Dark upholstered furniture has recently been considered the most prestigious, but not everyone manages to harmoniously fit a black sofa into the interior of a living room or office.
An important element of the living room can become a real decoration or just a “black hole” absorbing space.
It depends on many factors, and good taste alone is not enough to furnish a room harmoniously.
Experienced interior designers share their secrets, which may be useful to lovers of classic and modern sofas with black leather upholstery.
What is important to know about black sofas?
Brief contents of the article:
Extravagant furniture is a win-win option for a modern interior. There is an opinion that this color has no shades, since black is a “cosmic” color that absorbs all other colors of the spectrum, that is, this is the complete absence of light.
This is partly true, if we talk about radically deep black color. But in textiles, such an “absorption” effect is only possible with suede upholstery.
Attention: Large corner sofas with this material really visually “absorb” the space, so they are only appropriate in a large room or studio apartment without partitions between functional areas.
Black color in sofa upholstery is perceived differently, depending on the texture of the fabric and the combination of threads. For example, jacquard, where luxurious matte patterns are drawn on a glossy background, is not perceived as “very dark.” It depends on the degree of light reflection.
Luxurious furniture upholstered in lacquered eco-leather has a high degree of light reflection. The almost mirror surface of the fabric is perceived as ultra-modern and extravagant, but somehow cold. But black velvet and velor give a feeling of warmth and hospitality.
The undoubted favorite among office sofas for an executive office is a leather sofa. To feel like a “big boss”, some people add this piece of furniture to their home.
Please note that in winter it is comfortable, but in the heat the open part of the legs under them sweats and sticks, which is not very aesthetically pleasing. But a black sofa is also a matter of prestige, which is why they are preferred by people who want to emphasize their status or wealth.
Often a dark sofa in a room on the north side is perceived as black. It can be any similar shade:
- eggplant;
- bilberry;
- deep purple; Navy blue;
- dark brown;
- anthracite.
All recommendations for organizing space are also valid for the listed shades. Black upholstery with a red, golden or green tint looks especially luxurious.
Black sofa in the living room interior
The sofa is the main piece of furniture that must be in the living room. It will become the main accent in the room. As a rule, a black sofa is installed against a white wall. But the sofa will be corner or straight - it depends on the size of the room.
Baroque armchair and coffee table in light gray living room
In addition to the sofa, install a couple of armchairs and a coffee table. To smooth out the contrasting interior, you can use bright accessories:
- decorative pillows;
- curtains;
- carpet;
- various decorations.
A black coffee table with an original shape in a large snow-white living room.
Don’t forget about the upholstery of the sofa. If you want to make your living room warmer, choose fleecy fabrics. And materials such as silk and leather will make the atmosphere strict and cold.
Two black leather armchairs against a dark gray wall in the living room
Where to put black upholstered furniture?
A large sofa with dark upholstery is a self-sufficient element of the interior:
- in the manager's office;
- in a lobby, recreation area, large reception area of a commercial firm or public establishment;
- in the large living room;
- in a small private office;
- in a studio apartment or a house without walls.
Advice: Never place a black sofa next to photo wallpaper with the illusion of absorption - it creates an unpleasant impression that you are being sucked in. You shouldn’t place it opposite a mirror either - the dark spot will double. Ideally, a black leather sofa in the interior is well perceived next to light curtains and tulle stretched along the entire wall using a ceiling cornice.
In a minimalist interior of a living room or bedroom, where there is little furniture, velvet upholstered furniture on a podium or in the form of an island in the center of the room looks luxurious. A hospitable atmosphere will be provided by a chandelier with crystal balls hanging from the ceiling above the coffee table - between the sofas and armchairs.
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Black sofas are often used to zone space. They are in harmony with modern household appliances. But you shouldn’t overload one corner with dark furniture and a huge plasma panel, adding black shelves, shelving or other elements of this color.
Such an impromptu “cinema” in the corner is diluted with large plants and a green rug.
Attention: The black rug looks elegant, but be careful not to overdo it with this color.
Lighting plays an important role. The best solution is to use colored lamps and LED strips, which will relieve the living room of obsessive gloom.
Black Sofa Styles
The style of rooms with a black sofa is often quite obvious. Its installation is typical for:
- Minimalism;
- Scandinavian style;
- Ethnic style.
