How to Incorporate White into Home Decor

A white couch gives a living room an elegant look.

White home decor is anything but boring. You can use the versatile neutral to infuse a room with a variety of looks, serene, elegant, sophisticated, inviting or shabby chic. Incorporate white into a space featuring either a bright or pastel color scheme to add balance. White decor pieces will also brighten up a dark room and instantly update an outdated or dreary look. If you're redecorating on a budget, use white paint to breathe new life into old pieces.

Things You'll Need

• White paint
• White furniture
• White textiles
• White accent pieces

Instructions

1. Paint drab walls white for a fresh, clean look. Update dark or chipped trim with white paint to provide contrast to colorful walls.

2. Accent a dark brown or black coffee table and entertainment center with a white couch and love seat to create a rich look in your living room. Enhance a beach-themed bedroom featuring watery shades of blue and green with a whitewashed night stand, desk and dresser set for a casual style.

3. Turn a blue, sage green or lavender-hued bathroom into a soothing, spa-inspired respite with white towels and bath mats. Hang gauzy white curtains in your kitchen to create an airy look and to allow sunlight to stream in. Add warmth to dark hardwood floors with a plush white area rug.

4. Arrange a grouping of white-framed pictures on a wall above a bed or couch. Place fresh white flowers, such as calla lilies or roses, in vintage milk glass vase and display them on a wall shelf or table.

References

• "Elle Decor"; The Power of White; Alyssa Wolfe
• "Country Living"; Decorating with White; Jennifer Jackson
• "Real Simple": Decorating with White