Adding color to a black and white room can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With some careful planning and design considerations, you can easily inject vibrant color into a monochromatic space. Here are some tips on choosing the right accent colors and using color effectively in a black and white room.
Consider the mood you want to create
Think about the overall feel or ambiance you want the space to have. Do you want it to feel energetic and lively or calm and peaceful? The colors you choose will help set the mood. For example:
- Red or orange can create an exciting, vibrant look
- Green or blue have a more relaxing effect
- Pink makes a feminine statement
- Yellow injects cheerfulness
Determine if you want warm colors like reds, oranges and yellows or cool colors like blues, greens and purples. Warm colors tend to activate a space while cool colors have a calming effect.
Choose colors that complement black and white
Stick with colors that play well with classic black and white. Contrasting or bold colors have the most impact. Try to avoid pale or pastel shades as they can look washed out. Here are some of the best color choices:
- Red – Adds drama and grabs attention
- Yellow – Looks modern and uplifting
- Blue – Feels tranquil and refreshing
- Green – Brings in natural vibrancy
- Purple – Sophisticated and elegant
- Orange – Energizing and fun
Darker tones of these colors tend to work better than very bright hues. Think jewel tones like emerald, sapphire and ruby. Metallic accents like gold, silver and copper are also striking against black and white.
Use color in small doses
A little color goes a long way in a black and white space. You don’t want to overwhelm the simple palette. Use color strategically as accents and focal points. Some ways to effectively incorporate color include:
- Paint or wallpaper one accent wall
- Use colorful artwork, pillows or throws
- Add vibrant flowers or plants
- Select colorful furniture or decor pieces
- Use patterned rugs, curtains or upholstery
- Paint the ceilings or doors
- Choose appliances or light fixtures in a bold hue
Instead of painting entire walls, consider painting just the wall behind a bed or sofa to create an accent. The pops of color will stand out more against the neutral background.
Create a color scheme
For a coordinated look, stick with 2-4 complementary colors. The 60-30-10 rule is a good guideline:
- 60% black and white
- 30% primary accent color
- 10% secondary accent color
You could do a red, white and black scheme with yellow accents for example. Or try blue, white and black with green accents. Another idea is purple, white and black with gold accents. Get creative and choose colors you love!
Here are some examples of color schemes that work well in black and white rooms:
| Primary Accent Color | Secondary Accent Color |
|---|---|
| Red | Orange or yellow |
| Blue | Green or turquoise |
| Purple | Pink or gold |
| Green | Blue or yellow |
| Orange | Red or pink |
Look at fabric and rug options
Fabrics and area rugs are easy ways to incorporate color through patterns and prints. They come in a wide range of hues and designs that you can match to your color scheme. For example:
- Floral, paisley or damask prints in blues and greens
- Moroccan or tribal rugs with red and orange tones
- Geometric, striped or chevron patterns in purple and pink
- Ikat, suzani or ogee fabrics with gold highlights
When choosing fabric, look for a pattern where your main accent color is dominant. The black and white palette allows you to use bold and colorful patterns without it feeling overly busy.
Add metallic touches
For a glamorous effect, incorporate metallic accents like gold, silver, copper or brass. Metallics pair beautifully with black and white. Use them sparingly in accessories, furniture, lighting fixtures or hardware. Options include:
- Gold/brass table lamps or wall sconces
- Silver/chrome chairs, side tables or shelves
- Gold decorative trays or vases
- Copper throw pillows or blankets
- Silver sculptural pieces or flower vases
Black and white provides the perfect foundation for metallic accents to stand out and shine. Just take care that metallics don’t dominate the space. They work best as finishing touches.
Make color the focal point
Use your boldest accent colors to draw the eye towards a specific area. Strategically place colorful artwork behind a sofa or over the bed. Add a vibrant rug to define a seating area. Use an accent wall behind your dining table or television. Painting the front door a striking color also makes a statement.
Conclusion
The ideal accent colors for a black and white room are bold, saturated jewel tones like emerald, ruby and sapphire. Start with one dominant color like blue or green. Then add one or two accent colors like gold or pink in smaller doses. Fabrics, rugs and metallic touches are easy ways to punch up the color. Just stick to a cohesive color scheme. The bold black and white foundation allows you to use color in exciting ways without going overboard. With the right accent colors, you can create a stylish and vibrant room with timeless appeal.
