How to Warm Up an All-White Room

White rooms feel clean and open. They can be really beautiful, brightening up the space and giving off a very serene vibe. However, white rooms can sometimes come off as stark and uninviting. Here is our list of 10 tips to make your white rooms warmer, cozier and more inviting. 

Alexis Andra Austin

1. Add in Warm Wood Tones

Incorporating woods like walnut, oak, and maple can bring natural warm tones into your space. Think about adding a wood coffee table or bench, or wood beams across the ceiling. Using natural features like wood can help your room feel cozy and homely. 

2. Bring in Multiple Textures

One way to liven up your space is to bring in different types of textures. Think about pairing linen sofas with a boucle chair. Add in a chunky knit blanket or velvet pillow.  Using different types of fabrics can help an all white space feel collected and interesting. 

 

Textures can also be brought in through wall treatments such as tile, rock, bead board, and shiplap. Even painting your wall treatments the same color as your wall will still bring in the texture, without introducing more colors to your palette. 

3. Paint the Trim a Warm Beige

White walls are classic, and adding a contrasting trim can be a great way to warm them up. Some of our favorites include Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams or Revere Pewter by Behr.

4. Use Warm-Toned Metals

Brass, copper, and gold are all great metals to use in all-white spaces. These metals have warm undertones and look beautiful paired with any neutral or warm-toned white. 

5. Exercise Your Green Thumb

Greenery, even the faux kind, can add life (literally) to your white space. We are firmly in the camp that natural green is a neutral. Trees, plants, vines and stems are all great ways to add a little color, warmth, and texture to your space. 

6. Utilize Window Treatments

Whether you’re adding in drapery or binds, they can both add color and texture to your room. We really like using natural woven materials: bamboo blinds and linen curtains are some our favorites. 

7. Layer Layer Layer

Even with a white color palette, layer up with throw blankets, pillows, and rugs to make your space feel extra cozy and homey. Chunky knit blankets, linen slipcovers and soft wool pillows are some of our favorite accessories. 

 

 

Another way to layer is through rugs and window treatments. Think about layering a white natural fiber rug (like jute or wool) underneath a vintage rug with a bit more color. Layering blinds behind curtains is another great way to add extra interest (and function) to your windows. 

8. Incorporate Natural Stone

Stone is beautiful way to add a little color and a whole lot of texture to your space. Stone backsplashes and walls can make big statements. But even a stone bowl or vase can give a similar effect on a smaller scale. 

 

 

Marble is another great stones because comes in a variety of colors. Whether you gravitate more toward lighter or heavier veined marble, marble adds a lot of movement and dimension. In places where a white can feel a little stiff, the natural flow of marble can help to break that up. 

 

9. Use Unique Architecture

Adding interesting architectural elements to your space can add a lot to a monochromatic space. Beams on the ceiling, built-in bookshelves, arched doorways, and molding can all help liven up a white space that may be falling flat. 

10. Hang Art

Art is always the answer to pulling together a space. Landscapes and abstract art are both great options for bringing in some warmth. Try repeating the colors in your art piece around the room in throw pillows and vases. 

Check out some of our other posts:

DIY Home Office Makeover

April 22, 2024 No Comments

Blue Floral Office Makeover This office makeover includes a little bit of everything. I built bookshelves and window seat, sourced a vintage desk, added wallpaper,

Read More »

What is Bookshelf Wealth?

January 4, 2024 No Comments

What is Bookshelf Wealth? I recently came across this term while scrolling TikTok and it stopped me in my tracks. Interior design styles are constantly

Read More »
Facebook Instagram Pinterest