White is the ultimate in neutral decorating and is one of the most popular colours in interior design. It is very strong as the basic tone in a bedroom. White can be used on walls and floors to let colourful accessories sing, it can be offset with silvery greys and matt blacks for something sleek and modern, or paired with raw wood and natural materials.

A white bedroom doesn’t necessarily mean plain. Whilst a white-on-white Scandinavian design formula might be on the side of minimal, white can be a base for something highly decorative. When paired with an array of cheerful pastels, a white bedroom is far from understated.

Here are a few ways to decorate with white…

Wooden cladding

Whitewashed wood is a classic beach house material, which gives a white bedroom an unmistakeable holiday home feel. A great technique to use in a bedroom, whitewashing brightens the look of wood surfaces without covering any natural grain, creating the quintessential light and natural look common in coastal homes.

White and grey

Always a safe choice for a restful bedroom. Soft greys are so often paired with black metals or silvery metallics, but this neutral scheme uses softer pale woods instead.

Gallery wall

Gallery walls work most effectively when they’re fairly full with an eclectic mix of styles, but in a white bedroom, this might appear overwhelming. You can offset some of the busyness by choosing calming neutral tones and slim frames in paler woods.

Modern meets traditional

Introducing cool, contemporary tones in a traditional setting, mixing silvery greys and fresh whites with more traditional features like a panelled wall and an antiqued chandelier creates a great contrast.

White and pastels

If you like a pop of colour in your white bedroom, go for pastels. They all have matching white undertones, so a myriad of chalky pastel shades will always sit happily together. This is a great way to add colour without detracting from the airy and bright feel of a bedroom.

Introducing warming elements

All-white bedrooms have a tendency to appear overly clinical and stark. Warming elements can be introduced to prevent this for example dark shelves, soft bedlinen, and soft lighting.

White on white

If you want to create an all-white bedroom, but don’t want anything too contemporary, try adding country influences. A wrought iron bed frame, embroidered bedlinen, wooden floors, and antique or painted furniture will achieve a great end result.