When decorating a room, the color palette you choose for the walls, furniture, and decor plays a big role in the overall aesthetic. Cream walls and white furniture are both popular neutral choices that can work beautifully together if paired correctly. Here are some tips on decorating with cream walls and white furniture.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can have white furniture with cream walls. Cream and white are both light neutrals that complement each other well. The key is choosing the right undertones and shades so the white pops against the cream walls. Go for a warm white with yellow undertones paired with a creamy beige wall color. Add texture and natural materials to add depth and keep the room from feeling flat.
The Importance of Undertones
When pairing a white furniture with cream walls, pay attention to the undertones. Cream walls usually have yellow, peach or taupe undertones. Choose a white paint or furniture finish that has similar warm undertones to complement the walls. A bright white with blue undertones will clash next to creamy beige walls. Opt for an antique white, ivory or soft linen white to coordinate with the cream walls without matching exactly.
Whites with yellow, peach or greige (grey/beige) undertones are ideal partners for cream walls. Here are some specific shades to try:
- Antique white
- Bright ivory
- Creamy white
- Soft linen
- Greige white
Stay away from stark whites with blue, green or violet undertones, which will look harsh next to warm cream walls. Pay attention to the finish as well. Matte and eggshell finishes read warmer than high-gloss.
Mixing Paint Sheens
Another way to make white furniture stand out against cream walls is by using contrasting paint sheens. Try pairing a high-gloss creamy beige wall color with a soft matte white finish on the furniture. Or vice versa – glossy white furniture against flat cream walls. Just make sure both paints have similar undertones.
Here are some suggested sheen combinations:
- Matte cream walls with semi-gloss white furniture
- Satin cream walls with high-gloss white furniture
- Flat cream walls with eggshell white furniture
- Eggshell cream walls with gloss white furniture
Add Warmth & Depth
To keep a cream and white scheme from feeling flat or washed out, introduce warmth and texture. Add wooden furniture, live plants, natural fiber rugs and textiles. Layer on metallics and decorative lighting. Here are some specific ways to inject depth into a cream and white room:
- Wood cabinetry, flooring or furniture
- Patterned or textured rugs
- Houseplants or fresh florals
- Sheer curtains in natural fibers
- Textured pillows and throws
- Rattan, wicker or woven accessories
- Aged metal accents and fixtures
- Stone, brick or wood architectural elements
Example Color Combos
Here are some specific cream and white paint color combinations that work well together:
| Cream Wall Color | White Furniture Color |
|---|---|
| Beige linen | Dove white |
| Candlelight | Snowfall white |
| Vanilla cream | Cotton white |
| Buttercream | Swiss coffee |
| Cashmere | Coastal white |
Tips for Decorating
Here are some final tips for decorating and styling a cream and white room:
- Hang white framed art or prints on cream walls to make them pop.
- Add cream and white striped or patterned cushions and rugs for visual interest.
- Display white vases, candles and flowers on cream shelves or side tables.
- Mix metal finishes like nickel, bronze and brass for depth.
- Layer white and cream bedding with woven throws at the foot.
- Choose cream window treatments and white lamp shades.
- Incorporate cream dishes and white cookware in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Cream and white can make a beautiful, soothing color combination when done right. Choose shades with similar undertones and add plenty of texture. Go for a warm antique white furniture paired with light beige walls. Mix matte and glossy paint finishes to create contrast. Add wood tones, greenery, metal and stone accents to give the space depth. With the right balance of colors and materials, a cream and white room will look elegantly coordinated.