White and black are two opposite colors. The complete reflection of light waves and their complete absorption is the reason that we see objects colored white and black. Unity and opposition - this is the philosophical content of the interior in black and white colors.
Interior functionality in black and white colors
It is very convenient to use contrasting color combinations when decorating interiors. In this way, you can solve several problems at once.
- Zoning. The selection of separate functional areas in a studio apartment is simplified. For example, the walls in the living room can be white, and in the kitchen they can be black. In addition, the use of opposite colors for furniture in each zone will visually connect the interior into a single whole, preventing it from falling apart.
- Form adjustment. The room does not always have ideal proportions. Black and white colors in the interior solve opposite problems: white enlarges objects and expands space, black, on the contrary, reduces it. Using these colors on the corresponding sections of the walls, you can visually adjust the shape of the room - expand it, make it narrower, visually “raise” or “lower” the ceiling. The use of black and white stripes or spirals will enhance such effects and even completely change the perception of space.
Tip: A black and white interior is very sensitive to nuances. Even small details begin to play an active role. For example, white handles against the background of black cabinets turn into a bright decorative element. Blinds on white windows, edging of recessed lamps on the ceiling - all these details, invisible in other cases, come to the fore if the color pair black - white is used for them.
Designer: Pedorenko Ksenia. Photographer: Ignatenko Svetlana.
Furniture selection
Large black objects on a light background will visually add volume and free space to the living room. Light items in a dark area look catchy, which instantly attracts attention. Basic rules when choosing furniture:
- combination of shades;
- harmonious ratio of dimensions of different objects;
- use of natural materials.
Designers recommend using white for walls and ceilings and black for furniture. But an excessive predominance of dark shades can provoke depression and bad mood among residents and guests.
You should not choose large-scale items of the same color. It is better to give preference to a combination of tones.
Black and white living room in high-tech style
Orange accents in a cozy black and white living room
A feeling of comfort will be provided by a harmonious tint filling in the room. A light sofa or chair with patterns, decorative details in a contrasting shade, a dark table and large modular furniture, a wall will fit well into the decor of a black and white living room. Products made of leather and natural wood are perfect for a monochrome room. The main rule is a contrasting combination of furniture and background.
Black and white interior design style
The classic color combination of white and black is appropriate in any interior. It is only important to beat him correctly.
- For classic styles, you can choose beige tones as additional colors.
- High-tech, techno, minimalism are the most suitable styles for a black and white color combination. Silver-metallic tones can be used as additional ones.
- Black is used paired with white and in ethnic styles. Zebra skin and clear stripes will help create the impression of an African savannah if complemented with terracotta tones.
- This combination is irreplaceable in Japanese interiors - red would be appropriate here as a third color.
- The white and black palette is practically not used in Provence or shabby chic interiors, but individual elements of these colors are quite acceptable.
- In the loft interior, black and white are complemented by gray or “brick” colors.
- And Scandinavian interiors use the tone of light wood as an additional option.
The interior of a room in black and white can be quite sharp, or it can be soft and calm, it all depends on what ratio of primary and secondary colors you choose, and what accent colors you use. It should be borne in mind that in the case of using colors that do not contain color as such, any, even the most pale, color shades already look quite bright. So, even pastel colors can become accent colors.
Interior furniture in black and white colors
The interior of a room in black and white requires the right choice of furniture color. It can be white, black, or the natural color of wood, both light and dark. All these options will look quite harmonious.
It is necessary to take into account that black furniture on a black background will be practically invisible, and vice versa, on white it will stand out in very contrast. In this way you can get unexpected visual effects that change the perception of space. For example, a black sofa against a black wall will be completely invisible, and the white upholstery of the seat of a chair, the rest of which is painted black, will seem to hang in the air. By combining such effects with rhythmic patterns of carpets or wallpaper, you can create interesting optical illusions.
On a black background, white furniture looks very festive, and black on white looks graphic and stylish. Combinations of white and black furniture in one room look interesting; for example, in the bedroom you can put black bedside tables next to a white bed - this combination looks impressive against any background.
Room decoration
Living room
When choosing a black and white design for your living room, it is best to make white the dominant color. Decorate the walls white and decorate them with paintings in black frames. Dark pieces of furniture look great against white walls. This contrasting combination does not tire the eye, looks stylish and is classic.
Black and white furnishings can be an excellent backdrop for one of the interior items, for example, an armchair with bright upholstery. A good result can be achieved by adding blue, yellow and red shades to the room.
Black and white wallpaper for the room, photo
It is recommended to use purple, orange and rich pink to create accents.
There are a lot of options for decorating walls in a black and white living room.
Manufacturers offer a large selection of wallpaper with black and white patterns: graphic images, plant motifs, geometric patterns and traditional black and white stripes.
Floral and geometric motifs in decoration look elegant and feminine.
Curtains in a black and white interior, photo
Geometric patterns allow you to give the room a “masculine” look; single men should choose this finish.
For oriental style decor, a lattice print is used: it is now in fashion.
In addition, one of the walls can be covered with photo wallpaper, thus focusing attention on a certain area.
