Best Black and White Wall Decor Ideas

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It’s not the first time we’ve highlighted the beauty of black and white, but there’s a reason this color combo pops up so often among design blogs. Décor experts are constantly singing the praises of this modern mix. It’s a great place for design beginners to start their journey, because it’s almost impossible to go wrong. While you could combine pretty much any black and white décor and ensure a cohesive interior, there are some standout trends to take your home to the next level. We’ll break down the technical aspects of selecting wall décor, as well as the latest trends. Let’s get started!

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Black and White Color Combos

Black and White Wall Décor Layouts

Large Black and White Canvas Art

Black and White Kitchen Wall Décor

Black and White Abstract Wall Art

More Décor Tips, Tricks, and Topics

Black and White Color Combos

Going dark is a hot trend for 2023. Dare to paint your walls in a deep charcoal for a bold look. A dark grey will look black when painted on your walls, so it’s best to stray away from a true black hue. A black and white piece of wall art will appear ultra-modern against a dark backdrop. Choose colored furniture to contrast the monochromatic backdrop.

Color Schemes: Pro Tips

ElephantStock's interior design expert Elimar Lobo Sáenz expands on black and white décor:

“Black-and-white décor will always be in style, and this classic combo can help you create an interior full of design possibilities. Add shades of grey and charcoal to add a trendy touch and soften your black and white color scheme. This foolproof combination will make your space look instantly chic and more modern. For an additional contemporary design idea, add a piece of geometric-patterned wall art as the primary focal point of your space.”

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Black and White Wall Décor Layouts

Whether you choose a geometric pattern, or an abstract brushstroke print, it’s important to choose the right layout for your interior. View our guide below to determine the best wall décor shape for your unique space:

For a Traditional Look: 1-Piece Canvas

For a Trendy Look: 2-Piece Split Canvas

For a Modern Look: 3 to 5-Piece Multi-Panel Canvas

For a Daring Look: 7-Piece Hexagonal Canvas

Multi-Panel Cityscapes

Leaning towards a multi-panel print? Consider a chic black and white cityscape. Our New York City canvas wall art is the perfect addition to a contemporary living space. Follow these tips to hang your multi-panel print like a pro:

“Width: No matter which layout you choose, we recommend leaving 1" space between each panel when hung, for a well-balanced and cohesive look! If the space is too large or too small, you'd lose the effect of the multi-panel print.

Height: The height of the rest of the panels depends on the specific layout. Some layouts are symmetrical, and some layouts resemble feature different panel heights. In general, be consistent. If you choose to hang the left panel 3" lower than the middle panel, be sure to hang the right panel at the same height. Use your ruler and pencil to ensure a precise measurement.”

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Large Black and White Canvas Art

Visual proportions can instantly separate the décor amateurs from the experts. Don’t fall into the former category by skipping over the rules for selecting the right artwork size. Our experts explain the industry standard, and how to achieve these golden proportions:

“Your wall art should take up 60% to 75% of the overall available empty wall space; the portion of the wall that is not covered by moldings or furniture. First, measure the height and width of the wall. For the next step, multiply the measurements by both 0.6 and 0.75. This will result in the best range of print sizes to suit the size of your wall.”

Because black and white wall art is devoid of color, this allows you to choose an oversized canvas. What it lacks in saturation, it will make up for in size. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the artwork overwhelming your space. Consider these tips from our Ultimate Wall Art Size Guide:

A print that measures 48 inches by 32 inches in height and width looks perfectly proportionate above a 78-inch-wide sofa in the living room. Also, don’t forget to pay attention to the height at which you hang the art. Generally, you always should place the center of the canvas at eye-level. Try hanging it between 6 and 12 inches above the couch to give it enough room to breathe.

If your main goal is to instantly catch your guests’ attention, go with these dimensions: 66"X33". This is also a perfect option for starting an oversized gallery wall. Take up space in any room that has a large, empty wall. Always make sure to measure the space before installing your canvas, as this size can look overwhelming in a smaller room.”

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Black and White Kitchen Wall Décor

Add a splash of style in your kitchen with a black and white-based print. If you have a rustic cooking space, consider a chalkboard-style sketch or a greyscale bucolic print. For homeowners who want to lean into the modern aesthetic, try a black and white photo with a single pop of color. A vivid lemon or citrus fruit can add a hint of color while still looking contemporary.

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Black and White Abstract Wall Art

Last but certainly not least, you can’t go wrong with colorless abstract art. No matter your existing décor, black and white abstract artwork will blend with your aesthetic.

Line Art: Pro Tips

Curated by our art director, Tirzah Goodman, our single line art collection is hot for fall 2023. These prints are often black and white by nature, so they are the perfect option for the minimalist looking to add a colorless print that won’t pull focus from the rest of their space.

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More Décor Tips, Tricks, and Topics

If you want to seek out design tips beyond black and white wall décor, take a peek at our inspiration blog. On every article, we team up with the top experts in the industry to break down the latest trends. Happy decorating!