Add touches of black or charcoal to a design and instantly boost its impact

Gray or black make a wonderful background or accent because any color set against them pops. Reds look especially vibrant paired with black or gray, but so do green, orange, blue and a host of other colors. Brownish grays and taupes have warmth, while icy or charcoal grays are cooler tones. Black outlines give a colorful design greater definition and impact, while strokes of gray can help quiet the boldness of a multi-hued pattern. Our designs incorporating black or gray are spirited, not somber. Image: Wentworth Floral Charcoal Rug