| White furniture can add a fresh, open feel to any room | | | | white rugs, and gauzy white curtains can also help |
| of the house, but too much can leave a room cold and | | | | make a room transformation seem almost effortless. |
| stark. So how can you get the light airiness of white | | | | Textures in White |
| design without overdoing it? The answer may be | | | | Another good way to avoid "white overload" is to use |
| found in variety. Mixing old and new furniture with | | | | textures to bring a room together. Consider contrasting |
| patterns and textures can add variety and feeling to | | | | a soft, fluffy rug with a rougher corduroy upholstery. |
| an otherwise bare room. Here are some categories to | | | | Likewise, silks or brocades can be paired with a |
| consider when adding white furniture to a room design. | | | | sculpted rug or woven mat. Beware of using too |
| Antique Whites | | | | many contrasting textures, this could strain the eye |
| One or two pieces of well-chosen antique furniture | | | | and add a stressful feel to the room. |
| helps create a more relaxed, cozy environment in a | | | | A Splash of Color |
| room. Whitewashed antique dressers, sideboards, and | | | | The calculated use of a contrast color in the white |
| more can be prize finds at the average estate sale. | | | | decor can accentuate a white furniture scheme. |
| You can give newer white furniture that same | | | | Accent pillows in red, blue or yellow are popular |
| old-world feel by "distressing" the piece using things like | | | | choices, as is the classic black-and-white pairing. Greys, |
| crackling paint and sandpaper. White antique wash | | | | browns and greens can be used to give a room a |
| basins, pitchers, bowls, and vases also add a homey | | | | more natural earthy flair, while pastels can be matched |
| touch. | | | | with white for a softer, more feminine space. A splash |
| White Patterns | | | | of color can be incorporated into decorative throws, |
| Light patterns in different shades of white adds | | | | accent pieces, rugs, walls or flooring to focus the eye |
| interest to a white room. Patterns can be incorporated | | | | and accentuate the white room. |
| almost anywhere, from the wood trim on furnishings | | | | Decorating with white doesn't have to be intimidating, it |
| and fabrics to tile mosaics on floors, table tops, and | | | | just takes a little thought and creativity. Start with a |
| walls. | | | | sample whites palette from the local paint or fabric |
| Pure White | | | | store - it's amazing how many different shades of |
| For those who might want to experiment with the feel | | | | white are available. Once the shades of white are |
| of a pure white decor before committing completely, | | | | chosen, it's simply a matter of finding the right white |
| simple slipcovers are an easy and inexpensive way to | | | | furniture and accessories to fit your tastes. |
| add white furniture to a room. Fluffy white pillows, | | | | |