Home » Misc » White couches decorating

White couches decorating


20 Beautiful Living Rooms With White Couches

Havenly

We're ready to set the record straight on white couches. For years, the living room staple got a bad rap for being high-maintenance: one false move and your once-pristine couch is covered in coffee, red wine, or a heaping plate of pasta. But, in reality, a white couch is a versatile anchor piece that can transcend trends, styles, and color palettes.

Don't believe us? Have a look at the stunning white couch living room ideas below. Though these spaces run the gamut from sleek minimalism to eclectic bohemian, one thing's for sure: the white couch never fails to complete each room.

01 of 20

Design: Heather Hilliard; Photo: Michelle Lee Wilson

San Francisco-based designer Heather Hilliard gave this white living room the tonal treatment with two matching couches and armchairs. But, just because this space is monochromatic doesn't mean it's boring. The pitched ceiling, cream drapes, and gilded mirror over the fireplace bring some warmth to this all-white area.

02 of 20

Design: Philpotts Interiors; Photo: Mariko Reed

Want to brighten up a wood-paneled living room? Add a white couch, as Philpotts Interiors did in this charming space. In a room that's swathed in earthy browns and hints of gold, the white couch acts as a welcome pop of color.

The Hawaii-based design firm rounded out the area with local art, giving the typical beach house a sophisticated spin.

03 of 20

Design: Sullivan Design Studio; Photo: R. Brad Knipsten Photography

Avid hosts will find a lot to love about this living room by Sullivan Design Studio. The compact sectional fills the room nicely, plus offers ample space for guests to kick back and relax. The grayscale throw pillows and patterned ottoman create some warmth without losing sight of the room's minimalist vibe.

04 of 20

Studio KT

What's black, white, and chic all over? This high-contrast living room from Studio KT. While the black accent wall, chest, and drapes offer plenty of drama, the white couch keeps this space from veering into gloomy territory.

You don't have to be a shade connoisseur to know that black and white are on opposite ends of the color wheel. Fortunately, principal Kara Thomas added gilded accents to make this combo feel less drastic.

20 Black-and-White Design Ideas That Are Totally Timeless

05 of 20

Design: Kendall Wilkinson; Photo: Matthew Millman

As this living room by Kendall Wilkinson proves, white couches look good in all shapes and sizes.

"White is timeless and shows every line and detail of a design," she says. "An exquisite and sculptural Kagan-inspired sofa offers a dramatic focal point to this beautiful living room, perched high in San Francisco's tallest residential tower. You feel as if you're floating on a cloud."

06 of 20

Havenly

Believe it or not, white couches aren't as high-maintenance as you think.

"If having kiddos or pets in your home makes you nervous for anything white, ensure your sofa is covered with a performance fabric," Melissa Wagner, creative and design at Havenly, says. "It will make general maintenance and spot cleanings a breeze. Many varieties of performance fabrics are even bleach-friendly, plus most soil can simply be cleaned with a clear dish soap and water mixture."

That way, you won't have to cry over spilt milk—or wine.

07 of 20

If Walks Could Talk

A white couch can work wonders if you're incorporating a handful of colors and patterns in one small space. In this living room, designer Joelle Smith used a white couch to create some cohesion between the striped rug, gilded side tables, and emerald throw pillow.

08 of 20

True Home

Whether you're answering emails or enjoying your latest streaming obsession, most of us are spending a lot of time in our living rooms these days. So, shouldn't you design your space with your needs in mind?

Think of this living room from True Home as a masterclass in cozy style. The white sectional looks comfortable, plus the two sconces will come in handy should blogger Ajai Guyot want to curl up with a good book.

09 of 20

Montana Labelle

Looking for another way to up your white couch's cozy factor? Consider pairing it with natural tones likes like tan, brown, and olive green.

"We love featuring a comfortable white or cream couch in a space, and mixing it with vintage pieces and earthy accessories," Canadian designer Montana Labelle explains. "They create a lived-in feeling that stops the space from feeling like a white box."

With a mélange of textiles and soothing shades, this living room has that outdoor feel—you know, without actually going outside.

10 of 20

Design: Kevin Isbell; Photo: Read McKendree

Primary colors might be a great way to make a statement, but too many saturated hues might make your living room feel a tad overwhelming. To break up the brightness, Los Angeles-based designer Kevin Isbell added a white couch to the mix.

We know what you're thinking: red and blue accessories with a white couch can veer into Fourth of July territory. But, thanks to the gray walls, coffee table, and lounge chair, this space is well-appointed—and just slightly patriotic.

