a cozy yet elevated living space, use Brown 02 on the walls and introduce Black 02 through furniture or trim for contrast. Add natural linens to your furnishings and pops of rich orange for added warmth.

'In a bedroom, Brown 02 creates a soothing environment, while touches of black in accents (such as lighting, picture frames, or textiles) add a contemporary edge.

'For a modern kitchen or dining space, pair Black 02 cabinetry or walls with brown warm wood flooring or a teak dining table to create a space that feels both moody and inviting.

'For a bolder, more dramatic contrast, Lick’s Black 01 comes into play. This is a true, rich black – deep, impactful, and full of character. While Black 02 softens a space, Black 01 adds a striking, modern edge, creating definition and a sense of structure. Used alongside Brown 02, it delivers a strong yet inviting aesthetic, perfect for those looking for a contemporary and confident interior.'

Although bold, brown and black are a timeless color combination that can add a sense of sophistication to your home. If you don't want to go too bold, start by incorporating these dark tones through small decor, alongside lighter neutrals for balance.