10 White Interior Design Ideas: How to Decorate with White

As we’ve established, white isn’t just white. It’s a whole spectrum of tones from stark white to ivory to magnolia and beyond – it’s the epitome of the perfect blank canvas. Whichever version of the hue you choose for your home, just make sure you use the same undertone to prevent clashing.

Only black can perhaps compare to white in terms of pure timelessness (and luckily they’re also best friends and look amazing together). Fashion agrees – a white trench coat, a pair of white slacks, or a white button-up shirt are pieces which stay in a wardrobe for years if not decades. Ensure the same staying power by choosing homeware in pale neutrals.

Black isn’t the only colour which white pairs well with. In fact, it’s hard to think of a hue which wouldn’t work with white in some way. Pastels, brights, jewel tones – anything goes. The trick is to just be careful with the proportion and intensity (and, again, the undertone) of the white in relation to your chosen colour.

White has a natural tendency to reflect light (it’s science) so if you want to create a room which is impossibly fresh, opt for white. Including mirrored or high gloss furniture will emphasise the effect.

White cotton in spring or snow white in winter? The reality is that white is a popular colour year round. A white interior can include white linen cushions and beautiful white blooms during the spring/summer months which can be switched out for furs and wools come autumn/winter. And let’s be honest – is there anything more luxurious than a white fur throw?

Glamour doesn’t always have to be all dramatic and over-the-top. White is the best way to do subtle glamour. It’s stunning in the daytime and just perfect by candlelight in the evening. To up the glamour factor, think of accenting the hue with metallic touches (we’re partial to gold) which are so at home in a white interior. Plus, white it just so happens to be the colour of some of the most glamorous materials. Marble and onyx are just two of – both of which look immaculate in white.

Have you ever walked into a room which is just so perfect you feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven? Chances are it was a beautiful white scheme with tall, elegant drapes, plush carpeting and beyond perfect upholstered furniture. Imagine yourself surrounded by floaty chiffon curtains á la The Great Gatsby and you’ll understand what we’re talking about.

They say “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” (another nod to master Da Vinci) and it’s true. White doesn’t ever feel the need to try too hard and, as such, is simple without comprising on beauty. The white walls, white carpet and white furniture look is the simplest decor scheme you could imagine but it’s also one of the most stylish.

That said, a principle which only the most astute design minds will understand is that white on white is more than acceptable as a colour palette because it’s not just white on white. It’s linen on boucle, high gloss on leather, bleached wood on marble – all of which make perfect combinations. An all white colour palette encourages one to be creative when it comes to texture and pattern play. In all the right ways.

Similar to its ability to reflect light, white creates a sense of space in a room. Lighter surfaces recede making a room look bigger and more open. This use of the colour is a particularly good technique to use for smaller spaces with limited natural light.

The truth is, there really isn’t a bad thing to say about white. Ok, maybe one – it might be a bit difficult to keep clean. But for spaces as beautiful as these, we’d happily walk around in plastic shoe covers.