Have you ever thought of creating a stunning black and white bedroom?

Does the thought of that feel too bold or uncomfortable though?

Well, what if I told you that one of the best ways to make a small bedroom feel “high end” is to play up the contrast?

I often say, every room needs some black because it acts like visual punctuation in a room. When you see something black, it draws your eye before you continue looking the room over.

On the flip side, a sea of only white with no black accents is monotonous. There is no place to settle your gaze.

When you add in hints of black, even in small details, there’s contrast and contrast will lead to context, how a room feels. If you’re looking to make your small room feel luxurious and expensive, there’s no better place to start than adding some contrast.

In a black and white bedroom, for example, the contrast between the dark and light shades can make the space feel more dynamic and visually interesting and it can also give you just the right amount of lux while still being a relaxing retreat.

In this post, you’ll learn why high contrast works well in small bedrooms and how to incorporate it into your own space without it feeling too bold.

Whether you're starting from scratch with a new bedroom or looking to refresh an existing one, the ideas and inspiration here will help you create a space that’s both functional and aesthetic.

So, let's dive in and discover the power of high contrast in small black and white bedrooms!

But won’t dark colors make my small bedroom look smaller?

Small bedrooms are a common feature in lots of homes, especially in urban areas where space is at a premium. The last thing you need is to make the space you have feel smaller…

Now, before we get too far along, I want to address the thought that you should only use light colors in small rooms because the fear is that dark colors will make it feel even smaller.

While it is true that using all dark colors in small rooms can make a small room feel smaller, balancing the right mixture of dark with light will help tremendously.

Here are a few things to try if you’re worried about dark colors shrinking your room. Hint, it’s all about getting the right balance between light and dark:

1. Use contrast between the walls and floor: Light-colored flooring, like a light wood or light-colored carpet, can help balance dark walls and furnishings. This creates a sense of depth and lightness that will make the room feel more spacious.

2. Add Light-Colored Accents: Adding light throw pillows or curtains can break up the darkness of the room and create a sense of contrast. This will also make the room feel more visually interesting and open.

3. Use Dark Colors Sparingly: While it is important to balance the mixture of dark and light, it is also important not to overdo it with the dark colors. Using dark colors sparingly on one or two walls, for example, can create depth and dimension without overwhelming the space.

4. Use Mirrors: Mirrors are a great way to make a small room feel bigger. By reflecting light and creating the illusion of more space, mirrors will help balance out the darkness of the room and create a sense of openness.

5. Use Natural Light: Allow natural light to flood into the room. You can create a bright and airy atmosphere no matter what the color scheme is. This naturally makes the room feel larger and more inviting.

The power of high contrast

In a black and white bedroom, the use of high contrast creates a sense of drama and elegance that can elevate the space. So, it’s not about being bold, but rather it’s about being layered and sophisticated with your choices.

The stark contrast between black and white provides a sense of balance and harmony that can make the room feel more put together and intentional.

Using a black and white base also allows for a lot of flexibility in terms of accent colors and accessories. This combination pairs well with a variety of colors and textures, from bright pops of color to natural tones, without overwhelming the space.

And the simplicity of a black and white color scheme allows you to use various patterns and textures without creating a cluttered or chaotic look.

So, using a high contrast in a black and white bedroom decorating scheme can make the space feel dynamic, interesting, and high-end. Just remember to balance your dark and light tones by carefully selecting accessories and accents.

Here are some specific ways to add high contrast in small bedrooms.

1. Start with a neutral base: This could include white walls, a black bed frame, and white bedding. You don’t have to jump in with both feet. A simple neutral base will serve as a canvas for the other elements you'll be adding.

2. Add high-contrast accents: When you have your neutral base, start adding high-contrast accents to the room. Add things like black and white artwork, a black and white patterned rug, or a fun black and white striped accent wall.

3. Use texture to add depth: In a small bedroom, texture can be a great way to add depth and visual interest. Consider adding a textured throw pillow or a plush rug to create contrast and tactile interest. These touches add layers to the composition of your room.

4. Think outside the contrast coloring box: High contrast doesn't have to be limited to just black and white. Consider incorporating other bold colors or patterns that contrast with the neutral base. For example, an emerald, green pillow or a bold red throw blanket can add an unexpected pop of color and interest.

5. Keep it balanced: While high contrast can be a powerful design tool, it's important to balance it with other design elements in the room. Too much contrast can feel overwhelming in a small space, so make sure to those elements with softer textures, neutral colors, and natural materials.

Here are a few more important things to think about doing:

• Consider using a light-colored ceiling to help create the illusion of more space.

• Keep clutter to a minimum to help the space feel more open and spacious.

• Use strategic lighting, like recessed, LED strips, or track lighting, to highlight architectural features or accent pieces in the room. This will create the illusion of depth and dimension too.

Let's talk about the "bones" of the space:

When designing a high-contrast black and white bedroom, it's important to consider the foundational and functional elements of the room's design. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Storage: In a small bedroom, storage is key. Consider incorporating built-in storage solutions like shelves and drawers to maximize space. Under-bed storage can also be a great way to make the most of limited space. Look for multifunctional furniture that can serve multiple purposes, like a bed with built-in drawers or a storage ottoman.

2. Organization: Keeping a small bedroom organized is essential to making the space feel welcoming and functional. Consider using closet organizers, drawer dividers, and other organizational tools to keep your belongings tidy and easily accessible.

3. Windows: Windows are a crucial element in any bedroom, but they're especially important in small spaces. Consider using sheer white curtains or shades to maximize natural light while still providing privacy. If you want a more dramatic effect, you can use black curtains to create a high-contrast effect against white walls.

4. Scale: When choosing furniture for a small bedroom, it's important to pay attention to scale. Oversized furniture can make the space feel cramped and cluttered, while smaller pieces can help create the illusion of more space. Consider using a low-profile bed frame or kid’s size dressers and nightstands to maximize space.

Conclusion

To sum up, adding high contrast, black and white décor to a small bedroom can create a sense of drama, elegance, and sophistication that can elevate the space.

Contrast creates a sense of balance and harmony that can make the room feel intentional and put together.

While using all dark colors in small rooms can make the space feel smaller, the right balance between light and dark can create depth and lightness, making the room feel more spacious. Adding high contrast accents, textures, and unexpected pops of color can create interest and depth in a small bedroom.

So, as you refresh your small bedroom, consider incorporating some high contrast black and white to make your space feel dynamic, interesting, and high-end.

Now it’s your turn:

What say you? Do you currently have an ultra-posh black and white bedroom?

Have you wanted to experiment with this kind of decorating scheme before but were afraid to try?

How about now? Would you give it a go? Let me know in the comments below.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.