40 Black-and-White Christmas Decorating Ideas

Mix things up this holiday season by introducing black and white into your Christmas color palette.

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By: Maria Conti and Brian Patrick Flynn

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Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Ralph Lauer

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Evin Photography; Styling by Jenny Reimold and Sara Brigman

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn, FlynnsideOut

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo By: Flynnside Out

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Photo By: Ralph Lauer

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn, FlynnsideOut

Black-and-White Christmas Decor We Adore

If you’re decorating for the holidays and want to branch out from the typical red and green color scheme, let us inspire you to give black-and-white Christmas decor a try. This classic color combo will stand the test of time and look great with practically any decorating style, from modern to rustic. Plus, the pared-down palette makes it easy to mix and match patterns and textures for an ultra-cozy look that’s perfect for the season.

In this crisp living room, a frosty pine garland adds earthy texture across the mantel and a set of four faux fur stockings is ready for Santa's arrival. The flocked fir Christmas tree dazzles with a mix of rustic and snow-dusted ornaments dangling from its twinkling branches. Gifts wrapped in black-and-white paper pile across the fireplace hearth in anticipation of Christmas morning. Browse our gallery for more ways to deck out your Christmas tree, mantel, dining table and more in chic black and white.

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Modern Merriment

Leave the gold foil bows, smiling santas and holly-red wrapping to your mom and join us on the dark (and dreamy!) side of Christmas this year. Pine cones and pitch-black presents pile high with chunky quilts and beaded garland to celebrate the season in this decked-out entryway. A bright, black-and-white banner layered with a minimalist eucalyptus wreath pops against the ebony planked wall while a snowy faux pelt and a chalkboard-inspired throw pillow soften this foyer's bench.

More Ideas: 16 Christmas Entryway Decorating Ideas From HGTV Magazine

From: Urbanology Designs

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Keep spirits bright with tons of snowy-white touches for the holiday season. A flurry of snowflakes dance above a petite polar bear, a wrapped present and iced cupcakes on this modern farmhouse kitchen island. Glittery flakes scatter throughout the space, bringing wintry whimsy to the cooktop, by the sink and at the base of the open shelving. Graphic black-and-white seasonal prints add a festive pop of contrast to the otherwise all-white space.

See More Photos: Modern Farmhouse Holiday Home Tour

Classic + Cozy Print

Set the tone for festive feasting by taking tablescape cues from designer, Brian Patrick Flynn. This contemporary dining table is dressed to impress for Christmas brunch with a bold, black-and-white buffalo check runner and an opulent pine centerpiece. Plush, pistachio pillows add coziness and contrast to the skirted dining chairs while a buffalo-check ribbon dangles a mini boxwood wreath over the chair backs to mark the occasion.

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From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Bring your white Christmas dreams to life with a bedroom covered in frosted and festive details. Shimmery silver and white baubles dangle with delight from a twinkling pine in the corner of this wintry bedroom. A snowy pom-pom garland drapes across a handsome wood headboard and a fluffy white duvet covers the bed like a blanket of snow. Plush, black-and-white throw pillows create cozy contrast against the icy linens and a wooden tray with two cocoa mugs adds an inviting touch to the display. Whimsical calligraphy prints in classic, black-and-white gallery frames join forces with snowflake figurines and a pair of pretty wrapped presents to bestow holiday joy to the bedside tables.

More Ideas: 15 Christmas Decorating Ideas for Bedrooms

Season's Greetings

Red-and-green not your thing? When it comes to color, sometimes less is more. This black-and-white doormat extends a holly-jolly holiday greeting to neighbors and guests alike with vintage lettering, whimsical flourishes and a merry berry bunch in classic Christmas hues.

Shop Our Picks: 20 Festive Christmas Doormats for the Merriest Entry

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

'Tis the Season

Wrap your washroom with the spirit of Christmas with a few, festive accents. This powder room is primed for holiday hosting with a countertop pine tree, a sink-side reindeer, a lyrical hand towel and a whimsical, black-and-white pom garland draped across the mirror.

