Basic black is beautiful. It’s dramatic, masculine, and can be both sophisticated and playful. While I love a glossy black finish as much as the next glam aficionado, I also have a huge soft spot for matte black. The flat finish of a matte black object is easy to keep looking good (no fingerprints!) and it plays well with shine just as well as it does with rustic woven baskets. It’s also the finish of a chalkboard, which you know I love. Have a look at these matte black finds below; many of them you can craft yourself using some DIY blackboard paint (I like the one from Benjamin Moore)! Enjoy!
Clockwise from pendant at top: Noir Pendant Lamp from CB2, $249 (image via CB2); Nars Eyeshadow Compact in Nightbreed, $23 (image via Drugstore.com); Benjamin Moore's Chalkboard Paint, $18.99 (image via BenjaminMoore); Morten Table Lamp by West Elm, $149 (image via West Elm); Architect Desk from CB2, $149 (image via CB2); West Elm Storage Baskets, $39-$59 (image via West Elm); Cast Iron Skillet by Lodge, $10-$60 (image via Amazon.com); Ottavio Vase by ZGallerie, $69.99 (image via ZGallerie); Stoneware Vessel by John Ward from Moss via 1st Dibs, price on request (image via 1stDibs)
I should point out that two of these items are, to me, examples of great product design. The Nars compact is one of my favorite “things.” The almost rubbery black case is soft but firm to the touch, and it wipes off beautifully if you get fingerprints on it. Combined with the sleek text, its matte black finish is something I love seeing every time I pull it out of my drawer. Also, the Lodge cast iron skillet is a staple in my kitchen. The perfect matte black finish becomes a little shinier and browner over time, and if you don’t already have one you’ll love using it for everything from frying chicken to sauteing peppers – I promise.
Have a great weekend!
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