How to decorate with white


white trestle table with picture frame and glass vases with white lillies, white roses and white tulips
Display white flowers in a selection of glass vases
© 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...

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    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.

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    3. White accessories

    Treat a white decorating scheme as a blank canvas – perfect for displaying chic accessories such as this white ceramic table lamp from Andrew Martin (£395). Decorative accessories become doubly striking in a white room. This ceramic branch vase (£32) from Graham and Green looks ultra elegant against a white background.

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    4. Create a contrast

    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 a white theme in a room, pick a variety of shades throughout to avoid a flat, sterile look. This white Hercules giant floor lamp (£325) from Graham and Greene is set off against a warm cream wall and adds a stylish contrast to black furniture and accessories.

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    5. White at its most chic

    White leather furniture can look wonderfully chic; no wonder it’s the choice of many exclusive bars and restaurants. Create this look at home with this stylish Calligaris Even Bar Stool from Heal's(£395). We love its seductive white leather seat and sleek chrome frame. Imagine sipping your cocktails from this sexy number!

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    6. Minimalist furniture

    We love these white metal side tables with high gloss tops from Vitra (£309.03). We are loving the cool contrast between the slender grey table tops and their voluminour bases. They are also available in red and aubergine but we feel the white ones reign supreme.

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    7. White flowers

    White flowers are perfect for freshening up your home. The contrast between the pure white flowers and their dark luscious green stems is very uplifting. You don't have to spend a fortune to create a calm, clean and serene feeling to any room. These potted artifical roses from Graham and Green(£25) are ideal for a guest bedroom or a bathroom. They are made from silk and can be used time and time again.

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    8. Using white in the garden

    Teaming white with different colours will transform the mood. Green and white creates a fresh, tropical look. We love this beautiful Salcombe Seersucker Bed Linen (from £11.20) from the The White Company. It has a subtle stripe which adds texture to an otherwise white sanctuary. When summer comes, consider creating a white paradise like this one in yor garden.

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    9. New England style

    We love the fresh New England style that is popular in many summer house interiors. Think light filled interiors filled with chic accessrories. Create this look in a snug or living room with this gorgeous armchair and foot stool from Vermont (from £378). Add other accessories such as this white painted large square coffee table (£259) from Juliettes Interiors.

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    10. White picket fences and patios

    Why limit your white decorating frenzy to the indoors? There’s nothing charming than white outdoor furniture. Take a look at John Lewis' range of outdoor furniture, such as this white Vermont chair (£115). For a romantic French look paint a wooden bench or table and chairs in crisp, fresh white; don’t forget your trellises and fences either. Complete the look with a quirky accessory. We love this simple hanging apple bird feeder (£15) from Heal's.

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lisa kate clayton

Posted | 6th April 2010

Classic and yet always looks very modern and fresh -love white!

Katy K

Posted | 26th May 2009

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

Katy K

Posted | 26th May 2009

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

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