Shop Our Picks: 12 Tabletop Christmas Trees to Decorate Your Small Space

Bold Baubles + Bows

Skip traditional holiday hues and stay true to your streamlined interiors with a sleek, black-and-white Christmas tree design. Consider this miniature tree your modern muse and mix inky ornaments with snowy baubles, painted globes and black-and-white patterned ribbon. Create interest and dimension by alternating between matte, gloss and glittery accents along the branches. Final touch? Weave foiled gold or metallic silver details throughout for a healthy dose of seasonal shimmer.

More Ideas: 100 Beautiful Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

From: Michelle Edgemont

Sweater Weather

Think outside the baubles and bows when scheming-up your seasonal decor. Large-scale textile art serves as a festive focal point in this contemporary home without a single holiday trope or traditional color in sight. The statement-making piece depicts a cozy, black Nordic sweater pattern complete with white stitching and a collection of wintry woodland creatures.

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From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Frosty Farmhouse Charm

As it turns out, two is better than one. Need more convincing? Just take a peek at the frosty alpine duo in the corner of this festive farmhouse family room. The pair are nestled in white woven baskets and wrapped at the base with matching ivory windowpane blankets. Their sparce branches are dusted with snow and adorned with silver, champagne and black-and-white ornaments that appear to sparkle against the warm twinkle lights. A petite polar bear trio adds charm underfoot as they stand guard over gifts until Christmas morning.

More Ideas: 110 Farmhouse Christmas Decorating Ideas

From: Jenny Reimold

Tree-Lined Table

Avoid an icy (read: sterile) seasonal table by mixing your black-and-white accents with organic arrangements and warm, natural finishes. This modern farmhouse dining table is decked-out for Christmas dinner with a frosted tree centerpiece, snowflake place cards and a black-and-white striped runner. The wooden, x-back dining chairs are gussied-up for guests with a mini pine wreath wrapped in a perky burlap bow.

Woodsy Wrapping

This contemporary Christmas deign is equal parts opulent and understated with a neutral hues and bold execution. Trailing paddle leaf eucalyptus creates a lush base for the collection of alternating white and ivory tapers lining the mantel in inky iron candlesticks. A towering pine turns heads from the corner, clad with a statement-making birch garland reminiscent of reindeer antlers and a collection of muted metallic ornaments.

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From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Frosty Friend

It’s always a joy to see familiar faces around the holidays and this Frosty centerpiece is no exception. The well-dressed snowman makes for a welcome guest (and fanciful centerpiece) at this breakfast table. His white body, onyx buttons and dapper top hat play well with the black-and-white buffalo check drapes and the sentimental window wreath wrapped in holly-red ribbon. Find out how to a build a snowman centerpiece for your holiday table with our step-by-step instructions in the link, below.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Carnation Snowman Centerpiece

Unexpected Ornaments

Deck your walls with all-things-jolly! This playful vignette incorporates black satin ornaments in an unexpected way. The inky baubles dangle from wall-mounted antlers between twin pine wreaths to provide festive flair in the otherwise sophisticated space.

Shop Our Picks: 20 Beautiful Christmas Wreaths for Every Budget

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Spruced-Up Dining

Merry and bright, this inviting space begs the question, “Why walk in a winter wonderland when you can dine in one?” The rustic table is spruced-up for the holidays with a shimmery tree centerpiece, silver twig accessories, pinecone place cards and black-and-white striped linen napkins. A French Provincial chandelier adorned with evergreen sprigs illuminates diners overhead while a pair of tabletop pines and a scarved reindeer add whimsy to the weathered buffet against the wall.

More Ideas: 4 Ways to Dress a Chandelier for the Holidays

Room for Milk + Cookies

Skip the place cards and make more room for casserole, pudding and spiked cocoa on your Christmas table with a chalkboard paper runner. This inky paper runner creates a casual-yet-polished base for white hand-lettered names and a forest of snowy ceramic, wood and bottle brush pines weaving down the center of the reclaimed farmhouse table. Vibrant holly-green plates shine against the otherwise neutral backdrop and set the tone for celebration in the dining room.

Dashing Delivery

Never underestimate the visual impact your holiday gift wrap has on your living room décor. The pitch-black wrapping paper, ivory sacks, bleached twine and sans serif lettering give this present pile a modern appeal that’s sure to complement contemporary, minimalist and eclectic holiday schemes, alike.

