Fresh white decorating ideas for every room
White room schemes you'll want to recreate
Think an all-white room feels clinical and cold? Think again! Whether you want to go all out with a crisp Scandi-inspired scheme or pair a brilliant white backdrop with pops of colour, this most versatile of neutral shades can really work wonders as a bass for effortlessly stylish schemes. Be inspired by these white decorating ideas filled with tips and tricks to make your rooms really sing...
Warm up a white kitchen
White kitchen units and worktops are a classic combination that will stand the test of time. Here, white glossy cabinets are balanced by alternate pale wood fronts and cool grey flooring. Greenery and dark wooden chopping boards add texture and colour to the sleek space.
Bring in Boho charm
A curved rattan bed, wood-framed artwork and muted, textured fabrics are the perfect ingredients to turn a blank white canvas into a relaxed and pretty bedroom. White is commonly used in elegant French-style bedrooms, so play on that with a chandelier to add a touch of sparkle and glamour.
Create a pale yet retro vibe
Amp up a cool white living room with pops of 60s-inspired patterns and warm orange shades that are guaranteed to add character. The bright hues and bold designs in this minimalist room are not only striking but complement the curvaceous sofa perfectly.
Blend in pastels
Turn a plain white bedroom into a calm and relaxing space by painting alcoves with soft and subtle pastel shades. This hint of violet and a soft mint combination makes for an original mix. Add interest to what could be a flat scheme by dressing the bed to inject a warming dose of texture.
Add a focal point
Stop an all-white bathroom from looking lifeless by adding a statement bath to lift the whole look. An ornamental roll-top tub with claws will remain a timeless classic. Increase the stately style by adding beading to walls for an extra touch of period style.
Make it monochrome
A monochrome palette looks clean and chic and you only need to include a few key pieces to make a dramatic statement in a predominantly white space. A black and white rug and matching Berber-style ottoman works with the generous planting to transform this light-filled open-plan room into a smart, stylish space full of texture.
Step onto a statement floor
A geometric patterned floor will bring a white bathroom to life. Choose large tiles that allow for a tighter grout joint to get that seamless appearance. Keep the rest of the bathroom simple to finish a luxurious white sanctuary like this.
Dress windows well
A white conservatory with plenty of light can often look and even feel cold. So, controlling light with soft blinds will balance the scheme to make it a warm and inviting space. The golden tones in these botanical watercolour roller blinds diffuse the light and add a hint of soft colour.
Let florals flourish
Transform a stark white bedroom into a romantic country-inspired space with just a few pretty blossom motifs. Enhance the scheme with further feminine touches – a vase filled with spring blossom and a glass lamp is just enough to complete this classic and pretty white bedroom.
Experiment with wallpaper
A touch of patterned wallpaper makes an elegant addition to a white scheme, elevating a neutral space with delicate detailing. In this stylish bathroom, a sleek and contemporary sink and opulent gold fixtures perfectly offset the subtly patterned walls.
Start with a statement wall
Lift a white lounge-diner with a splash of contrasting colour across a feature wall. This glorious blue paint, offset by a crisp white dresser, looks stylish and striking. The country-style warming wood beams continue the homely and cosy look against the bold colour.
Give a white bathroom depth
White bathroom tiles can make a washroom look clean and fresh whilst adding an on-trend industrial edge. However, to avoid making the space feel too clinical, try grouting the brick tiles with a darker tone and include soft grey accessories (or even a coloured vanity) to offset the all-white palette.
Elevate with gold accents
A monochrome home office can take on a stark vibe so break up the snowscape with opulent accents in warming gold, brass or copper. A gold-framed glass desk, chic desk lamp and matching stationery holder will create a chic and luxe look that's perfect for any home working executive.
Bring white to life with greenery
Nothing makes greenery pop like a fresh white backdrop. For a botanical-inspired scheme, pair large-leaf plants with cute succulents. Continue the theme with horticultural illustrations taped informally onto white walls. Furniture in a minty tone will keep the scheme light, fresh and uplifting.
Add pops of colour
Splashes of dramatic colour can transform a basic white bedroom into a striking and vibrant space. Layered on crisp bedlinen, these rich sunny coloured cushions create a bold contrast. Brightly coloured wall art and a collection of rainbow toned books complete the happy space.
Soften with texture
This living room has lots of sharp angles so a pure white colour palette runs the risk of making the space feel austere and cold. Chalky white tones paired with textures in soft grey and linen soften the edges for a more inviting, cosy feel. Narrow black-framed tables and black accents give the stylish room a modern farmhouse twist.