Of course, a black sofa will fit perfectly in other bright interiors without a clearly defined design concept. It will add elegance and transform the usual interior. However, in the listed styles it is found most often and plays a key role.
Black sofa in the interior “Minimalism”
A modern and very popular interior design style is minimalism, which is commonly seen in combinations of light and brown shades. Although the original distinctive nuance of the style was monochrome.
In the black and white palette of minimalism, white and black sofas, sofas in halftone shades (dark gray, white and gray), as well as combined options can be used.
Minimalist black sofas are very ascetic. They have no decor and everything is as laconic as possible. However, the configuration of the sofa itself can be soft and cozy. The upholstery of sofas is often leather or plain textile. Metal, glass and veneered MDF can be used as additional decorative materials.
Black sofa in a Scandinavian interior
The Scandinavian interior style is somewhat similar to the minimalism we are used to. Its distinctive feature is the maximum warmth and comfort of the room, the predominance of white in the decoration and wood as the main material. There is practically no order or serious restrictions in the Scandinavian style, which means the presence of bright elements is quite acceptable.
The white interior can be called “faceless”. That is why a contrasting black sofa can chicly dilute the “desert” space. Light or bright pillows can be used as accents on black sofas.
Black sofa in an “Ethnic” interior
Oddly enough, Ethnika is characterized by white finishing tones. But furniture and decor items are chosen exclusively black or monochrome.
Due to their size and decorative features, black sofas become the main elements of an ethnic interior. The main materials for their manufacture are leather or velor. The shape of the sofa is often straight with high armrests and a back.
To decorate the room the following are used:
- Untreated dark wood;
- Animal skins;
- Textiles with natural patterns.
The sofa itself can be complemented with metal studs, wooden armrests and carved dark wood legs.
Which upholstery to choose based on quality and texture?
Furniture fabrics are:
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- colored and plain;
- textured and smooth;
- matte and glossy;
- fleecy and satiny.
Low-pile fabrics such as furniture velor, corduroy and velvet are most often made from synthetics.
Natural yarn made from linen, viscose or cotton is added to them. This makes the upholstery more hygienic, pleasant to the touch and breathable. It is worth giving preference to these options, especially if they have a successful configuration, as in the photo of a black sofa in the interior.
Attention: The practicality of the material should come first. But there are special fabrics - from the “anti-vandal”, “anti-claw” and “anti-tobacco” series. Non-flammable or non-flammable furniture materials in the upholstery of sofas are recommended for those who like to smoke in bed.
Conditionally “black” upholstery fabrics can also include colored and patterned ones, especially if it predominates in color.
Black and white versions and youth colors are especially common - with flags, cities, iconic portraits, graffiti, etc. Such furniture is popular among young people.
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Types of upholstery
A black sofa can be created using various upholsteries, the most popular are:
- cotton - the material is environmentally friendly and also attractive in appearance. The disadvantages include rapid wear and tear, so such furniture will not last too long;
- velor - this material is unusually soft and can be easily cleaned with a standard household vacuum cleaner. If you do not regularly clean it, a lot of dust accumulates, and the upholstery gradually wears out;
- jacquard - the material is highly dense, so it holds its shape well. Resistant to rapid wear and tear and does not fade over time;
- flock - the fabric is considered not very suitable for furniture used daily, as it attracts dust and is also difficult to care for;
- Leather is the most preferred material when choosing a black product, as it is distinguished by its solidity, beautiful appearance and long service life.
The choice of upholstery depends on the financial capabilities of the buyer, as well as his preferences.
Stylistic decisions
Dark upholstered furniture is an ideal option for modern black and white interiors, regardless of style.
A large sofa with a simple shape is an excellent solution for minimalism. The Japanese variety of minimalism accepts such sofas, but they must be low and compact in shape.
The classic “chesterfield” (in black leather, with a diamond-shaped pick, a low back, turning into high armrests) is an English classic. Such furniture is used in Victorian and conservative interiors.
A black sofa always has a place in modern style. Today, the most popular models are those with eco-leather or flock upholstery.
Oriental and ethnic styles have long been adapted by designers to modern furniture, but you need to look at the configuration and design.