White and black are two opposite colors. The complete reflection of light waves and their complete absorption is the reason that we see objects colored white and black. Unity and opposition - this is the philosophical content of the interior in black and white colors.
Interior functionality in black and white colors
It is very convenient to use contrasting color combinations when decorating interiors. In this way, you can solve several problems at once.
- Zoning. The selection of separate functional areas in a studio apartment is simplified. For example, the walls in the living room can be white, and in the kitchen they can be black. In addition, the use of opposite colors for furniture in each zone will visually connect the interior into a single whole, preventing it from falling apart.
- Form adjustment. The room does not always have ideal proportions. Black and white colors in the interior solve opposite problems: white enlarges objects and expands space, black, on the contrary, reduces it. Using these colors on the corresponding sections of the walls, you can visually adjust the shape of the room - expand it, make it narrower, visually “raise” or “lower” the ceiling. The use of black and white stripes or spirals will enhance such effects and even completely change the perception of space.
Tip: A black and white interior is very sensitive to nuances. Even small details begin to play an active role. For example, white handles against the background of black cabinets turn into a bright decorative element. Blinds on white windows, edging of recessed lamps on the ceiling - all these details, invisible in other cases, come to the fore if the color pair black - white is used for them.
Designer: Pedorenko Ksenia. Photographer: Ignatenko Svetlana.
Furniture and decorative elements
When designing such an interior, it is important to avoid mistakes in details. Therefore, you need to carefully select accessories and decorative elements. It is decorative elements that can make the interior more romantic or classic. In addition, they can add additional contrast.
Black and white furniture in the living room-kitchen
When choosing sofas, armchairs and cabinet furniture, you can give preference to almost any color. But you should not be zealous, because interiors with a large number of additional tones will not be as stylish and expressive. When installing sofas and other furniture, it is necessary that their color matches the covering used on the floor. Depending on the style of the room, wood, metal, plastic, etc. can be used in the manufacture of furniture.
Black and white furniture in the kitchen
Black and white decor in the living room with fireplace
Black sofas in the living room
Black and white kitchen with island
Black and white apartment with golden accents in the interior
Black and white bedroom with a beautiful poster
Black and white living room with gray furniture
Black and white interior design style
The classic color combination of white and black is appropriate in any interior. It is only important to beat him correctly.
- For classic styles, you can choose beige tones as additional colors.
- High-tech, techno, minimalism are the most suitable styles for a black and white color combination. Silver-metallic tones can be used as additional ones.
- Black is used paired with white and in ethnic styles. Zebra skin and clear stripes will help create the impression of an African savannah if complemented with terracotta tones.
- This combination is irreplaceable in Japanese interiors - red would be appropriate here as a third color.
- The white and black palette is practically not used in Provence or shabby chic interiors, but individual elements of these colors are quite acceptable.
- In the loft interior, black and white are complemented by gray or “brick” colors.
- And Scandinavian interiors use the tone of light wood as an additional option.
The interior of a room in black and white can be quite sharp, or it can be soft and calm, it all depends on what ratio of primary and secondary colors you choose, and what accent colors you use. It should be borne in mind that in the case of using colors that do not contain color as such, any, even the most pale, color shades already look quite bright. So, even pastel colors can become accent colors.
Black and white room: how to combine contrast?
If you are a follower of two-color arrangements, one of the safest and most popular solutions is the combination of black and white in one space. By introducing distinctive black trim elements into a white interior, you will create an interesting space. At the same time, it will be extremely stylish, giving you a retro look. In this design, white will be a reflection of harmony and peace. In turn, black, which so neatly complements it, will give a unique character to the arrangement. Those who love slightly more expressive interiors will choose more black. This will determine the character of the entire composition. To soften the harshness of the style of a black room, it is worth adding pure white. A clever combination of two contrasting colors will allow you to create an exciting and stylish interior.
Interior furniture in black and white colors
The interior of a room in black and white requires the right choice of furniture color. It can be white, black, or the natural color of wood, both light and dark. All these options will look quite harmonious.
It is necessary to take into account that black furniture on a black background will be practically invisible, and vice versa, on white it will stand out in very contrast. In this way you can get unexpected visual effects that change the perception of space. For example, a black sofa against a black wall will be completely invisible, and the white upholstery of the seat of a chair, the rest of which is painted black, will seem to hang in the air. By combining such effects with rhythmic patterns of carpets or wallpaper, you can create interesting optical illusions.