More Ideas: 80 DIY Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas

From: Urbanology Designs

Spirited Staircase

Black-and-white patterns enliven this gray staircase with contrast and greet guests with Christmas spirit. The upholstered armchair is made inviting with a buffalo check and graphic holiday throw pillow beneath a crisp, black-and-white striped blanket draped over the back. Inky touches continue underfoot where striped, checked and tree-clad presents pile with a miniature sleigh and snowy reindeer beneath a petite tabletop tree.

More Ideas: Holiday Decor: 1 Staircase Done 3 Ways

Moody + Merry Trimmings

This striking set-up pairs inky oil-rubbed bronze accents with glossy forest green serveware, a pair of pewter reindeer and textured greenery to achieve an understated and elegant holiday table design. Pro tip: Keep your table scape budget-friendly and classic with a mix of vintage objects, cut greenery and pine cones. Here an outdoor dining area is packed with texture, shape and contrast with a mix of organic touches found in the yard paired with a clear glass cake stand and masculine dinnerware.

More Ideas: 70 Merry + Bright Christmas Centerpiece Ideas

Sugar, Spice + Black-and-White Stripes

Stripes, snowflakes and silvery velvet ribbons come together to create one dashing Christmas dining table. Ruffled burlap napkins warm the white plates and the crystal glassware shimmers against the black-and-white table. The holiday display intertwines varied textures and neutral hues to achieve an effortless chic design that suits Christmas and New Year’s gatherings, alike.

More Ideas: Copy These Christmas Table Setting + Decorating Ideas

Dashing Details

Play with sculptural elements and unique shapes. This wire star becomes instantly more festive with unique greenery and winter berries added into the mix.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Black and White Accents

Designers Britany Simon and Brian Patrick Flynn worked together to add an updated, graphic look to an Atlanta home's traditional holiday decor by including strong, contrasting elements of black and white.

Black and White Stripes

From the over-scale fabric poinsettias on the Christmas tree to the mix of black-and-white wrapping paper prints, the color combination makes its way around the living room in both a strong and subtle manner.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Wrapped Books

Designers often add both graphic appeal and colorful updates to hardback books by covering the books with coordinating fabrics. To incorporate black, white and red into the living room, each book was covered with stripes and gingham. By keeping the palette holiday-centric, but using patterns meant for year-round use, this ensures the books can remain out once the holidays have passed.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Festive Sofa Accessories

To add holiday flair to the living room's year-round sofa, pillows and throws are layered on and the end tables are decorated with ornaments for a festive, seasonal touch.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Holiday Sofa Pillows

Throw pillows are an instant way to add holiday flair to your furniture. As the holiday season rolls in, this living room's sofa is given a quick and easy Christmas makeover with large metallic silk pillows paired with smaller ones featuring a wintry red, white and black plaid pattern.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Ornament Lamps

Fillable clear glass lamps offer the opportunity to change up the look of your task lighting seasonally. In order to bring black, white, red and metallic flair to this living room's pair of lamps, an off-white drum shade with a thin band of black detailing was added. The glass body was filled with a combination of red, gold and silver ornaments. Once the holidays pass, the lamps can instantly take on everyday appeal by switching the ornaments out for something different.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Main Color Scheme

From different vantage points within the living room, black and white can take on identity as the dominant or secondary color scheme. Upon entry, guests are greeted by strong elements of red and green which are broken up by accents of black and white. Once seated in the space, though, black and white becomes the dominant design element. This sort of color mixing is an excellent way to achieve balance and avoid the possibility of becoming overtly matchy.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Contrasting Ornaments

In order to add the proper balance of black and white to a Christmas tree, keep in mind that contrast and proximity are key. When placed on a green tree, black ornaments tend to blend in and white ornaments tend to stand out. When hanging the ornaments, try clustering them close to one another ensuring roughly two black ornaments for every white ornament. This mix will help keep the proper contrast consistent so both colors are showcased equally.

