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Black and White Bedrooms
Choose a palette of black and white in your bedroom to create a look of simple sophistication.
For an elegant and sophisticated bedroom, you might want to see things in black and white. Pairing black and white creates a look that is clean, sophisticated and contemporary. Such a simple palette can seem minimalist or even cold, but it doesn't have to.
How to Choose a Color Scheme
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The contrast between black and white creates energy while, thanks to the combination's simplicity, providing a calming element that can seem absent with other color combinations. This simple color scheme opens up the opportunity to use large patterns. A large black stenciled mural or repeating pattern on a white wall can provide a stunning focal point. Look for comforters and window treatments with geometric designs or, for a more traditional look, consider wallpaper in a large, Victorian-inspired image.
A black padded headboard against a white wall, with a white fur bedspread and art deco fixtures, create a look of decadent luxury. The black and white combination is generally considered to be most appropriate in contemporary design, but that doesn't mean you can't try it in a more traditional look. A wrought-iron or wooden headboard painted black and coupled with soft white bed linens and a faux fur comforter brings both elegance and romance into the bedroom, while a wall of beadboard painted white adds a nostalgic touch.
Keeping your floor in a neutral hue such as wood, or adding a pop of color in a rug, can also keep your black-and-white room from seeming cold. For an edgy look, consider a white floor with a black area rug.
A black and white color scheme doesn't mean other colors can't be used. The combination calls for pops of bright color, and it can give you the opportunity to add touches in your favorite hue, whether it's red, yellow, cobalt blue or another shade. Using grey accents can help pull the two contrasting colors together, creating a calming effect.
Black can cause spaces to appear smaller, so consider your room size when using the color. Many people wouldn't consider putting black on their bedroom walls, but white, contrasting bed linens and a large mirror or artwork on a large white canvas over the headboard can keep the look from being oppressive. Try painting just one wall black. If you are fortunate enough to have a wall with a large window and a fantastic view of a cityscape, painting that wall black can turn your view into a focal point in its own right.
See Also: How to Choose Paint Colors
