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Making White Furniture Work for You

There’s no doubt about it: white furniture can look particularly effective in certain surroundings. It can provide a room with a clean, bright and fresh ambiance, which often works to make the room look bigger at the same time. Place the wrong piece in the wrong area however, and it’ll stand out like a sore thumb.

We’re taking a look at some of the styles where white is definitely right.

Monochrome

Ok, so it’s more of a colour scheme than a style, but if you already have a monochrome space at home, you’ll know the stunning effect that can be created from the sleek and simple contrast of black and white. Nothing says ‘classy’ quite like it! Stick to black and white for one room and you’ll never have to worry about colour schemes again – clashing shades and complex colour schemes can be a thing of the past!

French Provincial

Elegant and romantic, the French provincial look welcomes the use of pale colours and luxurious fabrics. It’s the point where pretty and classy meet. White furniture in the form of a French Bergere chair, or an ornate, white mirror can look particularly chic. Add a chandelier to complete the look. Don’t be overdoing things though – one too many ornate mirrors can be too much and you may be in danger of making your room look tacky.

Minimalist

A minimalist space oozes sophistication, and white furniture can really set it off when done right. On first impression, it seems like an easy enough look to create. After all, it’s all about simplicity, so how hard can it be? This is probably the type of room where white furniture works to greatest effect. Opt for modern pieces with clean, sharp lines and you’ll be left with something sleek and sophisticated that creates a real feeling of Zen, for anyone entering the room.

Unfortunately, the minimalist look isn’t always as simple when it comes to upkeep. That’s because, naturally, clutter tends to accumulate as you go along. It doesn’t take long before clean white lines and bare surfaces start to get marred with meaningless knick knacks, so make sure you stay on top of clutter clearance – there no point having your white furniture covered in rubbish!

Beach house

 From bathrooms to patios, the nautical, beach house look can create a serene and relaxing environment that doesn’t look too try-hard. Laid-back, fresh and tranquil is the vibe. Think simple – white, crisp linen sofas, fold out chairs and white, washed-out wooden cabinets – as long as it has an air of beach-side brilliance, you’re on to a winner!

Shabby chic

Now here is a look that you can really have fun with. You don’t necessarily even have to buy your white furniture if you don’t want to; it can often look even more effective if you buy a piece of furniture and paint it yourself! You can then create the worn and weathered piece of white furniture that really adds charm and character to the room.

One way to do this, which can be particularly effective, is to buy a wooden room divider. Even if you aren’t going to use it, they can look great when simply propped up against the wall. They can easily be sanded down and painted and there are several guides online that will guide you through creating the look.

If you’d rather not have to do the work yourself, you can buy a nice piece of white furniture that’s already fit for purpose. There are a few options that look at home in rooms like this, but a Louis XV chair can look particularly nice and adds an elegant touch.

So regardless of your style, you shouldn’t be afraid of white furniture; there’s always a way to make white furniture work for you. All it takes is a little research and shopping around, but the reward from finding that perfect piece that really set off your room, is priceless.

Joanna Whitworth
Home Decor enthustiast and employee of Plumbs Loose Covers and Reupholstery.
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UK-wide service
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Family business
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Made-to-measure
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Free in-home consultation
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Over 800 fabrics
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