How to Do White Decor

White With Reflective Surfaces

• Since white is naturally reflective, it provides the perfect backdrop for showcasing mirrors and other reflective surfaces. In a French-inspired dining room, consider a white-washed dining set, including French-finish chairs with slightly darker white upholstery. Hang a scalloped-shaped, unframed mirror with crystal grommets on white wallpaper with a pale, green-gray fleur-de-lis pattern. Below the mirror, a white-washed sideboard with curving, cabriole legs relates to a whitewashed, French-finish dining set. A crystal chandelier, cut crystal vases and sheer curtains provide additional light-reflecting touches.

White With Black and Multi-Colored Accents

• White reflects all colors, while black absorbs all colors. The two make an effective pair, especially when peppered with bright, multicolored artwork. Consider a sofa with antique-black legs and upholstery in alabaster, a pinkish-white that relates to antique-black's red undertone. Alabaster carpet and walls contrast strongly with an antique-black ottoman, coffee table and end tables. Antique-black lamp bases with matching shades also work. A bright white fireplace and Roman shades provide additional contrast, as does an oil painting and a grouping of colorful prints with white mats and plain, antique-black frames.

Warm and Cool Whites

• Create a subtle interplay of warm and cool by juxtaposing warm orange-white with cool blue-white. Paint walls in orange-white, using a textured wall treatment to create a stucco-like effect. Sheer, blue-white curtains blend with crown moulding, while contrasting with orange-white walls. Swedish-style, white-washed floors display an orange undertone, which blends with walls. An orange-white linen sofa provides another textured white as does a distressed, shabby chic-style coffee table in blue-white. Consider blue-white ceiling tiles as a cool contrast, while scattered furniture in distressed, orange-brown wood relates to orange-white walls.

White With a Single Accent Color

• Crisp contrast results from juxtaposing white with a single bright accent color, especially when a consistent color is used in a restrained manner. For a refreshing ambiance, consider pairing cool blue-white with cool-green or blue. White and mint-green checkerboard tile has a fresh allure in a bathroom with a white pedestal sink and medicine cabinet. A white shower curtain with mint-green rings adds a modest splash of color as does a collection of mint-green washcloths on a white floating shelf. Suspended from a chain, a mint-green stained-glass panel in a white, wood frame provides a finishing touch.