How to Decorate a Home in Black & White: Tables, Sofas, Lamps & Decor

Paint the walls black, white or a combination of the two. Select one wall as an accent wall to paint black, leaving the other three white, or paint the bottom one-third of each wall black and the upper two-thirds white. Alternatively, use wallpaper that features a black and white print, such as damask, floral designs, waves, circles, squares or stripes, on one wall, all four walls or above a chair rail.

Combine black furniture pieces with white pieces, unless you prefer to use a single color for all of your furniture. For example, pair a black and white striped chair with a solid white sofa, opt for all-white furniture with black accessories or all-black furniture against white walls, floors and accessories. Glass or metallic furniture, such as a silver-framed glass dining table, will not detract from your black and white color scheme.

Introduce different textures and patterns in your textiles. Black velvet drapes over sheer white panels work in a formal room, while a black and white zebra print rug adds interest in a modern bedroom. Black and white checkered dish towels lend to a retro theme in the kitchen. Add a few different patterns using only black and white in small doses, such as throw pillows, or introduce a bold accent color the same way.

Hang mirrors, black and white portraits or artwork that introduces other colors you can use as accents throughout the room.

Accessorize your home with other black and white details, such as a white runner over a black table, white lampshades on black lamps, white flowers in a black vase or white candles over black rocks or glass.