On a black background, white furniture looks very festive, and black on white looks graphic and stylish. Combinations of white and black furniture in one room look interesting; for example, in the bedroom you can put black bedside tables next to a white bed - this combination looks impressive against any background.
Design Features
Additional colors
A black and white bedroom is a spectacular design solution, but requires accuracy and careful attention to detail. One of the important points is the introduction of additional colors and shades.
What is it for? Firstly, to reduce excessive contrast, gamma sharpness. Secondly, to make the atmosphere larger, more interesting, more comfortable.
What shades should be included in the white-black palette? The most current options:
- neutral tones (beige, light gray, light brown);
- natural shades (wood, wicker accessories, non-ferrous metals, undyed natural textiles);
- unobtrusive bright point accents;
- pastel halftones;
- deep dark colors.
Unusual interior design of a black and white bedroom with yellow accents
Color proportions
Another important point is the ratio of colors in the setting. In order not to be mistaken in this matter, it is best to follow the 60/30/10 rule: when 60% of the gamut is occupied by the main color, 30% by the auxiliary color, and the remaining 10% by accent tones.
When applying this rule in the design of a black and white bedroom interior, it is important to consider a number of factors:
1. Size of the room and level of natural light. So, when arranging a small and rather dark bedroom, it is logical to choose white as the main color - so that it visually appears larger and lighter.
Minimalist interior design of a black and white bedroom in light colors
2. Stylistics. In a Scandi bedroom, for example, the formulas “primary white + auxiliary neutral tones + accent black” or “primary white + auxiliary black + bright accents” will look harmonious. But in the loft style, you can turn to the option “main black + auxiliary neutral tones + white accents.” For Art Deco, a combination of “primary black + auxiliary white + dotted inclusions of neutral tones” would be successful.
3. Desired mood. The sleeping area presupposes a certain freedom in choosing the light and shadow balance, and the mood of the interior is a completely individual matter. Some people like airy, light, bright rooms, while others prefer a more boudoir atmosphere. Some people want to fall asleep and wake up surrounded by neutral shades, while others want to add dynamic bright accents to their decor.
Stylish interior design of a black and white bedroom with furniture in a natural wood tone
4. Suitable contrast level. A point that is partly related to style, but largely based on individual preferences. If you like sharp contrasts and expressive interiors, it makes sense to give charcoal black and white a leading position in the palette. Moreover: in this case, you can completely abandon the auxiliary shades and move away from the 60/30/10 formula, replacing it, for example, with 60/40 or 70/30.
In a room with normal levels of natural light, the 50/50 option will give the strongest contrast. And the weakest can be obtained by generously diluting the black and white combination with other colors and shades (both bright and neutral), as well as using a significant gap in the volumes of these tones (for example, a lot of white - and literally a little black).
To understand what level of contrast is closest to you, the easiest way is to look at a selection of photos of bedrooms in white and black colors.
Stylish contrasting interior design of a black and white bedroom
Style selection
Bedroom design in black and white is a winning move for many areas. But for some styles this palette is most typical, among them:
| Styles | Recommendations |
| 1. Modern | A bedroom in this style requires a not too obvious contrast: it is best to introduce neutral tones, natural textures into the b/w palette, and add one or more bright accents. |
| 2. Classic, neoclassical | For these styles, a good move would be to introduce rich black and white through textiles, decor, and accessories. Or, alternatively, through finishing. |
| 3. Minimalist | One of the few areas that can visually soften even a fairly strong contrast in a black and white environment. |
| 4. High-tech | The white and black palette in such rooms is complemented with metallic accents and unexpected futuristic textures. A mix of high-tech and eco-style is relevant - then the introduction of natural textures (wood, stone) and living greenery as a bright accent will be justified. |
| 5. Scandinavian | For Scandi interiors, it is better to choose a black and white palette that is softer in contrast. But scandi minimalism and scandi loft will tolerate a sharper palette. |
| 6. Art Deco, Baroque | Both directions welcome the dominance of coal-black in the setting, while Art Deco is also loyal to expressive contrasts. |
| 7. Rococo | Requires softening the b/w contrast and adding neutral tones. |
| 8. Loft | The style is characterized by a significant predominance of one of the colors of the contrasting pair (either white or black), an abundance of textures and the introduction of additional color accents. |
| 9. Modern, retro, vintage | Although these styles are not particularly characterized by high-contrast white and black interiors, they may well be a good choice for black and white sleeping areas. Black and white photos as decor, as well as textiles with classic black and white prints (checks, polka dots, houndstooth) will look especially organic in such directions. |
Minimalist interior design of a black and white bedroom in the Scandinavian loft style
Classic interior design of a black and white bedroom interspersed with beige
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Chest of drawers black and white Kristal
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White chest of drawers Reina
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Chest of drawers white Solea
Decoration and furnishings
When choosing decoration and furniture for bedrooms in black and white tones, designers most often follow one of the following paths:
- neutral finishes (for example, beige wallpaper and light wooden floors) and black and white furniture;
- harmonious mixing of furniture and decoration in black and white (requires high skill, often accompanied by the introduction of neutral tones and bright accents);
- contrasting divisions (for example, white trim and deep black furniture or white walls, black floors and neutral wood furniture).
