How to decorate with white

white living room roomset by The White Company
Mix white shades and textures for an interesting look
© The White Company

Most people misunderstand white; discover how to enhance your space by using the calmest of hues to your advantage. Read on for expert tips on using this versatile colour.

1. Use white to your advantage

In the West, white symbolises purity; just think of the expression 'pure as the driven snow' and wedding dresses. In other cultures, white is associated with mourning or peace. But all over the world, white is widely misunderstood when it comes to decorating. People underestimate that it comes in hundreds of different shades and can create very different moods. It can be therapeutic, traditional, calming, sterile and modern. Find out how to use white wisely...

  • Stella Felt Rug in Cream

    2. Play with texture and colour

    A white backdrop makes other colours ‘pop’, so have fun introducing small doses of bright colour with accessories. To avoid an all–white decor looking bland, vary texture with soft furnishings and coverings in a variety of materials and finishes. A mohair throw one day, metallic leather cushion the next. The cut–out detailing in this Stella felt rug felt rug (£350) from Love Eco highlights its pattern and depth. The room can change before your eyes.

  • Clam Bowl

    3. Don't make your art compete with your walls

    ‘If you have a collection of art, then the wall needs to be a backdrop to this, not in competition with it,’ says interior designer Kelly Hoppen. Treat a white decorating scheme as a blank canvas – perfect for displaying your artwork. Decorative accessories or focal furniture become doubly striking in a white room. This Porcelain Flower chandelier (£100) from Next looks ultra elegant against a white background.

  • Cori round Table + 4 Cool Chairs

    4. Why white is a thousand colours

    You'll be amazed at the variety of white shades out there; subtle variations of undertone make a huge difference to mood. Yellowish tints like eggshell add warmth, bluish tints are cooling, bright whites lighten and greyish tints reduce glare. If going for an all–white theme in a room (walls, furniture, the works), pick a variety of shades throughout to avoid a flat, sterile look. This White bone inlay ram's head (£395) from Graham & Green would make an interesting addition. Make sure they complement each other, just as you would with any other colours.

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Katy K

Katy K

Posted | 26th May

I lurve the ram's head chair, it is quirky and cool and would make a definite talking point.

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Katy K

Katy K

Posted | 26th May

Classy, classic and chic, white will never go out of fashion.

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