12 Clean and Classic Ways to Decorate with White

Paint walls, ceilings, and trim all the same white hue. The result is a blank canvas, which allows the eye to gravitate toward warm textiles and brighter hues found in furniture and accessories.

Paint: Alabaster (SW7008) by Sherwin-Williams; sherwin-williams.com.

Allow lighting to create warmth in an all-white room. This bath uses sheer cafe curtains to allow in as much natural light as possible.

Brighten a room that has dark wood floors and accents with white walls. Walls painted white recede, allowing the natural wood paneling and molding to steal the show— without becoming overwhelming.

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A monochromatic white palette allows experimentation with texture. Layer wood, ceramics, and other materials to keep the look of white paint from falling flat.

A white background allows accessories to rule the room's decor (and makes for easy updates, too!). Choose pillows, art, and other accents carefully because they'll garner all the attention.

Paint: Titanium (2141-60) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.
Ottoman Fabric: Zig Zag in Shrimp on Tint from Alan Campbell by Quadrille (quadrillefabrics.com), available through DCOTA; 954/921-7575

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Mix shades of white to createthe illusion of depth in a space, and add hues of different colors to create a neutral-like color scheme.

Paint: Niveous (OC-36) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

Dress tight quarters in bright white for a more spacious and airy feeling. As the light changes, so will the space's color and ambience.

Paint: Wall, ceiling, and trim paint: White Dove (OC-17) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

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Use white to warm up stone walls, interior brickwork, or other hard surfaces, allowing them to appear approachable and inviting.

Paint: Pure White (SW7005) by Sherwin-Williams; sherwin-williams.com.

Use white as your base for the entire room. Colorful fabric and accessories pops against a white background.

Barstools: Grayson from Pottery Barn; potterybarn.com.
Barstool slipcover fabric: For a similar look, try Corazon in Seaglass from Calico Corners; calicocorners.com.

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Natural light brought in by the large windows pairs well with the white upholstery and white walls in this dining room.

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A warm wood ceiling and floor treatment paired with painted wood walls adds vintage character to the space.

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In keeping with the calming color scheme, an antique shopkeeper's cabinet with glass-front drawers was painted white and serves as an interesting dresser.

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