Of course, there are many other options for black and white bedroom designs.
ADVICE.
In order not to make mistakes when choosing the appropriate distribution of black and white, the easiest way is to design a neutral background - and introduce colors gradually.
Stylish interior design of a black and white bedroom in neoclassical style
Windows and doors
Other basic furnishings can also help to place b/w accents in the bedroom: doors, windows, window sills, slopes. At the same time, they can both serve as eye-catching details (a dark door on a light background will look quite impressive) and harmoniously complement the interior design of a bedroom (for example, a room with black and white furniture).
ADVICE.
Windows and doors can also help introduce a pop of color into a B&W scheme. Just imagine: a sunny yellow door against a background of black and white wallpaper. Expressive and original move.
Furniture
One of the most win-win options is a combination of black and white finishing with a bedroom set in neutral colors. And also the opposite situation: a basic background - and a white and black bed, wardrobes, chests of drawers, nightstands. These two scenarios provide a certain flexibility - and allow you to carefully introduce accents and adjust the level of contrast using textiles and decor.
But, of course, any other scenarios are possible: b/w finishing with b/w furniture, charcoal-black finishing with white furniture, bright furniture on a white-black background, and so on.
Original interior design of a black and white bedroom with a dark green textured bed
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Domino bed
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Mickey Mouse Bed
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Petals Queen Bed
Textile
Textiles are an important point in the design of a bedroom. It will not only add comfort and texture, but will also help correct possible design mistakes.
So, if you overdid it with the introduction of rich black and boiling white into the decor - and want to reduce the contrast, decorate the bed using neutral tones and soft textures. If, on the contrary, black and white are somewhat lost against the general background, choose textiles in these colors.
Cozy black and white bedroom interior design
ADVICE.
Textiles will help complement the black and white palette with bright accents - and easily and quickly change the mood of the interior. For example, hang playful pink curtains in a black and white bedroom - and not a trace of the former severity will remain.
Decor for a black and white bedroom
Depending on the chosen style, the decor for a white and black bedroom can be paintings, figurines, sculptures, vases, posters and much more. Functional decor is especially relevant: original wall shelves, organizers, boxes, designer lamps. For some styles (art deco, baroque), bohemian decor will come in handy - paintings in massive frames, art objects.
Original interior design of a black and white bedroom with hints of Art Deco
ADVICE.
Decorative accessories do not have to be chosen in white or black: they can easily be made in neutral or bright shades.
Lighting
Lighting plays an important role in the decor of a white and black room - and directly affects the level of contrast. So, soft, diffused light will help reduce contrast, while hard, cold light, on the contrary, will enhance it. Otherwise, for the interior of a bedroom in white and black colors (and the photo below demonstrates this), the same recommendations apply as for any others:
- think over lighting scenarios;
- provide many different light sources (main light, local light, cabinet lighting, decorative lighting);
- focus on the light temperature that is comfortable for you;
- remember that dark corners visually eat up space.
Stylish textured interior design of a black and white bedroom in Scandi style
The combination of black and white in the interior with other colors
The addition of different colors gives the room a mood and “temperature”, since black and white themselves can be called sterile in this regard.
- The yellow-red tones of the warm part of the spectrum add sunshine and cheerfulness, they contribute to increased appetite, good functioning of the endocrine glands, and an optimistic mood. Bright yellow and orange tones are not suitable for a relaxing holiday, so they are rarely used in the bedroom or living room, but for the kitchen this is the most suitable option.
