20 Elegant White Living Room Ideas for Every Home Style – Good Housekeeping
Pull off crisp, white walls — whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist.
A symbol of cleanliness and simplicity, white interiors evoke a sense of calm. Let white living room walls serve as a blank canvas for your space, then layer in white furniture, plush textures and warm woods — or go bold with statement lighting, geometric rugs and pops of color. Not only do white living room walls feel fresh and modern, they create the illusion of more space and less clutter in
small living rooms. To inspire your next redesign, we’ve rounded up our favorite white living room ideas to prove the neutral hue is capable of elevating any home style.
It’s where you spend time relaxing and unwinding, so your living room design should be a reflection of your personality and help ease your mind after a long day. If you prefer a modern living room, consider a neutral color palette (think white and off-white paired with beige, gray and black), natural textures and open layouts. But, a white living room doesn’t have to look minimal — the right accents can give you an eclectic design, boho style or farmhouse feel.
A peek at what’s ahead: create contrast with color, embrace statement lighting and decorate your fireplace. We’ve also sprinkled in DIY-worthy ideas, like painting your brick fireplace or adding a gallery wall. As always, we’ve consulted the top design trends for 2023 (hint: warm woods, plaid patterns and gold hardware are huge). You’re sure to find a style to love!
Adorn simple white walls with vertical bookshelves like interior designer Anastasia Casey does here. To add a bit of color to your walls, display books, artwork and decorative items.
From the geometric shag rug, woven pouf and a mix of throw pillows to the overhead pendant, this fresh white interior is full of plush textures.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
A pair of black-and-white abstract armchairs become the focal point of this all-white living room. To complement the style, designer Mary Patton adds a black side table and lamp.
Stray away from true whites, and instead go for soft, cozy shades. Here, designer Jessica Nelson uses light woods, creamy whites and gold accents to create warmth.
With a black carpet, bright blue sideboard and a deep green sectional, designer Jessica Risko Smith adds drama to this otherwise neutral interior.
If you’re all for funky and colorful home decor, stick with plain white walls so you can layer in as many accents as your heart desires. Think throw pillows, wall art, rugs and armchairs.
RELATED: Inspiring Boho Living Room Ideas That Are Full of Design Inspo
Take advantage of natural light by pairing large windows with bright walls, white furniture and an acrylic coffee table that allows sunshine to pass through it. We love how Collected Interiors sprinkles in subtle patterns with throw pillows, rugs and wall art.
You can’t go wrong with the classic black-and-white color combination. Use both black and white paint for your walls, or stick to all-white walls and bring in dark decorative elements.
Brighten your living room with a white fireplace against white walls. Take note from Anastasia Casey and add striking wall art above the mantel to turn it into a focal point.
RELATED: Stunning Fireplace Decor Ideas That’ll Make Your Home Chic and Cozy
If you decide to stick with white walls and neutral couches, bring in a surprise element — like this hanging rattan chair. Add a few plush throw pillows and it’ll bring instant texture into your interior.
Strip your space down to the essentials: large sectional sofa, coffee table, side table and a few decorative items. Here, designer Caroline Kopp goes for simple finishes, clean lines and neutral colors.
Wood paneling, brick fireplace, jute area rug and plaid accents give this sunny living room a farmhouse feel.
RELATED: Farmhouse Decor Ideas That Perfectly Blend Modern and Rustic Styles
Let lighting serve as the centerpiece of your room, like interior designer Bethany Adams does with a tiered chandelier in this traditional living space.
Whether filled with family portraits or colorful artwork, use a gallery wall to elevate an all-white wall. In this bright room, Mary Patton goes for sentimental photographs in light wood frames.
Aside from the velvet throw pillows, plaid patterns and gold accessories, Unique Kitchens & Baths uses live plants as a pop of color in this soothing space.
RELATED: The Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House
With the intent of creating a space that feels calm and cohesive, interior designer Emily Henderson limits the number of finishes in this room. She sticks with beech wood, a white and light gray color palette and sprinkles in black details.
RELATED: Ways to Perfect a Gray Living Room Design Scheme
With white walls, a white plaster fireplace and neutral furniture, this design feels minimal — but the three gold mirrors serve as a conversation piece.
RELATED: Affordable Vintage-Inspired Gold Mirrors to Shop Online
Here’s proof that white walls don’t have to mean a neutral color palette. Use lighting, area rugs and throw pillows to bring in vibrant hues.
RELATED: Best Places to Buy Modern, Affordable Rugs Online
Turn your TV into artwork to give a functional living space a gorgeous setup. Take notes from Bless’er House and go for bright florals.
Follow Bless’er House for more »
Maintain the all-white aesthetic by painting your brick fireplace a crisp white shade. We love how The Layered House weaves in other colors and textures with lighting, decor and a set of leather poofs.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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