White furniture can be a beautiful addition to any home when done right. The light and airy look of white furniture creates a sense of openness and space. However, there are also some considerations when deciding whether white furniture is the right choice for your home décor.
The Pros of White Furniture
Here are some of the benefits that come with using white furniture in your home:
- Brightens up a room – The clean, crisp look of white furniture reflects light and can make a room feel more open and spacious. This helps small rooms feel larger.
- Creates a minimalist look – White furniture gives a minimalist, uncluttered aesthetic when done intentionally. The simplicity of white can be perfect for modern, Scandinavian, or industrial design styles.
- Easy to coordinate – White furniture is extremely versatile and easy to coordinate with just about any color scheme or design style. You can easily mix, match, and redecorate around white furniture.
- Gives a clean appearance – White has a very clean, fresh look to it. White furniture can make a home feel tidy, light, and airy. It gives off an orderly vibe.
- Brightens up dark rooms – For rooms with little natural light, the bright white color of white furniture bounces light around and can give the illusion of a brighter space.
- Visually expands space – White reflects light and blends into wall colors, which can make a room feel more open and expansive.
The Cons of White Furniture
On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind with white furniture:
- Shows dirt – White shows every single speck of dirt, dust, and grime. White furniture requires frequent cleaning to keep it looking pristine.
- Prone to stains – Spills and stains are much more visible on white. Dyes from jeans and some foods/drinks can permanently stain white furniture.
- Can feel sterile – All white everything can start to feel a little sterile and cold without the warmth of wood tones or pops of color.
- Lacks dimension – Without variation in colors and tones, an all-white furniture scheme can start to feel flat and one-dimensional.
- Not family-friendly – The clean look of white furniture won’t hold up well in high-traffic family areas. It shows wear and marks easily.
- Brightness can feel glaring – Too much white furniture in a room with a lot of natural light can start to feel harsh, glaring, and clinical.
Tips for Decorating With White Furniture
If you want to use white furniture while avoiding some of the drawbacks, here are some tips:
- Add texture – Layer white furniture with nubby throws, rustic baskets, and natural fiber rugs for visual depth and interest.
- Use warm metals – Brass, gold, and antique bronze accent pieces will break up the white and add warmth.
- Incorporate wood – Bring in wood furniture pieces, trim details, and warm-toned wood floors to balance out the white.
- Add pops of color – Vivid accent pillows, art, flowers, and decor in bold colors give white furniture personality.
- Use large furniture sparingly – Stick to mostly small- or medium-sized white accent furniture pieces to avoid an icy, stark look.
- Place in low-traffic areas – White furniture is best suited for adult bedrooms, formal living rooms, and dining rooms rather than high-traffic family rooms.
The Best Rooms for White Furniture
Here are the rooms where white furniture tends to look most striking:
Bedrooms
White bedroom furniture helps create a peaceful oasis that encourages rest. Try a white wood headboard, white nightstands, and a light upholstered bench at the foot of the bed.
Dining Rooms
Formal dining rooms are perfectly suited for white dining tables, chairs, buffets, and hutch cabinets. The white sets an elegant tone for hosting dinner parties.
Bathrooms
For a spa-like feel, use white vanities, linen cabinets, mirrors, and shelving in bathrooms. Carrara marble countertops also complement the white furniture.
Home Offices
A white desk immediately makes a home office feel crisp and clean. Pair it with a white bookshelf and accessories for a streamlined workspace.
Nurseries
Sweet and chic white cribs, rockers, changing tables, and dressers give nurseries a light, cheerful vibe perfect for babies and kids.
The Best White Furniture Pieces
Not all white furniture is created equal. Here are some of the best white furniture pieces to consider for your home:
| Furniture Piece | Description |
|---|---|
| White bed frames | A white bed frame serves as a neutral backdrop for any bedding and bedroom decor. Wood or upholstered are both nice options. |
| White dining chairs | Armless white dining chairs tuck under a table cleanly. Or try upholstered ones for a soft, inviting look. |
| White sofa | A white sofa makes a statement in any living room. A slipcovered one is great for families since the cover is removable. |
| White cabinets | The kitchen is a popular spot for white cabinets. Their airy look opens up the space. |
| White desk | A compact white desk contributes to a light, focused home office area. |
| White nightstands | Nightstands flanking the bed provide handy surface space. White complements most bedroom aesthetics. |
White Furniture Finishes
White furniture comes in a variety of materials and finishes. Each has its own characteristics:
- Lacquered wood – Lacquered wood has a glossy, shiny finish that wipes clean easily. It’s very durable and scratch-resistant.
- Painted wood – Painted wood has a matte, chalky finish. The paint can chip over time if not properly sealed and handled with care.
- Whitewash wood – Whitewashed wood shows hints of the natural wood grain. It has rustic, Scandinavian appeal.
- Distressed wood – Distressed white wood has intentional aging, chipping, gouges, and wear for a vintage look.
- Upholstered – Upholstered white furniture has soft, durable fabric upholstery over the frame. It’s family-friendly and stain-resistant.
Caring for White Furniture
White furniture does require a bit more care and maintenance than darker colors. Here are some tips for keeping white furniture looking its best:
- Dust frequently using a microfiber cloth.
- Vacuum upholstered pieces weekly using the soft brush head.
- Clean spills right away using a damp white cloth.
- Use coasters under glasses and mugs.
- Limit direct sun exposure to prevent fading.
- Consider Scotchgard fabric protector for upholstered pieces.
- Avoid harsh cleaners; mild soap and water is best.
- Buff out minor scratches on lacquered furniture gently.
Conclusion
White furniture can look absolutely stunning in the right setting. It creates a light, airy look and reflects light beautifully. However, white furniture does come with practical considerations in terms of visible dirt, stains, and wear and tear. Placement in low-traffic rooms is ideal. When incorporated thoughtfully using design tips like texture and warm accents, white furniture can be timeless, versatile, and eye-catching.