- The middle part of the spectrum with green and blue-green tones, as well as the initial part of the cold blue range, promotes a state of peace and relaxation, due to which it is more often used in living rooms and bedrooms.
- Dark blue and purple tones are more suitable for living rooms, especially those whose windows face south.
- Natural wood details soften contrasting interiors well. This could be flooring, storage system, countertops. With their natural color they harmonize the space and add warmth to it.
- In addition to primary and accent colors, additional colors are used in interiors. Black and white walls in the interior are softened with either beige or silver shades of the ceiling, floor, furniture, accessories, and textile elements. The beige scale is used to increase the color temperature of the room, which is important for windows facing north, gray-silver - to lower it, in rooms facing south.
Tip: Designers do not recommend assigning more than half of all surfaces in the room to black. In addition, large planes of one color should be balanced with small planes of another. For example, a black storage system with open niches will benefit from placing white items in them, such as figurines, candlesticks, vases. A small black decorative pillow will look good on a white bed.
Wall and floor decoration
The walls of the room can be decorated with various materials, depending on its functional purpose. For example, when decorating the walls in the bathroom and the work area in the kitchen, it is better to use ceramic tiles. Also, the floor in these rooms can be decorated with black and white tiles. If a classic style is more preferable, then the floor in the kitchen can be decorated using a laminate that imitates the texture of natural wood.
Apron with patterns in a black and white kitchen
In other rooms, wallpaper is more relevant when decorating walls. Black and white wallpaper in the interior should be chosen taking into account the dimensions of the room. When decorating a small room, you should choose wallpaper with a small pattern and a predominant content of white. Wallpaper can also be chosen in a predominant black color, but this option is more appropriate in spacious rooms.
Black and white walls in the hallway
Black and white wallpaper in the interior can be presented in the following options:
- With a light pattern on a dark background. This option is suitable for walls in spacious rooms. It is advisable to dilute such a background with lighter accents, making the design more attractive;
- A dark pattern made on a light background. Such wallpapers allow many designers' ideas to be realized, because they fit perfectly into the interiors of both large and small rooms. If the walls of a kitchen or kitchen studio are decorated in this way, then it can be perfectly complemented by such decorative elements as plates or cups;
- Equal proportions of black and white. In this way, either only one wall can be decorated, or all of them at once.
Black floor and white walls in the living room with red accents
To brighten up the interior, you can hang paintings on the walls in the living room, photographs in the bedroom or posters in the young people’s room. If the traditional interior seems boring to you, then you can use black and white photo wallpaper in the interior. They are the ones who can give the apartment’s premises a more extravagant and original look. At the same time, you don’t have to bother yourself choosing paintings, posters and photographs. The canvas can depict a tree, various geometric patterns, an image of a city, etc. A variety of ideas can be implemented.
White walls and floor in the bedroom
Brown floor in black and white interior
Brown floor in a black and white bedroom
Yellow accents in a black and white children's room
An abundance of accessories in a black and white living room
Brown floor and beige carpet in a black and white living room with fireplace
Black and white stylish interiors
Black and white bathroom with brown tiles on the floor
Black and white living room interior
The use of these two colors as the main ones is especially advantageous in the living room, as well as in the kitchen-living room of a studio apartment. The stylish combination is complemented by various accessories, creating the chosen style in just two or three strokes. For example, by placing a mirror in an antique gilded frame on the fireplace portal, you can give the living room a Parisian luster. A large crystal chandelier will give the room a classic touch, and bright multi-colored posters using “acid” shades will create a pop art style.
The living room interior in black and white can be complemented with textile elements of the same colors or additional ones. You should not choose too bright colors for textiles; they can create unnecessary diversity. Separate areas of the living room, for example, a fireplace or sofa, can be highlighted with black and white wallpaper with a pattern.
Rules for decorating a monochrome interior
As mentioned above, the combination of black and white colors in room design requires certain skill and knowledge of a number of rules. Otherwise, you risk turning a cozy living room into a dark and gloomy crypt with an abundance of black, or, conversely, into a sterile hospital ward with too much white.
Credit: @ DECOR INTERIOR INSPO
Monochrome in living room design.
What are the reference points in finding the balance of color combinations in a black and white living room design?
