Decorating Ideas With Mahogany Leather

Colors

• Pick up the mahogany color in a few other small details throughout the room, such as a painting, picture frames or another piece of furniture. Balance the dark color with lighter hues. Cream, a golden tan or a light blue-gray will work on the walls and carpeting or area rugs to prevent the room from feeling too heavy or dark. Alternatively, keep the walls and carpet darker for a space if you want to establish a "masculine" look, such as for a man's den or office. In that case, use wood paneling or wainscoting on the walls and add a beige carpet. Add accessories that contain a bright pop of color, such as red, turquoise or lime green, for contrast and appeal in a modern space. Use one or two neutral colors, such as chocolate and cream or charcoal and light blue-gray, in your color palette to balance the dark mahogany items.

Furniture

• Dark, heavy pieces will accent a mahogany leather item in a masculine office, library or den. For example, a substantial, dark wood desk that is intricately carved will hold its own across from a mahogany leather sofa or club chair. Sleek pieces, such as a glass and chrome coffee table, will lighten the space and serve a contemporary style well. Pair a mahogany leather armoire with a leather sofa in the living room or a mahogany leather-covered headboard in a bedroom. Alternatively, add another piece of furniture, such as an armchair or ottoman, in a different fabric for a variety of textures. For example, a cream-colored armchair and ottoman in a similar style can soften the look of a large mahogany leather sofa.

Textiles

• Lightweight window coverings, such as sheer curtains or simple linen panels, can balance the heft of mahogany leather furniture, while thick and formal drapes will complement the piece in a formal setting. Introduce different textures and patterns to the room with your textiles. A zebra-print rug can add some interest and style, while a colorful Oriental rug will ground a traditional room and add color at the same time. Drape a throw, such as a chenille in a bright accent color, over the back of a leather sofa or chair for comfort, texture and style.

Accessories

• Throw pillows can help break up the mass of a mahogany leather sofa or chair, while giving you patterns and colors you can add elsewhere in the room. Mix patterns and solids to create a vibrant feel or use a few simple pillows for a traditional look. Pictures, artwork, lamps, knickknacks, plants and candle arrangements can add finishing details to the room. Add a floor vase in matching mahogany leather with tall white flowers, dried bamboo or curly willows. A free-standing globe could serve as an accent in an office or den. Stained glass lamps can add to the style of a traditional room and reflect off the mahogany leather features.