11 of 20

Design: Living With Lolo; Photo: Life Created

Why settle for one white couch when you can enjoy two? Arizona-based design firm Living With Lolo doubled down on the staple by adding two white couches across from each other. Not only does the symmetrical layout offer plenty of polish, but it also fills up the spacious room, offering guests somewhere to sit.

12 of 20

Amanda Lindroth

As this living room from designer Amanda Lindroth proves, a white couch can be the perfect finishing touch to a coastal oasis. Between the sweet wicker furniture, matching rattan light pendants, and strategically placed greens, this living room will immediately transport you to a breezy beach bungalow—yes, even if you live nowhere near a large body of water.

The white slipcovers turn these matching couches into blank canvases, giving the tropical accents full permission to shine.

13 of 20

Ike Kligerman Barkley

The color blue has been scientifically proven to promote feelings of calmness. If you don't believe us, think about how relaxed you feel when looking at the sky or a set of crashing waves.

If you want to increase your living room's chill factor, consider adding a white couch to the mix. Ike Kligerman Barkley masters the look by sandwiching the white couch between a blue ceiling, pastel rugs, and teal accents. The white coffee table, curtains, and pendants bring this unbeatable color combination to life, creating a soothing sanctuary.

14 of 20

Pembrooke & Ives

Calling all midcentury lovers: a white couch can be a fantastic addition your righteously retro living room. New York-based design firm Pembrooke & Ives used a tufted style to anchor this sleek space.

While tufted couches can look very traditional, this option gets a modern edge when paired with wood-paneled walls, boxy furniture, and some cool vintage lamps. The result? A very stylish walk down memory lane—Don Draper would certainly approve.

15 of 20

Design: Tali Roth; Photo: Seth Caplan

Anyone who is looking to make the most of a small living room should consider adding white couch, as designer Tali Roth did here. Not only does the couch brighten up the space—offering a nice contrast from the dark coffee table, light fixture, and inky accent wall—but it also creates the illusion of a lighter space.

16 of 20

Gray Space Interiors

As this living room from Gray Space Interiors proves, a white couch can be a great way to mix and match different design styles. Black and white rooms are often associated with a minimalist aesthetic. However, this space redefines the classic color combination by giving this white couch a traditional, tufted finish.

When paired with modern touches like a geometric mirror and stone coffee table, this couch helps bridge the gap between old and new.

17 of 20

Mid City Interiors

Looking for an easy, low-maintenance way to add some oomph to your white couch? Take a cue from Mid City Interiors' Tiffany White, who decked out this petite sectional with an array of statement-making throw pillows and blankets.

Though White experiments with a handful of touchable textiles, she sticks with a subdued color palette. By doing so, she strikes a happy medium between subtle and statement.

18 of 20

Maite Granda

More times than not, a white couch is considered a supporting piece, or something that will act as a blank canvas in order to let an extravagant chandelier or bright accent wall shine. But, if you want to turn your white couch into a "wow" factor, take a cue from Maite Granda.

The Florida-based designer doubled down on the tiny details, opting for a plush material and patterned cushions. The final product is sophisticated and conversation-sparking in equal measure.

19 of 20

Reena Sotropa

If you're working with a lot of square footage, create the ultimate Netflix-and-chill zone with a huge white couch. Canada-based designer Reena Sotropa took this luxurious area to the next level with a supersized, circular couch.

Not only does this piece fill the room nicely, but the white hue also blends in with the rest of the space, drawing the eye up to the high ceilings and tall, sun-drenched windows.

20 of 20

Black & Blooms

As Sara Toufali of Black and Blooms proves, a white couch can be a bohemian dream. Here, a sleek sectional turns this all-white space into an easy, breezy oasis, which is what bohemian decor is all about.

For a space that's both stylish and serene, Toufali gives this spot her signature bohemian edge with layered rugs, tactile ottomans, and lots of plants.

10 Slipcovered Sofas That Will Elevate Your Living Room

24 Best White Sofa Ideas

Every item on this page was curated by an ELLE Decor editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

A white sofa is a great anchor. Now, bring it to life with everything else in your living room.

By Amy Preiser, Kelsey Kloss and Danielle Fox

Björn Wallander

There's a fine line between bland and beautiful when it comes to decorating around a white sofa. These living rooms got it just right.