Get a coastal vibe
Adding smart tones of blue to your white decorating scheme will invoke a refreshing coastal feel. Striped pillows, layered throws in navy and sandy shades give a white bedroom a breezy and bright beachside atmosphere.
Introduce sunny shades
Give a classic white kitchen a sunny disposition with a burst of bright colour. Choose uplifting blinds like these dragonfly motif roller designs and maximise the look with a set of three.
Play with bold shapes
Architectural seating will steal the show in an all-white dining room. These Eames-style chairs are a popular choice for minimalistic interiors and their iconic design will really elevate a pared-back scheme. Continue the bold statement with ice-white concertina blinds.
Inject earthy tones
A white decorating scheme makes a timeless and neutral backdrop to work in trends as they come and go. This comfortable white corner sofa has been warmed up with rich earthy-toned cushions. The on-trend shades are then echoed with accessories and artwork for a bright yet balanced end result.
Add global texture
Give your white living room an on-trend global theme by combining a cool white lozenge sofa and walls with textured and patterned cushions, structural indoor plants and a flourish of natural materials. Finish with large and tactile wall-hanging to complete the look.
Add colour with a splashback
Shimmering copper makes a glam addition to glossy white kitchen cabinets. Darren Watts, Design Director at Wren Kitchens, says: "A neutral palette adds an ultra-modern finish to any sized kitchen and is the perfect backdrop for eye-catching splashbacks, rich floors and ornate tiles."
Shine with pearlescent tiles
Add a luxurious finish to a white bathroom scheme with delicate iridescent tiles. Their glistening sheen will reflect the light and make even the most snug of washrooms feel spacious. Marry the scheme together with blonde cabinetry, marble basins and white ash wood flooring.
Go au naturel
Transform a crisp white dining room into a warm entertaining space with a flourish of natural texture. A seagrass rug will zone off an open-plan space while on-trend rattan chairs will look stunning against an all-white backdrop as well as being totally durable for family life.
Think Scandi
A neutral palette is the epitome of Scandinavian decorating so why not go all-out with white walls, pale wood and sleek lines for a calming contemporary scheme. Elevate the look with a sprinkling of greenery and a few pieces of monochrome wall art to get that iconic pared-back Nordic style.
Pour on the cream
A warming wood-burner is a great choice to cosy up a white space but what if you don't want a black stove breaking up your carefully chosen neutral palette? A cream enamel finish is much less imposing and arguably even more stylish, especially in a country-style living room.
Pair with shades of grey
A white bedroom can offer a calming and tranquil space to slumber. Soften the clean, crisp palette by introducing warming shades of light grey across soft furnishings. Here, an upholstered bed frame, ottoman and throw add a sophisticated dimension to the space as well as plenty of sumptuous texture.
Bring out the backdrop
Add character to a white living room by incorporating quirky accessories. Here, bookcases blend into the crisp walls, offering clean and unobtrusive storage as well as a tasteful display area where prized trinkets can take centre stage. Storm lanterns, photo frames and vases filled with seashells have been cleverly selected in the same grey-blue tone to add a serene coastal vibe.
Channel the Med
Crisp white shutters lend an effortlessly chic Mediterranean look to any living room. Classic and timeless, a two-tier style means you won't have to choose between privacy or light. In this sophisticated space, ochre accents across the rug and soft furnishings complete the look with a warming flourish.
Create drama with statement lights
Lighting is an important element in a white scheme as it's key to creating ambiance and warmth. A statement pendant light or cluster of lights hung at staggered heights will add a strong pop of personality. Offset against a soft white sofa, these floating lantern shades resemble a dreamy cloudscape in this laidback living room.
Choose durable decor
While young families often steer clear of pale shades, with the right design choices, you can create a functional and stylish white living room that will stand the test of time – as well as your little one's grubby hands. Make sure the sofa has removable washable covers and choose furniture that's scratch resistant and wipeable.
Smarten up the study
Transform your office into a smart scheme with a subtle yet structural white wallpaper that perfectly frames your workspace. This majestic architectural column design makes a studious statement when paired with traditional wood furniture and vintage accessories.
Add white shiplap
Whitewashed wood panels will bring cosy country style into any home interior. Paired with a white upholstered armchair and matching ottoman, dead space under the stairs can be transformed into a bright and cosy sitting area. A muted floral print across the upholstery will intensify the look and create an elegant aesthetic.
Style up white storage
White fitted units are a great way to utilise overhead space in a bedroom without making a room feel cramped. Here, white storage cupboards frame the bed and leave the scheme feeling bright and airy. A grey ombre feature wall adds personality and a touch of colour is introduced through yellow and grey throw cushions.
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