A monochromatic palette is a great choice for your bedroom. From art deco inspired designs to 60s modernism and minimalist trends from the 90s to modern times – monochrome never loses its appeal. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite black and white bedroom ideas to help you give your bedroom a timeless quality.
More expert advice: The best white paint – how do you choose the right shade for your walls?
A monochrome guest room (opens in new tab) is a great choice because it suits both male and female styling. It can look just as striking in a master bedroom (opens in new tab) – especially if you and your partner are struggling to agree on colors.
How can I furnish my room in black and white?
You can never go wrong with white (opens in new tab) washed wall, the only rule to keep in mind is the amount of natural light, without light white can look lifeless and dull. You can also take a walk on the dark side with black walls. Since your bedroom is a space that you will mainly use in the evenings, it is the perfect space to embrace dark, moody colors. Mirrors and smart lighting solutions will help create a cosy, opulent atmosphere.
However, don’t think that you have to stick to one color for the walls and one for accessories. In a black and white themed bedroom, you are free to play with different patterns, shades, textures, and even accent colors. From splashes of neon orange to hints of pale blue, there are few colors that don’t match this beautifully simple color palette.
Black and White Bedroom Ideas
1. Add an accent color
(Image credit: Dulux)
Soft pastel accent colors work beautifully in a black and white bedroom. The black and pastel stripes create a playful, yet grown-up accent wall in this bedroom. If you’re using pastel shades, like this pretty mint green, stick with matte black paint and furniture for a soft and soothing look.
2. Create a cozy atmosphere with different shades
Credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole
A cozy black bedroom may sound like an oxymoron, but this room is proof that a black wall doesn’t have to be stark and intimidating. Create a soft and luxurious look by choosing a matte black lacquer with a velvety finish. Layer the room with different textures in different shades of black for an inviting room.
3. Combine black accessories with off-white walls
(Image credit: Dulux)
Subtle black accessories make white walls interesting. However, you need to choose your white paint carefully to make your black furniture stand out. “If you have black furniture to show off, paint the walls white or a tinted black like Ink Well, Winters Sky, or Noble Grey,” suggests Marianne Shillingford, Dulux’s creative director. (opens in new tab)
4. Add Green Accents with Houseplants
Credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole
Black accessories and white bedding give this room an elegant look. Houseplants look beautiful against a simple monochromatic color scheme. Here they add a pop of color and tie the whole room together with the pretty painting above the bed.
Related: 5 houseplants that are (almost) impossible to kill (opens in new tab)
5. Give a black feature wall a playful twist
Credit: Future PLC/James French
A playful bedroom does not have to be bursting with color. In this room, the wall art and patterned headboard give the dark wall a youthful twist. Sticking to a black and white color scheme has the bonus of being able to play with different patterns in one room without worrying about them colliding with each other. If you want to add accent colors, stick with one or two for a standout look.
6. Combine black and white walls for a fresh finish
Credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole
Walls painted black can be intimidating, especially if you’re concerned about darkening a room. However, this bedroom still feels fresh and airy. The black wall and bedding is offset by many of the whitewashed walls and ceiling, which reflect the light around this well-lit bedroom. The copper frame bed is a nice finishing touch.
7. Make the most of a well-lit room with white walls
Credit: Future PLC/Fiona Walker-Arnott
White paint and a room full of natural light is a match made in heaven. The light will bounce off the paint, making the room feel even brighter. Plain white walls are also perfect for showcasing patterns. An explosion of patterns in the blankets and bed linen makes this bedroom very special.
8. Soften a monochromatic scheme with light blue
Credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby
Breathe life into a monochromatic scheme with light blue walls. The whisper of color on the walls softens the effect of the black-painted door and frame. Soft lighting, a plush headboard and piles of pillows give the room a cozy feel.
9. Fill a bedroom with pattern and personality
Credit: Future PLC/James French
Monochrome doesn’t just mean huge slabs of black and white. This pretty floral wallpaper brings elegance to this drab bedroom with its delicately drawn floral pattern. This color palette works best when combined as different patterns, as it’s practically impossible for black and white to clash – the mix of shapes and prints in this bedroom gives personality.
10. Make a statement with a wallpaper
Credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole
Working with monochrome allows you to make bold style statements – this bedroom’s signature geometric wall is reflected throughout the room in the lighting fixtures and throw pillows. This would be overwhelming in any other color palette, but looks sleek and stylish in black and white.
11. Keep it simple with a pure white room
Credit: Future PLC/James French
Pure white bedrooms make for the most restful sleeping places. Add some black accents like this plaid plaid to give the room some interesting points. However, keep the rest of the room calm and quiet with cream colored furniture and crisp white bedding.
What is the best color white to use in a bedroom?
Not all shades of white are created equal, they can range from cool whites to warmer shades. “The perfect whites for bedroom walls are those that whisper to you,” says Marianne. “These are the ones with soft pops of color that add a muted subtlety to promote restful sleep and relaxation.”
Marianne suggests thinking about whether you are a morning or evening person when choosing the right shade of white for you. “If you’re a morning person, consider crisp, cool white wines like Dulux’s Rock Salt, White Mist, and Swandsown,” she explains. “If you’re a night owl, try warmer whites like Timeless, White Cotton, or Jasmine White, which will gently take you out into the day.”
If you choose to paint your walls white, use the same white on the ceiling to create a seamless look.
What is the best color black to use in a bedroom?
If you’re looking for a black paint, you’ll want to pick something that has a pop of color in it. “You need a little life in the shade, otherwise the effect you get can dull a space instead of bringing it to life,” says Marianne. “Black with a hint of blue looks great in a bedroom because it’s the color of a moonless night sky rather than a windowless room with the lights out.”
“If you paint your walls black, it makes sense to paint the ceiling black as well,” she adds. ‘Don’t panic, it looks great and even more beautiful when you get a nice fixture in bed to admire.
How do you style a bedroom with black furniture?
If you want to show off your furniture, match it with off-white walls. The blank canvas takes care of all eyes or on the bed and accessories. For a clean look, make sure the color and finish of all your accessories are consistent throughout.
For a softer and more daring look, try pairing the furniture with tinted black walls, such as Dulux’s Ink Well, Winter’s Sky or Noble Grey. When you combine black walls with black furniture, you can be more flexible with your furniture. Different shades and textures will all make the space more interesting.
Related: 14 ideas for small bedrooms – how to stylishly decorate a small bedroom (opens in new tab)
Are you inspired by these black and white bedroom ideas?