More Ideas: 85 Easy DIY Holiday Ornaments for All Ages

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Striped Poinsettias

At least one bold statement of black and white is essential to truly making the color palette pop. Fabric poinsettias made from patterned fabric or even solid felt are easy to make and allow you to go as big as necessary. All that's needed to create these is fabric, scissors, a needle, thread, hot glue and a button.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Patterned Skirt

Tree skirts offer another opportunity to play with black and white through pattern. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, it's likely the tree skirt will remain bare and you'll be able to see it more clearly. Once covered up with gifts, the skirt will lose its presence. Consider using black mixed with another holiday accent color, then bringing in accents of white through wrapped gifts. This will ensure that your skirt will still remain part of the overall design.

Shop Our Picks: 15 Beautiful Christmas Tree Skirts Under $75

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Cozy Throw

When updating your holiday palette with black and white, it's not necessary to stick with black and white prints specific to the holidays. To dress up this wingback chair, a red-and-white check pillow was paired with a graphic black-and-white throw blanket. This look also works for everyday use.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Santa Stationery

Here's a black and white idea that comes straight out of a printer. Have your designated Santa print out Santa stationery online, sign it and leave it near your children's thank you treats.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Fireside Decor

This fireside gift wrapping area continues the black and white theme from the floor to the fireplace and into the Christmas tree thanks to a graphic rug, handmade stockings and a tree decorated mostly with black and natural-toned ornaments.

More Ideas: 55 Christmas Mantel Decorating Ideas

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Plaid Tree Skirt

When it comes to choosing a holiday tree skirt that's a bit less expected than those featuring reindeer or snowflakes, consider plaid or tartan. Not only do plaids and tartans evoke a wintry feeling, but they also bring in a masculine touch which can keep your overall holiday decor as appealing to men as it is to women.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Natural-Toned Tree Decor

Since the gift wrapping area was designed to be heavy on black and light on white, the tree is dressed mostly with black and natural-toned ornaments. This results in a more subtle aesthetic. The played-down approach allows the room's main feature, a lighting installation piece over the mantel, to remain the focal point of the space.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Lighted Focal Point

For strong, graphic impact, Britany created a lighting installation from three cardboard letters and industrial globe string lights. Once illuminated, the trio of letters instantly becomes the room's main focal point. To balance the intensity of the bright white, black was used heavily in other areas to keep the color scheme balanced.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Patterned Stockings

A little bit of black and white goes a long way. Britany had four custom stockings made for Mom, Dad, daughter and son — each featuring a subtle or strong use of black and white.

More Ideas: 37 Creative DIY Christmas Stocking Ideas

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Holiday Apothecary Jars

In order to add pops of color and black and white on the fireside gift wrapping area's mantel, Britany filled three clear glass apothecary jars with tiny gifts using wrapping paper in shades of red, black and white.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Bold Tree Pots

Dress up your fireplace this season with small cypress or juniper trees in bold-colored pots. If choosing a black or white pot, consider adding a few metallic or red ornaments to the tree. Use a red or green pot for a big punch of color, and use ornaments in black or white to keep the color scheme flowing throughout the tree.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

40 Black-and-White Christmas Decorating Ideas

Related To:

Shop This Look

Black-and-White Christmas Decor We Adore

Modern Merriment

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Classic + Cozy Print

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Season's Greetings

'Tis the Season

Bold Baubles + Bows

Sweater Weather

Frosty Farmhouse Charm

Tree-Lined Table

Woodsy Wrapping

Frosty Friend

Unexpected Ornaments

Spruced-Up Dining

Room for Milk + Cookies

Dashing Delivery

Spirited Staircase

Moody + Merry Trimmings

Sugar, Spice + Black-and-White Stripes

Dashing Details

Black and White Accents

Black and White Stripes

Wrapped Books

Festive Sofa Accessories

Holiday Sofa Pillows

Ornament Lamps

Main Color Scheme

Contrasting Ornaments

Striped Poinsettias

Patterned Skirt

Cozy Throw

Santa Stationery

Fireside Decor

Plaid Tree Skirt

Natural-Toned Tree Decor

Lighted Focal Point

Patterned Stockings

Holiday Apothecary Jars

Bold Tree Pots

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