The floor can be tiled with a matte or shiny surface, plain or patterned. Black and white tiles are often laid out in a checkerboard pattern - a successful technique.
Room design in black and white style, photo
A good option is a marble floor, but such a covering is not cheap.
Another floor covering, carpet, is especially popular because its soft texture softens the harshness of the contrasting combination of black and white colors.
A soft carpet looks expensive and gives the room warmth and comfort.
Room in black and white style, photo
White-washed parquet or fashionable wenge color is also suitable as a floor covering.
Ceilings in black and white room interiors are often suspended. For styles such as Art Deco and African, it is best to drape ceilings with fabric or use wicker trim.
In the black and white living room in Art Nouveau style, the ceilings are decorated with stucco.
For minimalism, ceilings of different levels with spot lighting, plasterboard or plastered are suitable.
In the living room, decorated in a modern style, the ceilings are covered with white wallpaper with a print.
Find out why a white living room is traditionally considered a classic design and how best to organize such a design.
Read about the best color combinations with wenge in the interior in this article.
Bedroom
The combination of white and black is well suited for decorating bedrooms in small apartments. A similar combination in the design of curtains and other textiles looks impressive. Of course, white must predominate. Black and white pillows and bedspreads are always stylish and fashionable. The furniture can be black or one item is dark and the rest are white.
A bold decision is to decorate one of the walls in the bedroom in black. This kind of decor is chosen by people who do not tolerate routine. In this case, give preference to light-colored furniture. But this option should be used in rooms with a good level of lighting, otherwise the bedroom will seem gloomy.
According to Feng Shui, black should not prevail over white in bedroom decoration.
Room interior in black and white style, photo
The decoration of the bedroom should be conducive to relaxation and privacy. White symbolizes day, and black symbolizes night, which is why they are perfect for bedroom decor. This duet allows you to tune in to sleep and distracts you from the hustle and bustle.
The correctness of the lines gives aesthetic pleasure. This option is ideal for a couple's bedroom.
The combination of white and black in a bedroom design makes it possible to achieve an optical effect. Such illusions have a mesmerizing effect and look surreal. This design is ideal for people who attach great importance to romance and who like to dream.
A bedroom in black and white suits both romantic natures and adherents of laconic minimalism.
Using black and white colors as a basis, you can create a beautiful, fashionable interior in almost any style.
The black and white interior of the bedroom testifies to the original nature of its owners and demonstrates their refined taste preferences.
Interior in black and white style, photo
Kitchen
Black and white kitchen design is very expressive. Such decor is fraught with mystery and intrigues with its ability to make a lasting impression on the people in the room. There are only two colors, but what an effect their combination gives! The monochrome finish evokes memories of old films.
Expressive textures and contrast of glossy and matte, smooth and embossed surfaces - all this allows you to achieve originality and looks very beautiful.
This combination is more suitable for modern design trends. Adherents of minimalism and avant-garde will appreciate this interior.
Interior in black and white, photo
Make white dominant because his partner is too influential. Black is recommended to complement light finishes: it will highlight white furnishings and highlight the advantages of the layout.
It is important not to overdo it, if you follow moderation, you can create an amazingly beautiful decor. This classic black and white combination works well with red, green and yellow accessories.
Do not forget that this decor is only suitable for kitchens with good natural light. It is recommended to supplement natural light with artificial light. A chandelier on the ceiling and lighting on the furniture are what you need for such a kitchen. Lamps in the working and dining areas would also be appropriate.
Decorate the walls with wallpaper with a black matte print. You can choose a slightly shiny ornament. Dark-colored wallpaper with light patterns is also a good option.
Black and white room, photo
An interesting design technique is to decorate only one wall with black and white wallpaper, usually the largest one. The rest are made light.
A white kitchen set is a central element of the decor that attracts attention. A black countertop made of stone will create an expressive composition with such a set.
The work surface (apron) is decorated with shiny black tiles or mosaic panels.
The advantages of white wall decoration will be emphasized by dark pieces of furniture. This is a harmonious and beautiful ensemble.
Room interior in black and white, photo
Dark laminate or porcelain tiles are the two best flooring options. The beige floor also looks quite attractive.
The ceiling is decorated with both light and dark materials. If the ceiling is black, the transition between it and the walls should be smooth.
Read about how to hang two types of wallpaper in a room: photos with examples of combined room design are at the end of the article, in the gallery.
Read about what color goes with burgundy in the interior here.
To view photos of interiors in yellow tones, see:
The combination of black and white in the interior with other colors
The addition of different colors gives the room a mood and “temperature”, since black and white themselves can be called sterile in this regard.
- The yellow-red tones of the warm part of the spectrum add sunshine and cheerfulness, they contribute to increased appetite, good functioning of the endocrine glands, and an optimistic mood. Bright yellow and orange tones are not suitable for a relaxing holiday, so they are rarely used in the bedroom or living room, but for the kitchen this is the most suitable option.
- The middle part of the spectrum with green and blue-green tones, as well as the initial part of the cold blue range, promotes a state of peace and relaxation, due to which it is more often used in living rooms and bedrooms.
