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Design Inspiration: What Colors Go With Black?

Black is an amazing color that can be paired beautifully with a wide range of colors. It can complement bright colors like white, red, and orange as well as cool colors like blues and greens.

Those who love to experiment with different styles prefer to start with this color because you can generate simple and elegant designs to bold and dramatic. 


Colors that Go Well with Black

  • White (Classic, Elegant, and Timeless):The combination of black and white is timeless and classic. This pairing creates a striking contrast that is clean, sophisticated, and elegant. It’s widely used in modern, minimalist, and high-fashion designs.
  • Gray (Modern, Sleek, and Versatile):Black and gray together provide a modern and sleek look. This combination is versatile and often used in contemporary designs, offering a subtle yet refined aesthetic.
  • Gold (Luxurious, Rich, and Glamorous):The pairing of black and gold exudes luxury and sophistication. This combination is often associated with wealth and glamour, making it perfect for high-end designs and special occasions.
  • Red (Bold, Passionate, and Striking):Red and black together create a bold and passionate palette. This combination is eye-catching and conveys a sense of drama, intensity, and power.
  • Silver (Futuristic, Cool, and Sleek):Black and silver create a sleek and modern look. This pairing is often associated with technology, innovation, and a futuristic vibe.
  • Blue (Trustworthy, Calm, and Professional):Blue and black together offer a professional and trustworthy aesthetic. This combination is calming and often used in corporate and formal designs.
  • Pink (Playful, Romantic, and Energetic):Pink and black can create a playful and energetic palette. This combination adds a touch of romance and vibrancy to designs.
  • Yellow (Bold, Energetic, and Eye-catching):The contrast between black and yellow is bold and energetic. This combination commands attention and is often used to create a strong, authoritative presence.
  • Purple (Mysterious, Luxurious, and Regal):Black and purple together create a mysterious and luxurious feel. This combination is often associated with creativity, royalty, and sophistication.
  • Green (Natural, Refreshing, and Calming):Green and black together evoke a sense of nature and tranquility. This combination is refreshing and calming, ideal for creating a grounded and stable atmosphere.
  • Orange (Warm, Vibrant, and Energetic):Orange and black create a warm and vibrant palette. This combination is energetic and often used to evoke a sense of enthusiasm and adventure.
  • Turquoise (Fresh, Invigorating, and Contemporary):Turquoise and black together create a fresh and invigorating look. This pairing is contemporary and can evoke feelings of tropical freshness and creativity.

Design Inspiration: Examples of Palettes Using the Color Black

1. Black, Gray, and White

black, gray, and white combination
by: David Faure

2. Black and Red

Zubko Studio

READ: What Colors Go Well With Red?

3. Black and Orange

Dan Iqbal

4. Black and Yellow

Immi Eats

5. Black and Green

Tony Headrick

6. Black and Blue

Type One Ventures

7. Black and Violet

Cosmos

8. Black with Neutrals/Browns

Ze Tan Design

9. Black with Pastels

My Design Buddy

Using black in your project is not as daunting as you perceive it to be. It takes trial and error to see which color combination works for you or for your client. You have a multitude of colors in different hues and tones to play around with. 

You can use Removal.AI’s remove bg to help  you out in your projects. They are easy to use and can be found online.

 

How Can You Use These Black Color Combinations?

With a clear understanding of what colors go with black, let’s see how we can utilize them.

1. ECommerce

Most luxury-focused websites use black color. It exudes elegance, sophistication, and glamor. This gives off the feeling of legitimacy of being a high-class e-commerce website. And, a lot of online buyers are attracted to this color scheme.

Black is also power and authority. E-commerce websites that are focused on technology use black to appear established and a leader in their industry. They use this to build trust with their potential customers.

Remarc Fragrances
PENAROSA
Madies
Davenport
True Harvest

 

2. Website Design

Since the technology is very advanced when it comes to digital projects, you have a plethora of colors that can be combined with the color black.

Usually though, black is used as a background. This is because a black background makes elements or images pop. They become more visible and catch your viewers’ attention. Black color recedes, so images or bright colors stand out. 

Using a black background makes navigating your websites easier. Since it is easier to see bright-colored actionable elements in a dark background.

Yayoi Kusama
GSAP
DASH
Brews & Grooves
Chronicle

READ: Sites to Download Over 100K Free Black Background Images

3. Interior Design

Black is also used in interior design to give a luxurious feel to the room. Especially when you choose black furniture. It is timeless and classic. It also adds a little bit of drama to the room.

Most modern designs call for the black color. It has a timeless elegance that is attractive to a lot of people. Modern black interiors are sophisticated. Adding black elements like light fixtures and furniture must have a sleek and industrial look. Your drapes and linens must have smooth and even texture to complete the look.

Since your interior is dark. Make sure to have enough natural light. Big windows are needed to make your black interior room not appear small or cramped.

Photo from Houzz
Photo from Houzz
Photo from Houzz
Photo from Houzz
Photo from Houzz

4. Graphic Design

In graphic design, black is mainly used for contrast and emphasis. You can direct your viewers’ attention by using contrasts. It creates a powerful message that can sway your viewers’ actions.

Designers know the impact of colors on people’s emotions. Black is one of those powerful colors. It is authority, power, elegance, and boldness. Using the color in your designs depicts that your product is linked to power. Designers use it to express superiority over other brands. 

YWFT / YouWorkForThem | Behance
Adrián Balastegui | Behance
Pedro Correa | Behance
Rokas Aleliūnas | Behance
Aleksandra Czudżak | Behance

5. Photography

More often than not, black and white pictures are seen to be more artistic than colored ones. The reason may be that it is harder to compose. You need to focus on shapes, textures, and contrast to create a strong composition.

You can also say that black and white pictures capture an “honest” picture. It reveals the character of your subject since there are no colors to take your attention away. 

There is a feeling of nostalgia and mystery in black and white. We often associate them with old pictures. It evokes an atmosphere, in a sense. That is why it will not go out of style anytime soon.

CHEN YING | Behance
La Canija Diabla | Behance
Dhyogo Gouveia | Behance
Rana Zohaib Nasir | Behance

 

DUYGU SENEM ÖZDEN | Behance

READ: 10 Perfect Background Colors for Product Photography

Your Turn

Greta Hoffman | Pexels

Black is an intimidating color. 

It seems all-encompassing and drowning is a legitimate concern, figuratively speaking that is. But everything is surmountable if you only try. 

Black may be the color of the unknown. But, it is also the color of power and self-confidence. The color’s duality is what makes it fascinating to use. It has hidden depths that add interest to your work. Use these qualities and take advantage of them.

Who knows what you might end up with? Try it out!

Use Removal.AI’s background remover. Remove the background instantly from your images and create awesome designs.