Why is black so popular for components?


A current post about the looks of gear got me thinking. How did black become the most popular color for audiophile gear? I can see it being popular for home theater where the gear might be at the front of a room where you want it as dark as possible but black was the color of choice well before home theater. Maybe it is as simple as people just like it but if that were the case I would think it would also be the most popular in other consumer items such as motor vehicles.  I remember when I wasn’t always fortunate to have a dedicated stereo room and my wife would ask me why I purchased black equipment because she thought it was ugly and I agreed with her but usually, I had no choice.  For manufacturers offering additional colors may be costlier but I am willing to pay for it. Fortunately , some companies that I like offer silver usually in the face plates which works for me. Odyssey Audio has numerous color options available for their faceplates for a nominal fee but as far as I know they are an exception.  A lot of speaker manufacturers offer different colors which is great, especially if you have to place them in a communal space like a living room.  So in summary why did black become the color for stereo gear ? How many of you would prefer color options?

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On this topic. My living room is all wood, on the lighter shades of cherry. Black is anathema in that room. Even my speakers/subwoofer set are in light cherry. 
For the last few years I've been trying to add another sub into the system, but I can't. Why? Because just about every damned sub made is black (at my price point). I've been wanting a 12" that matches the lowest spec of 22 db as my sub in my systems. With 400 to 600 watts. Guess what you better come up with $2000 or more if you want one. 


SVS has one that would match the specs I'm looking for (2000 Pro), black, black, and more black.  Jesus man, speaker companies used to at least offer the fake wood patterns vinyl paper speakers and subs. Some were so good looking that you would think they were real wood veneers, all under $1000. This is the main reason why I haven't bought a speaker in over 12 years. No choice of color, unless you have $ 2000 or more.
robert_1,

"My living room is all wood, on the lighter shades of cherry"


Yes, that light and bright natural look.

Growing up I can remember just how 'busy' curtains, carpets and wallpaper used to look back in the 70s. Tons and tons of hallucinigenic flowery patterns everywhere.

Hardly anything coordinated.

I guess life is faster now and our environment doesn't have to be.
The word decor was omitted. My living room is not all wood. The decor is what's wood: chairs, dining table, entertainment center, speakers, etc. And yes...that's the wife acceptance criteria: speakers must match the overall decour in the room, and I agree with her. Luckily for us we both have the same taste.
I generally dislike black components because it obscures the details of the faceplates.
Still give me painted black over painted silver any day for sound gear but if you're going to coat/ paint anything the world's your lobster (apologies to Del Boy) and why would you paint something the same colour it was anyway?