Mixing black and cream furniture is a popular decorating trend that can create a chic, elegant look in your home. While some worry that black and cream are too starkly contrasting to work together, the trick is balancing the two tones and incorporating other colors to create a cohesive look. Here are some tips on successfully mixing black and cream furniture and decor.
Using Black and Cream in the Same Room
Black and cream make a sophisticated color combination that works in many rooms of the house. Here are some ideas for incorporating these tones together:
- Living room – Pair a cream sofa with black accent chairs or tables. Hang black and white art on the walls.
- Bedroom – Use a black wood headboard and dresser with cream bedding. Add cream curtains.
- Dining room – Mix a black dining table with cream upholstered chairs. Use black and cream dishes.
- Home office – Try a black desk paired with a cream rug and cream shelving. Add black photo frames.
Tips for Mixing Black and Cream Successfully
When combining black and cream furniture, keep these tips in mind:
- Add texture – Incorporate different textures like velvet, linen, leather, rattan, and wood to add visual interest.
- Include metallics – Brushed gold, silver, brass, and copper accents can bring warmth to the black and cream.
- Add wood tones – Natural wood finishes complement both black and cream and help bridge the two.
- Use patterns – Try leopard print, herringbone, stripes, or florals in black and cream.
- Incorporate greenery and plants – The green tones provide a welcome pop of color.
- Add bright or pastel accents – Pale blue, soft peach, or vivid yellow pillows keep the room from feeling too neutral.
Black and Cream Furniture Ideas
From sofas to dining tables, here are some stylish black and cream furniture finds to inspire your home decor:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Sofa | Cream upholstered sofa with black wooden legs |
| Armchair | Black leather armchair with cream piping detail |
| Dining table | Round black dining table with cream dining chairs |
| Side table | Cream ceramic table with black metal base |
| Shelving unit | Black wooden shelving unit with cream boxes/baskets |
| Desk | Black desk paired with a cream leather desk chair |
Using Black and Cream in Different Rooms
From bold to subtle, here are more ways to use black and cream furniture and decor in various rooms of the house:
Living Room
- Cream sofa, black coffee table, black and white abstract art
- Black TV console, cream rug, cream shelves with black accents
- Black leather couch, cream chairs, black and cream patterned pillows
- Cream walls, black media unit, black side tables with cream lamps
Bedroom
- Black headboard, cream bedding, mix of black and cream nightstands
- Cream upholstered bed frame, black dresser, black and cream striped rug
- Black four poster bed, cream bench, cream curtains and pillows
- Cream tufted headboard, black side tables, black and cream bedding
Dining Room
- Black dining table, cream dining chairs, black and cream centerpiece
- Cream dining table, black upholstered chairs, black buffet unit
- Black dining set, cream walls, black and cream art
- Cream dining table, black chairs with cream seats, cream rug
Home Office
- Black desk, cream desk chair, black and cream geometric rug
- Cream desk, black office chair, black bookshelves
- Black file cabinet, cream desk, cream and black desk accessories
- Cream walls, black desk, black shelves with cream boxes
Mixing and Matching Black and Cream
Don’t be afraid to mix up different shades and tones of black and cream. Variations like dove grey, warm ivory and deep espresso can provide visual depth and interest. Here are some combinations to try:
- Deep espresso table, warm cream chairs, dove grey rug
- Warm ivory sofa, charcoal grey throw pillows, black side tables
- Cream shelves, soft grey boxes and baskets, black photo frames
- Light cream bed frame, dark espresso nightstands, grey and cream bedding
Mixing finishes like matte, glossy, distressed, polished, or brushed can also add character. For example, a distressed cream cabinet with polished black hardware has lots of texture.
Using Caution with Black and Cream
While black and cream are stunning together, there are a few cautions to keep in mind:
- Go easy on large pieces of black furniture to avoid feeling dark and heavy.
- Add enough cream and lighter tones to keep the space airy and bright.
- Use multiple textures and layers to create depth.
- Incorporate other accent colors so it does not feel completely neutral.
- Make sure there is plenty of lighting to illuminate all-black accents.
Black, Cream, and White for a Monochromatic Scheme
For a simple, elegant look, stick to a black, cream and white color scheme. Here are some ideas:
- White walls and ceiling, black sofa, cream chairs and pillows
- Black dining chairs, cream dining table, white dishes displayed in a black cabinet
- Cream area rug, white media console, black TV and picture frames
- White bedding with black and cream throw pillows, black nightstands
Keep the look fresh by adding in different textures like nubby linens, sleek leather, fluffy pillows, and silky curtains.
Incorporating More Color
While a black, cream, and white scheme is classic, adding more colors can liven up the look. Consider incorporating:
- Earth tones like mocha, camel, rust orange, or olive green
- Warm metallics like rose gold, brass, or copper
- Cool tones like pale blue, lavender, light grey, or silver
- Pops of colors like yellow, navy, emerald, or coral
Just make sure accent colors are repeated throughout the space in artwork, throw pillows, vases, and other accessories for a pulled-together look.
Conclusion
Black and cream furniture may seem daring, but when used correctly, this color duo can create a bold yet elegant look. Be sure to balance the two tones with lighter accents and textures. Mix different shades of black and cream for added depth and dimension. While a black, cream and white scheme is easy and timeless, don’t be afraid to incorporate other accent colors that you love. With the right mix of furnishings and decor, black and cream can give any room a sophisticated personality.