- No black ceiling. It will not only make the room lower, turning it into a crypt, but will also constantly dominate you;
- Do not forget about zoning the room - localize the color highlights, otherwise the interior will lose harmony;
- Contrast is an excellent design solution, but you shouldn’t make a zebra out of a room – a little of each is good;
- Don't limit yourself to pure tones - add a little of any other shades to liven up the room;
- Expansion of space is possible not only due to white tones, but also large mirrors. Decorate the entire wall with them or install them in a frame that continues the contrasting interior or, on the contrary, stands out from it - the decision is yours.
Black and white bedroom interior
The interior of a black and white bedroom should not be too harsh, as the room is intended for calm relaxation and a night's rest. This can be solved by adding calm beige or silver shades, soft patterns, and textiles in calm pastel colors.
Bright accents are acceptable in small quantities - this could be a picture on the wall at the head, colored book spines on the shelves or bedside table. The combination of black, white and silver will allow you to decorate your bedroom in a fashionable neo-baroque style, very suitable for this type of room. Green, blue, burgundy, and gold shades can be used as accent colors in the bedroom. They will enliven the interior and bring freshness to it.
Black and white kitchen interior
The kitchen is a place where cleanliness is especially important, so white is in its place here, more than anywhere else. Adding black to it allows you to successfully divide the kitchen into zones - for example, cooking and dining, as well as create interesting interior effects that make even a small room feel more spacious.
For example, against a background of white walls, the bottom row of cabinets may have black fronts, and the top row may have white fronts. In this case, they will merge with the wall, the ceilings will appear higher, and the room itself will appear more voluminous.
The black and white kitchen interior, complemented by metal surfaces of household appliances, looks great in techno style. Traditional black and white patterns such as checkerboard, stripes, polka dots, and chicken feet will help to “break up” large surfaces, “push” the boundaries of the room and add expressiveness.
To do this, it is enough, for example, to lay out a checkerboard floor in a diagonal direction. Simple white furniture paired with black countertops and black appliances already looks stylish. A few bright accents - a juicy orange lamp, a green bouquet of herbs on the table - and the image of an elegant kitchen is ready.
Monochrome living room design
Black and white color in the living room interior is a fashionable style trend for transforming the central room. The main advantages of monochrome design:
- refined, sophisticated appearance;
- transformation of style with the help of bright shade accents;
- harmonious combination with interior items;
- visual expansion of space;
- advantageous highlighting of interesting details and furniture;
- relaxing environment.
A contrasting combination of basic colors is always relevant, so monochrome is a popular design option. Black and white tone is suitable for decorating a living room in a classic, minimalist, Scandinavian style. Simplicity and strict lines, traditional pieces of furniture are fashionable additions that will highlight the features of the interior.
Hall design option
Black and white armchair and white coffee tables in the living room interior
Black and white bathroom interior
Perhaps the easiest way to turn a standard white bathroom in a typical apartment into something new and interesting is to complement it with black. Place a rug with a black and white pattern on the floor - it could be a zebra pattern, or diagonal stripes, or a checkerboard pattern. Grout the seams between white tiles with black grout, add black bath towels and a bright accent color.
The black and white interior of the bathroom can be made “negative” - paint all the walls black, and against this background place snow-white plumbing fixtures and mirrors. Don’t be afraid that the room will visually become smaller. On the contrary, it will acquire mystery and depth.
Tip: If there is a lot of black in the interior, pay increased attention to lighting. It is better if it is somewhat excessive compared to the recommendations for a given area, since black absorbs light.
We decorate the ceiling
In a black and white interior, a suspended ceiling looks most appropriate. The multi-level design using fabrics of different colors looks very nice. This ceiling allows you to zone the space. An extraordinary approach can also be used - using photo printing technology, a contrasting pattern is applied to a black or white surface.
White ceiling in a black and white living room
The black and white color scheme is very versatile. Therefore, you can choose which interior you prefer: calm and soft or, on the contrary, contrasting and bold. In addition, it is enough to make small changes in details to change the style of the room.
White ceiling in a black and white bathroom
White ceiling in a black and white living room-kitchen
White two-level ceiling in the corridor
White ceiling in a black and white kitchen
White ceiling in a black and white bathroom
Black and white ceiling in the dining room
White ceiling in the bathroom with a mirror wall
Black ceiling in a black and white bathroom
