Decorating Ideas for Maple Woodwork & Black Furniture

Versatility

• You can take black furniture in many directions, as it fits styles from bohemian to Art Deco to modern, to name only a few. The colors of black furniture and maple woodwork form a backdrop for the use of texture and pattern and the incorporation of accent pieces drenched in color.

Style

• Black furniture and maple woodwork do not limit your style options. They can form the basis for both classical and popular decorating schemes. The majority of consumers decorate in either a casual/contemporary or a traditional style. The Home Decorating Sense website describes casual/contemporary style as combining black furnishings, neutral colors and light woods such as natural maple. Traditional style employs deep, dark colors and classic pieces such as leather furniture with brass detailing.

Feng Shui

• Feng shui advocates the use of pale colors for large areas, accented by splashes of vivid color. The color black represents mystery, drama and inward focus, while maple brings warmth to an area. Use white to harmonize these elements.

Black and White

• Decorators have returned to the combination of black and white for decades, as the palette creates an attention-getting contrast. Black pieces look sleek and sophisticated, but they can easily render a room cold and unwelcoming; however, maple woodwork’s warmth tones down the otherwise stark effect of the decor. For a softer twist on the look, and one that will help make the room feel more balanced and feminine, use a soft pastel paint on your walls instead of white.

Considerations

• Not only does the natural coloring of maple vary, the wood is available in a wide range of finishes, so you may find yourself decorating around anything from a near-black finish to a nut brown or a pale off-white. If you are dealing with a darker brown wood, you may want a lighter color on your walls, as adding another layer of dark color can make your space feel too closed-in. If you want to give the impression of a deep dark hideaway, incorporate sufficient lighting to brighten up the space when necessary. Such rooms might also benefit from an elaborate lighting fixture. If your black furniture has a shiny appearance, consider using a paint with less gloss to adorn your walls.