How to Decorate With Black and White for Gray Walls

Lay a black-and-white area rug in a geometric print for a sleek modern look. Consider wall-to-wall carpet in black and gray tweed for a more traditional room.

Choose a black leather couch. Toss a red or green afghan over the back for a pop of color. Pair it with chairs upholstered in black, white and light gray fabric. Opt for a camel-back sofa upholstered in a black-and-white plaid. Warm it with a quilt in shades of red, green and white. Couple the sofa with a Windsor rocking chair painted black, and a wing chair covered in dove white and accented with throw pillows covered with black, white and red plaid material.

Place a black wicker rocker in a corner. Add cushions to match the throw pillows on the chairs. Situate a side table featuring worn white paint next to the chair for a "shabby chic" look. Top it with a gooseneck desk lamp in black or chrome to finish off a cozy reading area.

Dress the windows with simple black or white Roman blinds in linen or canvas. Opt for white voile sheers layered under floor-length draperies fashioned from black satin, silk or linen.

Create an accent wall by hanging wallpaper in a black-and-white print, or paint the upper half of one wall charcoal gray, and contrast it with white wainscoting below.

Hang a grouping of black-and-white photographs above the mantel. Frame them with unadorned black frames, or add a Victorian touch by choosing ornate silver ones.

Craft a headboard from a vintage fireplace surround. Paint it white, and fill the opening with padding covered in fabric with a black-and-white print pattern.

Make your bed with crisp, white sheets and pillowcases. Choose a black or gray duvet cover, or opt for a spread sporting a black-and-white floral print. Add a pop of color with throw pillows in a hot-pink and lime-green floral pattern.

Display a collection of white stoneware in a vintage cupboard with red or blue paint to add some color to the room

Highlight a gray wall with a tapestry in shades of black, white, green and blue. Suspend it from a silver or black wrought-iron rod.