Douglas Friedman

1 of 24

Double White Sofas

At a contemporary home in L.A., the living room’s sofas are by RH, Restoration Hardware, the 1950s chairs are Danish, the cocktail table is by Charles Hollis Jones, the end tables are from Lucca Home, and the antique stool was a Japanese rice box. The antique mirror is Indian, the mantel is original, the pendant is by Paul Ferrante, the floor lamp is by Visual Comfort, and the sconces are by Ralph Lauren Home.

Max Zambelli

2 of 24

Textured White Sofa

In the living room of Kate and Rem Reynolds’s townhouse in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, the sofa from ABC Carpet & Home is upholstered in a fabric by Soraya Shah for Studio Four NYC, the design showroom Kate Reynolds co-owns. The chaise is by Timothy Oulton, the cocktail table is Danish, the Akari pendant light is by Noguchi, the shades are of a Rebecca Atwood fabric, and the Moroccan rug is vintage; the walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Huntington White and the trim in Iron Mountain, the photograph is by Claire Nitze, and the cameo portrait is by Doug Meyer.

Trevor Tondro

3 of 24

Glam White Sofa

In the living room of a luxurious Palm Springs house, there are vintage Barcelona chairs, back-to-back sofas by William Haines, an Arco lamp by Achille Castiglioni and a floor lamp by Dragonette. The wall is sheathed in Venetian plaster, the ceiling is cedar and the floors are poured-in place terrazzo.

Björn Wallander

4 of 24

Bohemian White Sofa

In a San Miguel de Allende home, the living room’s sectional is custom, the Lee Industries armchair has a slipcover in natural white linen, and the leather chair is from the Rela Gleason Collection. The cocktail table is an inverted polished tree stump, a stone mill wheel serves as a side table, and the 16th-century monk’s chair in the entry hall is from Colonial Arts. A Persian rug is layered on a cowhide, and the painting of the Guanajuato countryside is by Margarette Dawit.

James Merrell

5 of 24

Cottage White Sofa

This Ibiza living room features local-limestone floors covered in custom Spanish esparto rugs from Antonia Molina. Walls covered in a sandy lime plaster, and a wood-beam ceiling set a rustic tone in the living room. Custom sofas by Atelier Tapissier Seigneur and curtains in a quilted Braquenié fabric; the Oeil cocktail table by Pierre Chapo is vintage, the lacquered-coral sculpture is by Maurizio Epifani, and the painting over the mantel is by Alex Katz.

Richard Powers

6 of 24

Elegant White Sofa

The pristine beige palette of this Palm Beach apartment is anchored by a neutral rug with a thick ivory border, and accented by a glass chair by Jacques Adnet and René Coulon. A 1970s Italian cocktail table is by Gae Aulenti. The concrete wall plaques are by Radu Comsa.

William Waldron

7 of 24

White And Red Sofa

In the living room of Jay and Yvonne Fielden's Connecticut home, a white Room & Board sofa gets a boost from vibrant reds anchored by neutral tans.

Simon Upton

8 of 24

Small White Sofa

In designers John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross's New Jersey home, black-and-white pillows add flair to the all-white sofa while still allowing the colorful bookshelves to take center stage.

Tim Street-Porter

9 of 24

Modern White Sofa

In Clora Kelly and Helge Skibeli's Shelter Island home, a modern white sofa gets a cheery upgrade thanks to citrus-toned pillows (which also help tie in the room's artwork.)

Simon Upton

10 of 24

Piled-On White Sofa

In architect and designer Sig Bergamin's Manhattan apartment, there is no shortage of pizazz, best illustrated by the expertly-styled pillowscape on the white sofa. Turquoise pillows add pops of contrast to the otherwise earthy red-and-brown color scheme.

Simon Watson

11 of 24

Striking White Sofa

In photographer Claiborne Swanson Frank's Manhattan living room, the striking white sofa covered in a linen by Travers is accented with pillows by Madeline Weinrib. The rug is by Jonathan Adler.

William Abranowicz

12 of 24

Linen White Sofa

In Ellen DeGeneres and Portia DeRossi's home, a sofa covered in white Belgian linen from Brenda Antin plays host to a simple but impactful orange pillow. The earthy tone highlights the rest of the room's natural elements without competing.

Roger Davies

13 of 24

White Sofa With Statement Pillows

In Patricia and Gerrity Lansing's weekend retreat, a white sofa gets a major upgrade thanks to twin pillows in a bold blue zebra pattern, which echoes the color scheme found in the room's coffee table, armchair and artwork.

William Abranowicz

14 of 24

Beachy White Sofa

In perhaps one of the most serene homes ever on the Greek island of Santorini, it's the purple pillows, handwoven in Greece, against a stunning landscape of white that bring flair to the room in an understated way.

