Decorating & Design
Our Best Tips For Decorating With Black and White
Published on October 19, 2021
Emma Reddington shares her top tips for decorating with this classic color scheme
Black and white is a timeless, classic palette that never goes out of style. There’s a reason why designers like Leanne Ford and Joanna Gaines rely on it almost exclusively. It’s also the easiest color scheme to build upon. What other shades can you confidently pick up accessories for without worrying if you have the right tone? No matter your look – minimalist, Scandi, modern farmhouse, or maximalist – this simple two-tone palette can work. Here are some ways to get the most out of a black and white color scheme.
Build A Base
Since black and white are essentially neutrals, use them throughout your home on items like walls, window frames, hardware and door frames. Think of it as the backdrop for the rest of your decorating style.
Warm Up With Wood
To keep black and white from feeling too stark, fold in some buttery, wood tones. If you’re going for a Scandi look, choose a pale wood species like white oak as seen in this space by Calgary-based designer Nam Dang-Mitchell.
Paint A Window Frame
To emphasize the architecture of a room, consider painting or installing black window frames. They’ll highlight the infrastructure of the space and act as frames for your view.
Go Wild With Wallpaper
A dramatic, abstract wallpaper can bring some interest to a black and white room. Don’t be afraid to go for a bold pattern, a simple two-tone scheme will keep the room grounded.
Use It To Add Edge
While you might associate a black and white with sophisticated, classic interiors or cool, Scandi homes, it works equally well in historic or traditional homes like this rustic farmhouse in rural Ontario.
Anchor Other Strong Shades
A black and white palette can be the perfect backdrop for the introduction of other high octane colors like sunny yellow. Pick your accent shade wisely though as it will definitely be amplified and pack a punch.
Swap White Walls for Black
You might be tempted to go with all white walls when using this classic color pairing, but flipping black on to the walls can have a big effect, seen in this bathroom designed by Vancouver-based designer Sophie Burke. White bathroom fixtures and patterned tile pop against the black walls.
Try A Tile Pattern
Choosing tile can be tricky, it can be often dated since it often reflects current trends in color and pattern. The one exception is black and white tile, which always looks classic and timeless. Don’t be afraid to make it the focal point of a room with a standout pattern such as this basketweave design.
Pair With Brass Or Gold
Black and white kitchens are a classic choice, but to make it look current choose warm brass or gold accents for faucets, lighting and hardware.
Use Contrast Piping
Highlight the silhouettes of furniture with distinct piping to create a fashionably chic look. Here, white piping on the chair provides drama in a dominantly black room.
Focus On A Wow Piece
If you’re looking to make a statement, consider opting for a single wow piece in the opposite color, like this stunning black and gold range. The contrast makes it really stand out for a dynamic focal point.
Amp Up Dramatic Lighting
Three matching pendants take this corner dining room from basic to impactful. If you find your space is missing something a big, bold pendant light in signature shades of black and white can often be the solution.
Play With Pattern
To keep a black and white room from falling flat, introduce pattern. In this living room, a vintage zebra-striped ottoman, pillows, a throw and graphic rug are like a jolt of visual electricity.
Highlight Beautiful Trim
While most of us reach for white paint when it comes to painting out door, window, and baseboard trim, using black can have dramatic effects like in this Victorian-influenced kitchen. If you go this route, make sure your trim is substantial as it will stand out rather than fade away.
Consider Accessories
The sensuous shapes of white table lamps and a sculpture are emphasized against a black wall with matching ebony mirror. If drama is what you are after, the closer you stick to the black and white color scheme the more striking your interior will be.
Play With Textures
This living room uses paneling to add even more depth to soot-colored walls. Using textural fabrics like a creamy bouclé on sculptural chairs adds a extra layer of sensuality.
Think About Geometry
Black-framed square window frames are mirrored by a checkerboard-like floor in this classic hallway scheme by designer Laura Stein (shown). The contrast of black and white amplifies crisp, geometric shapes like squares and rectangles, so don’t be afraid to play it up in your interior.
Mix In Natural Elements
If you prefer a Scandi or Modern Farmhouse look, incorporate natural textures like raffia-front drawers, baskets and wood bowls for an element of calm, and to soften a black and white scheme.