PRODUCTS ROOMS Manufacturers & Designers Highlights Offers Info Store
smow × Klekks Wool Blanket, Edition 1

FASCINATING WORLD OF COLOURS: BLACK

CH24 Wishbone Chair from Carl Hansen & Søn

As with white and grey, black is one of the achromatic colours. If a surface or body appears black, it is because black (almost) does not reflect light; in the physical sense, black is the non-emission of any light frequency. Pigments that cause this effect have been found in painting since the 1st century. In addition to the most important black pigment, carbon black, black was also obtained, for example, from burnt ivory. The black dyeing of fabrics was also considered a special craft art and usually had its own guild. Even if black is often associated with darkness, depth and sadness, it unfolds completely different qualities in interior design: when used correctly, black appears clear and timeless and gives rooms depth and structure. Black is particularly suitable for the furnishing of large, bright rooms, because here it is possible to visually balance black walls, furniture or accessories. In small rooms, however, too much black can quickly become constricting or drab. Black can be combined with a wide variety of colours, alone the combination with very dark shades of blue or brown is not ideal. In classic interior concepts, it is recommended to use black, white and grey for the principle colour concept with individual home accessories in bright colours such as red or yellow, or to liven up and revive with shiny gold or silver accents. Black becomes homely and coxy in combination with woods, natural materials and plants. A black piece of furniture on a light wooden floor or in combination with honey-coloured woods guarantees a particularly elegant look.


Ferm Living Collect Lighting

String Pocket shelving in black


USM Haller at its best: Elegant graphite black meets endless possibilities


PH5 Monochrom from Louis Poulsen

USM Haller Lowboard L


Vitra Physix office chair


Individual colour consulting at smow

You are seeking a special colour concept for your home, would like advice on the choice of colour for a particular project, or you are looking for colour-coordinated curtains for your interior design? Our smow furnishing consultants will be happy to assist. In our smow stores you will not only find high-quality designer furniture in a wide range of colours, but also a wide variety of fabric and material samples as well as wallpapers, curtains and much more. Drop in and let yourself be inspired.


Vitra ID office chair Soft Black Special