A white living room is sophisticated and stylish. Many of us yearn for the beauty of a white living space, but we shy away, worried it will be impractical, or possibly even uninviting. But it doesn’t have to be either! Let’s explore how to make a white living room warm, welcoming and low maintenance.
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Impractical? Not necessarily! Start with the sofa and chairs. When it comes to upholstery, look for fabric that is easy to clean and maintain. Another option is to choose seating in soft greys or light taupes rather than white. Likewise with rugs, try an alternative to white such as jute or sisal. It will accentuate the white in your room perfectly and of course, is much easier to maintain.
The Right White. You would be surprised just how many choices are available when choosing white paint. Choosing a warm white, vs a stark cold white can make all the difference in creating a warm and inviting feeling. Cloud White, Simply White and White Dove by Benjamin Moore are some great options.
Distressed Versus Modern. To avoid a ‘don’t touch feeling’ in your white room, adopt a relaxed style. Opt for the inherent ease of distressed woods, plush sofas and touches of vintage. If too modern, all white can appear cold and unwelcoming.
Rugged Floors. In keeping with the laid-back theme, rugged, imperfect wood floors keep a white room grounded and casual. If you prefer a more formal look, try dark, glossy wood floors.
Wood Accents. Speaking of wood, quality wood furnishings add plenty of ambience to a white living room. Whether polished or distressed, coffee tables, accent tables or bookcases in wood bring your white room to life! Even wood trim on soft furnishings like sofas and accent chairs will look fabulous. But as mentioned above, remember that glossy woods are always more formal.
Texture. Choose a range of materials for your upholstery and draperies, some smooth, some nubby. It will make a white room much more inviting. Throw cushions are an easy way to add texture. Think outside the box with interesting textures for lamp bases, ceiling fixtures and your accent pieces. Perhaps even consider ceiling beams or a sliding barn door if your budget and room permits.
Poufs, Benches and Ottomans. There’s something inherently welcoming about these conversation-conducive seats. Besides, upholstery adds texture and comfort. Choose white or another neutral.
White and Metallic Accessories. I love the look of all white accessories. Assemble a collection of white candlesticks and vases or other items, and mix up the periods for a stylish look. Metallic accents also look fabulous in an all-white room. Keep in mind warm metallics like bronze or brass are cozier than cool metallics like chrome or nickel.
Pop of Colour. If all white is still a bit too stark for you, there’s always room for an injection of colour. How about a statement furniture piece or artwork in a vibrant hue? A brilliant-coloured accent chest, chair or abstract painting all work perfectly.
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