:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/DSC03749-5f4b13f6c6cc429cabfd4f81522dd26b.jpeg)
Forbes Masters
Black and white are classic colors for a reason: they’ll always stand the test of time. If you’re looking to design a black and white living room of your own, you’ll definitely want to take a look at the 30 beautiful black and white living room ideas below. They prove that this color combination can be styled to appear modern, glam, transitional, eclectic—you name it.
-
01of 30
-
02of 30
Use Gray as a Complement
Alvin Wayne
Black and white are often paired with gray pieces, too, as is the case in this apartment living room. If you’re not sure how to weave black and white into your space, consider purchasing abstract artwork featuring the two hues, like the piece above. If you’re feeling crafty, you could even DIY your own masterpiece.
-
03of 30
-
04of 30
Go for a Two-Tone Look
@henryreynoldsdesignco / Instagram
Why not opt for a two tone look? The walls in this living room feature a mix of both black and white paint—it’s the best of both worlds.
-
05of 30
Paint Board and Batten Black
@henryreynoldsdesignco / Instagram
If you choose to install board and batten in your living room, consider painting it black for dramatic effect. This DIY adds so much architectural character to a home.
-
06of 30
Keep Things Simple
@kelliehobbsinteriors / Instagram
More of a minimalist? Black and white is great for you, too. This simple living room features all of the essentials without being overpowering.
-
07of 30
Hang a Black and White Photo Wall
Gray Space Interiors
If you’re inclined to hang up photos in the living room, consider printing them out in black and white and popping them into black frames with white matting to create your own museum worthy display. There’s nothing like honoring favorite memories and always being surrounded by your loved ones.
-
08of 30
Change Your TV Screensaver
@dany.living / Instagram
Set your television screensaver to a black and white image to add a bit of glamour to your living room. Who says that your practical pieces have to be eyesores?
-
09of 30
Layer in Special Accessories
@nickyshomediary / Instagram
Layer, layer, layer. Adding in lots of different thoughtful accessories is what makes a house a home. Jazz up your living room with sculptural finds, florals, coffee table books, and more, all within a black and white color scheme.
-
10of 30
Go for a Modern Look
@home_with_candy_sky / Instagram
If your decor style is modern, black and white is an excellent color combo to bring into your home. Source white painted ceramic pieces, plaster light fixtures, and black candlesticks to add a moody, contemporary touch to your space.
-
11of 30
Embrace an Airy Feel
@_myhomeinspo_ / Instagram
Black and white living rooms can still feel light and airy. The sun shines into this mostly white space with a handful of black touches.
-
12of 30
Paint the Fireplace
@old_victorian_home / Instagram
This Parisian-inspired living room sure is captivating and elegant. Consider painting your fireplace in a matte black so that it really pops.
-
13of 30
Show Off Your Glam Side
@finders_keepers_home / Instagram
Feeling glam? So is this living room. Black, white, and silver shine in this pretty living space, which is perfect for cozying up with a glass of bubbly.
-
14of 30
Have Fun With Tile
@unconventionalblonde / Instagram
Consider adding black and white peel and stick tile around your fireplace to bring more personality into your living room. There are many renter-friendly options on the market, too.
-
15of 30
Don’t Forget a Curio Cabinet
@smithericksondesigns / Instagram
This transitional style living room features a majorly on-trend black curio cabinet. Pieces like these are wonderful for housing everything from ceramics to books to glassware and bar supplies.
-
16of 30
Play With Pattern
@jaidemclaren / Instagram
Bring on the zig zags. Throw pillows and blankets with black and white geometric prints are a simple way to embrace this timeless color pairing.
-
17of 30
Experiment With an Accent Wall
@leukwonen / Instagram
When in doubt, paint an accent wall. If you’re hesitant to opt into an all-black living room, you can always go bold with one wall. Hang up some pictures to create the perfect at-home gallery.
-
18of 30
Say Yes to Art
@barbarasmith_art / Instagram
Not feeling a gallery wall? Oversized black and white art is another option for the living room and will add instant visual interest to your space.
-
19of 30
Incorporate Some Bouclé
@mel_at_belle_heath / Instagram
Bring on the bouclé! A white bouclé lounge chair or ottoman will look right at home in your black and white space while adding a welcome dose of texture as well.
-
20of 30
Select Pretty Prints
@bymik_ / Instagram
This living room also features black and white prints that command attention above the sofa. A couple of artful photos will add instant style to your space.
-
21of 30
Or Leave the Walls Bare
@thebeddowspace / Instagram
This living room features a fun combination of black and white while looking nice and cohesive. Keeping wall art to a minimum allows the paint colors to do the talking.
-
22of 30
Unplug and Unwind
@design2mine / Instagram
A white macrame wall hanging really stands out against this living room’s black accent wall. This room is soothing and serene, with decor kept nice and simple.
-
23of 30
Pepper Your Space With Texture
@lieblingsidee / Instagram
Don’t forget to add textural pieces into your black and white space. A knit pouf ottoman, some fresh flowers, live branches, and a tassel-trimmed blanket are just some examples of texture at play in this room.
-
24of 30
Create a Cozy Haven
@plannergrrl727 / Instagram
If you’re renting and are unable to paint your actual fireplace, then simply tackle the wall behind it. We can only imagine how cozy this room is when the fire is crackling at night.
-
25of 30
Don’t Skimp on Your Rug
Forbes Masters
The right area rug can make a major impact in your space. Here, a black and white rug adds warmth and a touch of calm.
-
26of 30
Reupholster Old Seating
Forbes Masters
If you have some accent chairs that are no longer serving you, consider reupholstering them in the black and white fabric of your choice. How fun is this houndstooth print?
-
27of 30
Design a Lounge-Like Space
Forbes Masters
A black leather sofa just oozes cool. Turn your living room into a party-ready lounge with a piece like this topped off with some punchy pillows and framed art.
-
28of 30
Hang Plenty of Prints
Forbes Masters
This spacious living room features many different uses of black and white. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a variety of patterns within a given color scheme in your space.
-
29of 30
Try a Pop of Blue
Mary Patton Design
Black and white pairs nicely with pops of leather and blue in this sunlit living room. If you’re looking to add some additional colors into your space, these are no-brainers.
-
30of 30
Keep It Casual
Mary Patton Design
Ensure your space appears current by bringing in some contemporary fabric—we love anything with squiggly lines. Who says the living room has to be serious?