White Interior Design Ideas

Make a dramatic impact with the simplicity of an all-white scheme. Find out hints and tips to use white the right way in your home...

If you fancy a beautiful, clean, fresh and airy feel to your interior design, why not consider interior design ideas in white.

• White is a simple color (or ‘lack of color’ really!) so it is easy to choose, without feeling like you don’t know what to do with other colors.
• White is an easy color to pick, when you just want a bright, neutral color, as a backdrop to a room. In some ways it is often seen as not actually making a decision about color…!
• Using white as a positive, conscious decision for your interior design ideas is a very bold step. A completely white room makes a very dramatic statement in any home. It can bring feelings of:
  • space
  • airiness
  • purity
  • clarity
  • cleanliness
  • spirituality









• But, white can be a difficult color to live with, too, and not just from a practical point of view…
• Yes, white isn’t always a good choice for homes with children, pets or in muddy areas. Unless it is totally wipe clean, you are likely to be constantly plagued by some kind of dirt, stain or spill (and as luck would have it, it's usually coffee or red wine, isn’t it..?)
• White can also be very hard to live with from a psychological and emotional point of view, too:
  • White can actually be very overbearing and hard on the eyes, which long for a bit of color as visual relief.
  • White can also make a room feel too sparse, stark or cold, with its lack of color, and lack of warmth.
• If, after reading this, you’ve decided that white interior design is still for you, you can get some very stunning results.

How to Use White Successfully

• The key to using white successfully in your interior design scheme, is to add interest in ways other than color. (Color can actually be used, as well, but we’ll look at this later.)
• The overall effect you can get will depend very much upon the styles of furniture, fabrics, furnishings, floorings and accessories, which you choose.









• You might go for a sophisticated and elegant, old-fashioned feel, with antique-painted furniture and sumptuous fabrics. Look at these 19th Century interior design and other period styles for more ideas, and information.
• You may prefer a Shabby Chic decorating look. This can be very much based on white interior design ideas.









• You may choose a very light, floaty look, with light furniture, and floaty, voile fabrics…









• Or a very modern, minimalist interior design look may be more up your street.

Colors

• White is very clearly going to be top of your color list – but a look at any self-respecting paint chart will show you that there is more than one type of white..!
• Choose bright white for a very bright, light and clean feel (this is usually cheaper too).
• More muted whites, creams and greys can be a little easier to live with, as they just take the edge off the starkness of bright white, but still give the same, overall, white effect.









• It can often be a good idea to mix in some other colors too – an accent wall, or some accessories – as these too will make the white easier to live with, and will help to make a very bold statement in the room.

Naturals

• Another good interior design idea is to mix in some naturals. This could be in the flooring, window treatments, furniture or accessories.
• Wood, wicker or bamboo are all good choices, and will help warm up your white interior design scheme a little, without detracting from the overall effect.









• Some very lovely schemes can be created in this way.

Pattern

• Pattern is a very good way to relieve the block of white color. This can be on furnishings, curtains, cushions, rugs, throws etc.
• If you are trying to keep to the general ‘white’ theme, stick to plain white, with textured patterns, or white with very plain or pale neutrals. A pattern of white with silver can be a very effective choice.

  Find out more interior design tricks for using pattern.

Texture

• Using texture is an absolute essential for your white interior design ideas. This is the most effective way of adding interest and substance to a plain, white room.
• Aim for a nice contrast between some smooth and glossy surfaces, and some furry, fluffy or soft textures. Fluffy cushions, faux fur and shaggy rugs are all excellent choices.

  Read more about interior design tricks for using texture in your interior design ideas.

White may, at first, seem like the simple choice, but there is lots to think about, to make sure that your interior design ideas work well.

The results will certainly be worth it, though! You can achieve a very dramatic and stunning effect, in any style of your choice.

Happy Decorating and good luck with your white interior design ideas.

Are you ready to start your decorating project now? Get some hints and tips in the 'How to Design' section

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