Few color palettes come together as easily as black and white. This isn’t to say that the combination is dull—far from it. In fact, a black and white room can be just as dynamic as a room that’s full of color, especially when an abundance of texture and shape comes into play. As a bonus, black and white are remarkably serene when used together, making this opposites-attract palette a natural fit for bedrooms.
The mood of a black and white bedroom all depends on how you style it. Opting for black painted walls can set an ultra-dramatic tone, while white walls paired with white bedding can dictate an airy-like feel. It’s also common to come across black and white bedrooms that factor in other classic colors, such as soothing gray, silver, or beige. Complementary hues can dial up the sophistication factor, lending an unexpected edge.
Those who consider a black and white bedroom overly formulaic might also consider employing a dramatic statement piece, like a high-wattage headboard or maximalist wallpaper to lend some vim. Whereas such a risk might send a bedroom with a less refined palette into a tailspin, a bedroom with a limited black and white palette can handle a stand-out element with aplomb.
If you’re interested in teeing up a black and white bedroom of your own, but need a little inspiration to get started, we’ve assembled a stunning collection of black and white retreats. Whether you’re looking to create a glamorous sanctuary or a dreamy escape, these black and white bedroom ideas are sure to provide endless inspiration.
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1
Modern Love
Julie Soefer
There's no more fitting partner for a black and white room than a black and white photo. For this bedroom teed up by Benjamin Johnston Design, an oversized photo over the bed lends a romantic edge.
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2
Sculptural Splendor
Meghan Beierle-O'Brien
In a luxury Hollywood penthouse designed by KES Studio, a sculptural white side table topped with a striking black sconce creates an alluring contrast.
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3
Paint it Black
Frank Oudeman
For a bedroom in a Greenwich home, the design firm De-Spec elected to swath a single wall in matte black paint, providing a dramatic backdrop for unframed art.
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4
Palette Cleanser
Megan Grehl Interiors
In a Brooklyn Brownstone, designer Megan Grehl used black and white to tie together an eclectic mix of vintage and new finds.
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5
Black Tie Affair
Interiors Magazine
For a chic teen boy's room, designer Jessica Gersten Interiors punctuated a cool, monochrome palette with vintage black and white Pierre Paulin chairs.
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6
Back to Black
John Merkl Photography
An almost all-black bedroom doesn't have to feel stark, as designer Jennifer Robin proves with this dark-walled sanctuary. White accents balance a black wall and black bed, creating a bedroom that feels as cozy as can be.
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7
Colorful Interlude
Rett Peek
For a black and white bedroom, designer Casey Sarkin introduced two colorful abstracts, proving that color can comingle without disrupting a black and white room's core identity.
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8
Border Ballad
Gieves Anderson
A bit of black in an otherwise all-white bedroom can be a beautiful thing, as shown in this haute hideaway by designer Brooke Moorhead.
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9
Classic Modern
Fritz von de Schulenburg
Black and white may have a reputation for skewing modern, but as illustrated by this moody, black-walled bedroom designed by Stewart M., the color combo can translate to more traditional interiors, too.
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10
Enthrall with Toile
Laurie Black
Black and white knows no bounds in this dreamy escape cued up by Hyde Evans Design. Applying a black and white toile-inspired paper to the ceiling liberates the otherwise traditional-feeling space.
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11
Comfort Mood
John Cain Sargent
Not every black and white bedroom needs to be a radical rethink. Designer Amy Berry pared-back a black and white room to just the basics to create a pacifying space.
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12
Laidback Luxe
Frank Oudeman
Glints of gold and textural toppers such as cozy blankets and pillows, lend this black and white bedroom, designed by the firm De-Spec, elevated appeal.
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13
A Touch of Brass
Michael Hunter
Brass makes a befitting bedfellow for black and white, as proven by this high-glamour space designed by Laura U, Inc.
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14
Into the Woods
Caroline Allison
Wallpapers can get a bad rap for overpowering a space, but as this room cued up by Crowell + Company Interiors proves, when cast in a palette of black and white, it can be downright serene.
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15
All Lacquered Up
Evan Joseph Images
If you were looking for the final word on black and white's chic factor, look no further than Tommy Hilfiger's NYC Plaza Penthouse Apartment designed by Rinfret Limited Interior Design and Decoration.
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16
Boutique Chic
Claire Esparros
In an all-white bedroom, Crystal Sinclair Designs used the slightest hint of black to wake things up.
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17
A Starlet's Sanctuary
Werner Straube
Designer Eva Quateman used black and white to tee up a Hollywood Regency-inspired bedroom that feels fit for a silver screen siren.
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18
Pattern Play
Photographer: Nat Rea, Interior Styling: Kara Butterfield
A refined palette like black and white allows you to experiment more freely with patterns than you might not otherwise be able to, as displayed by Koo de Kir Architectural Interiors in this charming girl's bedroom.
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19
Block Party
Eric Laignel
Large blocks of complementary color make an eye-catching statement in this black and white bedroom designed by 2Michaels Design.
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20
Graphic Contents
Meghan Beierle-O'Brie
KES Studio used an array of geometric shapes to make a black and white palette pop.
Marisa S. Martin is a writer for Chairish and previously worked for One Kings Lane. An ardent vintage enthusiast, she loves a good throwback trend story and believes there’s nothing a bit of brass can’t fix.