- Dark blue and purple tones are more suitable for living rooms, especially those whose windows face south.
- Natural wood details soften contrasting interiors well. This could be flooring, storage system, countertops. With their natural color they harmonize the space and add warmth to it.
- In addition to primary and accent colors, additional colors are used in interiors. Black and white walls in the interior are softened with either beige or silver shades of the ceiling, floor, furniture, accessories, and textile elements. The beige scale is used to increase the color temperature of the room, which is important for windows facing north, gray-silver - to lower it, in rooms facing south.
Tip: Designers do not recommend assigning more than half of all surfaces in the room to black. In addition, large planes of one color should be balanced with small planes of another. For example, a black storage system with open niches will benefit from placing white items in them, such as figurines, candlesticks, vases. A small black decorative pillow will look good on a white bed.
Black and white living room interior
The use of these two colors as the main ones is especially advantageous in the living room, as well as in the kitchen-living room of a studio apartment. The stylish combination is complemented by various accessories, creating the chosen style in just two or three strokes. For example, by placing a mirror in an antique gilded frame on the fireplace portal, you can give the living room a Parisian luster. A large crystal chandelier will give the room a classic touch, and bright multi-colored posters using “acid” shades will create a pop art style.
The living room interior in black and white can be complemented with textile elements of the same colors or additional ones. You should not choose too bright colors for textiles; they can create unnecessary diversity. Separate areas of the living room, for example, a fireplace or sofa, can be highlighted with black and white wallpaper with a pattern.
Black and white bedroom interior
The interior of a black and white bedroom should not be too harsh, as the room is intended for calm relaxation and a night's rest. This can be solved by adding calm beige or silver shades, soft patterns, and textiles in calm pastel colors.
Bright accents are acceptable in small quantities - this could be a picture on the wall at the head, colored book spines on the shelves or bedside table. The combination of black, white and silver will allow you to decorate your bedroom in a fashionable neo-baroque style, very suitable for this type of room. Green, blue, burgundy, and gold shades can be used as accent colors in the bedroom. They will enliven the interior and bring freshness to it.
Black and white kitchen interior
The kitchen is a place where cleanliness is especially important, so white is in its place here, more than anywhere else. Adding black to it allows you to successfully divide the kitchen into zones - for example, cooking and dining, as well as create interesting interior effects that make even a small room feel more spacious.
For example, against a background of white walls, the bottom row of cabinets may have black fronts, and the top row may have white fronts. In this case, they will merge with the wall, the ceilings will appear higher, and the room itself will appear more voluminous.
The black and white kitchen interior, complemented by metal surfaces of household appliances, looks great in techno style. Traditional black and white patterns such as checkerboard, stripes, polka dots, and chicken feet will help to “break up” large surfaces, “push” the boundaries of the room and add expressiveness.
To do this, it is enough, for example, to lay out a checkerboard floor in a diagonal direction. Simple white furniture paired with black countertops and black appliances already looks stylish. A few bright accents - a juicy orange lamp, a green bouquet of herbs on the table - and the image of an elegant kitchen is ready.
Features of color perception
Black color almost completely absorbs light rays. Because of this, it needs to be used in doses when decorating a living space. When used correctly, you will have a modern, elegant interior with a deep atmosphere.
White just neutralizes all the darkness of a dark shade, creating that interior balance that we need to feel psychological harmony. It is ideal for a contrasting pair not only because of its location in the color wheel: if black blurs the boundaries of space, then white, on the contrary, helps to emphasize them, streamlining it. As a result, the room acquires the correct geometry with accents beautifully placed throughout the entire area.
Read more about decorating a kitchen in white here.
Black and white bathroom interior
Perhaps the easiest way to turn a standard white bathroom in a typical apartment into something new and interesting is to complement it with black. Place a rug with a black and white pattern on the floor - it could be a zebra pattern, or diagonal stripes, or a checkerboard pattern. Grout the seams between white tiles with black grout, add black bath towels and a bright accent color.
The black and white interior of the bathroom can be made “negative” - paint all the walls black, and against this background place snow-white plumbing fixtures and mirrors. Don’t be afraid that the room will visually become smaller. On the contrary, it will acquire mystery and depth.
Tip: If there is a lot of black in the interior, pay increased attention to lighting. It is better if it is somewhat excessive compared to the recommendations for a given area, since black absorbs light.
We decorate the ceiling
In a black and white interior, a suspended ceiling looks most appropriate. The multi-level design using fabrics of different colors looks very nice. This ceiling allows you to zone the space. An extraordinary approach can also be used - using photo printing technology, a contrasting pattern is applied to a black or white surface.
White ceiling in a black and white living room
The black and white color scheme is very versatile. Therefore, you can choose which interior you prefer: calm and soft or, on the contrary, contrasting and bold. In addition, it is enough to make small changes in details to change the style of the room.
White ceiling in a black and white bathroom
White ceiling in a black and white living room-kitchen White two-level ceiling in the hallway
White ceiling in a black and white kitchen
White ceiling in a black and white bathroom
Black and white ceiling in the dining room
White ceiling in a bathroom with a mirror wall Black ceiling in a black and white bathroom