William Waldron

15 of 24

Custom-Made White Sofa

In this classic living room in a Washington D.C. condo designed by Nestor Santa-Cruz, tan pillows with simple but elegant embroidery elevate a white, custom-made sofa. The bergère and stool are in the style of Jean Michael Frank and the reproduction Khotan rug is on a custom-made sisal by J Brooks Designer Floors.

Joshua McHugh

16 of 24

Bohemian Pillows And White Sofa

In the living room of Meredith Melling and Zach Iscol's retreat on Martha's Vineyard, designed by Ariel Ashe and Reinaldo Leandro of Ashe + Leandro, the sofa by Restoration Hardware is covered in a Perennials linen and dotted with patterned pillows with bohemian spirit. A custom walnut cocktail table and stool provide an earthy contrast to the crisp white.

Douglas Friedman

17 of 24

Double White Sofas

For the blue and white living room in actress Ellen Pompeo's Hollywood villa, the custom-made sofa is cushioned with pillows covered in Indian cotton throws. The Afghan wool dhurrie is from the 1930s, and the candelabra is by Picasso.

Björn Wallner

18 of 24

Classic White Sofa

In this Upper East Side apartment, designer Ann Pyne dressed up white with even more white. The white sofa is paired with a white chandelier in the style of Diego Giacometti and rustic Chinese-style chairs. The marble table is from R.E. Steele Antiques and the floor is painted.

Trevor Tondro

19 of 24

Modern White Sofa

Designer Alison Palevsky anchored the white sofa, dotted with bright green pillows, in her Pacific Palisades home with a silk rug from Lawrence of La Brea. A painting by Gottfried Helnwein makes a dramatic appearance next to the French doors that open to the terrace.

Obert Gili

20 of 24

Crisp White Sofa

Fashion designer Lisa Perry started with a completely white palette, including a crisp white sofa by de Sede, in her family's Florida getaway, then added droplets of bright colors and attention-grabbing artworks. The cocktail table is by Cini Boeri and the painting, Elaidyl Alcohol, is by Damien Hirst.

Tim Street-Porter

21 of 24

White Linen Sofa

In the den of actor and producer Ellen Pompeo's home, designed by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, the sectional sofa is upholstered in a white linen by C&C Milano, covered in vibrant pillows and paired with woven-sea-grass stools by ABC Carpet & Home. The upholstered screens are all by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard.

Björn Wallander

22 of 24

Plush White Sofa

In the living room of Mona Nerenberg and Lisa Bynon's Hamptons home, which they designed with Mark Cunningham, the creamy white sofa is by Ralph Lauren Home, as are the armchairs. A rustic cocktail table by Démiurge New York, and the apple-matting rug from Nerenberg's shop, Bloom, in Sag Harbor, New York, add a rustic air to the otherwise prim-and-proper white furniture.

Mikkel Vang

23 of 24

Cotton White Sofa

In the living room of an 1870s carriage house, the custom sofa is covered in a Kravet cotton and topped with pillows of various muted hues. The cocktail table is by Martin Szekely, the dhurrie is 19th century and the Egyptian light fixture is from Liza Sherman.

Simon Upton

24 of 24

Chenille White Sofa

In the living room of philanthropists Ellen and Daniel Crown's Manhattan apartment, the custom-made sofa is covered in a Kravet chenille and complemented with sunny yellow pillows and a blue and white pillow. The armchairs are upholstered in a Rogers & Goffigon fabric, the club chairs are in a leopard print by Taffard Fabrics and the 1940s cocktail table is attributed to Jacques Quinet.

15 Gorgeous Mantel Decoration Ideas

Amy Preiser I’m the Senior Editor of VERANDA.com, and you’ll also find me on our sister sites ELLEDECOR.com and Housebeautiful.com.

White sofa - great ideas for using luxurious furniture (120 photos)

Today, light-colored plain sofas are gaining popularity around the world. A white sofa in the interior has always been associated with luxury and wealth, because such sofas have to be changed more often because of their soiledness.

White in the interior, combinations and advantages

Often white sofas look good in any style of interior, they are installed in living rooms, less often in offices.

Agree, if you put a white sofa in a room with light walls, it will turn out to be a “hospital ward”. However, if you add accents in the form of: colored lighting, a bright rug and dark-colored curtains, complement all this with a couple of colorful paintings ... As a result, we get a good stylish living room or reception room.

If the walls are executed in dark or bright colors, then a white or light sofa will focus all attention on itself.

