White & Dark Decorating Ideas

The contrast between white and dark colors, such as black and white, create high contrast to the home that is both visually appealing and rich. For example, an all white living space accented with dark accessories strikes balance and helps soften a sterile design. Painting only white onto the walls of a small room instantly adds square footage to the space and creates the illusion of a larger space. Add a burst of black in decorative accessories like vases and picture frames. Does this Spark an idea?

Neutral Design

White offers a light and airy feel to any space in the home. White curtains, pillows and decorative accessories in the family room create a modern touch to the space. For small spaces, keep the wall color a neutral creamy white. Creamy whites add a touch of color to the space and help to accent bright accessories. For larger rooms, incorporate all white furniture like nightstands and bed frames. Add white lace curtains to the bedroom space to create a luxurious feel. Upholstered furniture in white provides a crisp feel to a family room or dining space. Provide a soft touch to the kitchen with a set of white cafe curtains. Sheer white floor-to-ceiling curtains in the living room offer an airy, open design.

Dark Accents

Create a dramatic look to any room of the home by adding rich, dark tones. Accent architectural details in the home by painting the moldings a dark navy or black. Luxurious fabrics in deep brown and grays for bedding and curtains instantly offer a rich look to the bedroom. Wallpaper in dark patterns provides personality to an entryway. So as to not overwhelm a small space, wallpaper only one wall in the room to create an accent wall. Instead of artwork in a dining room space, paint the wall a deep crimson to provide a burst of elegance. Dark furniture like a wooden headboard creates a rich accent to the room. Accent the dark furniture with black and brown bedding to provide a warm respite to the home.

Mix and Match

Dark textiles like a dining room table don't have to present as dreary and overwhelm the space. Instead mix in white accents to the space. For example, a dark stained dining room table accented with all white dining chairs freshens up the space and creates a vibrant mismatched design. Add texture to an all white bedroom with a pop of black seen in a nightstand or lamp. Create a daring design by painting a family room black while keeping the mantle white. Use a high gloss paint to give it a pop of vibrancy and sheen. Incorporate dark picture frames on an all white wall to create a statement in the home.