Decorating Tips
White is the colour of joy, hope, innocence and cleanliness. It represents purity, optimism and enlightenment and is by far the most popular shade for interior decorating. Regardless of what’s in fashion, no colour is more universally favoured.
We've put together 10 useful tips for decorating with white that we hope you find useful and will inspire you to decorate with white:
1. It’s all about texture. To avoid an all-white scheme appearing clinical, add different textures and layers in white. For example, layer bed linen using waffle blankets, pretty cotton throws and quilted cushions for a truly sumptuous boudoir.
2. Add interest with glass and other materials. Mix in some glass and silver pieces amongst your white collection to add a touch of elegance.
3. Mix different shades of white. Use varying shades of white in your decor to avoid it looking flat. The same applies when you’re painting – generally speaking it’s best to use a matt paint on the walls and a semi-gloss on the trim.
4. All whites have some trace of another colour. Remember this if you want to add some accents of colour. Warm whites work best with blues and neutral tones whilst cool whites work best with bright colours, such as pure primaries and vivid colours.
5. Lighting is important. Lighting always affects the quality of colours in your home. For a soft white glow, white lamps and shades are best as they diffuse light rather than colour it. You can also consider using a mirror to bounce more light around a room.
6. Remember the basics. When painting, shades of white will make a room appear larger. If you want the room to feel larger still, paint the ceiling and skirtings in a lighter tone of the wall.
7. Keep it simple. Keep your crockery and serving dishes all white. They’re classic and won’t date, broken pieces are easily replaced and you can also add new pieces knowing they’ll match.
8. Use a white palette. Using a principally white palette means you can change the look of a room easily and without a lot of expense. Injecting some colour using a few accent pieces means that when you want a new look or the seasons change, you simply change the accent pieces.
9. Cool versus warm. Use warm whites for bedrooms and living areas where you want a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere and cooler whites in bathrooms and kitchens. If you’re not sure which whites to use, consult a professional paint chart for guidance and recommended combinations.
10. Just do it ! Don’t believe the myth that children and white interiors don’t mix. Use a washable paint with a low-sheen finish in high traffic areas and removable washable covers on sofas.
And remember, there are no limitations when you decorate with white.