Benefits of light sofas

Disadvantages of white sofas

Impracticality is perhaps the most basic problem for owners of light furniture. However, if you buy an expensive leather sofa, this problem can be practically nullified.

There is also a cheaper way to avoid the frequent cleaning procedure - Teflon-coated lining or special "anti-vandal" fabrics.

Features of the structure of the sofa

The main components of the design of almost any sofa: frame, transformation devices (sleeping sofa), as well as supporting, fixing and soft components, lining.

There are 3 types of frames for corner sofas:

Metal and wooden bases, quite durable and not cheap, but they can withstand heavy loads. Sofas made of composite materials are a budget option.

Which upholstery material is preferred

Upholstery material is divided into 8 categories according to wear resistance.

Cotton, velveteen, flock and light suede are poor wear resistance and, accordingly, short service life. Among fabric upholstery, chenille, jacquard, tapestry, as well as Teflon-coated upholstery have the best performance.

Eco-leather, suede and arpatek - belong to the 5th and 6th categories. Pressed leather is the 7th category. Genuine leather belongs to the 8th, highest category, it is resistant to mechanical stress and pollution.

If you're looking for an inexpensive yet eye-catching white sofa, look no further than eco-leather products. This material is easy to clean and does not absorb liquid.

Corner white sofas for home and office

There are now a huge number of corner sofas on sale, differing in various shapes, sizes and types of upholstery. Ideal for zoning a room. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the purpose and location of this piece of furniture.

In the living room, as a rule, large sofas are purchased that can be transformed into a full-fledged sleeping place. For example, Ikea sofas. And for the upholstery, soft and pleasant to the touch fabrics are used.

From additional devices for convenience, there are models with folding tables, built-in mini-bars and shelves in the armrests.

Sofas are used in office premises, the distinctive feature of which is a strict style, practicality and resistance to mechanical stress and pollution. In terms of upholstery options for such sofas, leather or leatherette is often used, as well as “anti-vandal” fabric.

Before going to the store:

And once in the store, do not be afraid to try everything by touch.

Photo of a white sofa0003

  • 105 photos of different models and how to use them

    A white sofa in an interior is a sign of good taste. It helps to add contrasting details to the interior space. Thanks to him, the room gets a warm, cozy and comfortable atmosphere. This furniture makes the space wider and brighter. Modern models allow you to correct the shortcomings of the residential interior. It can be visually enlarged or reduced.

    Available in several shades of light color from pure white to ivory. In addition, the designs differ in the folding mechanism.

    For each type, a certain upholstery material is selected, which will add a peculiar zest. Experienced designers prefer to use this accessory as it makes the space lighter and more interesting.

    Brief content of the article:

    White sofas in a modern interior

    Soft white sofas are ideal for both warm and cold color palettes. It acts as a neutral tone that can be used as a backdrop for bright accents. As a result, some details acquire a peculiar richness and expressiveness.


    Many of us associate white with cleanliness, a feeling of freshness and serenity. This shade has a positive effect on human perception, encourages communication and charges with positive. Any interior space where the furniture paraphernalia of this color is located looks solid and luxurious.

    White leather sofas are often used in classic style. They create a sense of harmony and balance. This type of upholstery greatly simplifies the care procedures for this accessory.

    Simply use a soft cloth dampened with a special cleaning solution. In addition, natural leather as upholstery adds solemnity to the living space.

    The combination of a white sofa with other details in the interior

    To date, there are no restrictions in the field of combination of tint palette. When choosing a white sofa, special care must be taken. Against the background of such furniture, there must be bright accent details in the form of decorative pillows or a plush bedspread.


    With a classic design, a contrasting combination is used. Light furniture, located against the background of dark walls. Mainly:

    When choosing, it is recommended to take into account the design and shape of the product. For large and spacious rooms, direct and modular models are suitable. They are installed in the center of the interior space.

    Unusual shape, can become a kind of decoration. For this, an abundance of crystal elements is additionally used: chandeliers, wall lamps, floor lamps, etc.

    Advantages and disadvantages of white leather sofas

    White sofas have a number of advantages rather than disadvantages. The benefits include:

    The disadvantages of leather covering include:

    Ikea white sofas covered in synthetic leather. Most often they are presented in modular designs. If desired, they can be transformed into a new model of furniture accessory. Section collections consist of 5 to 15 departments, each of which creates a unique furniture accessory.

    To care for such a coating, a special line of detergents and cleaners has been developed that are absolutely safe for human health.


    Several small cushions are included as decorative elements.

    Learn more