White Furniture Trend Still Going Strong
White furniture has been around for centuries, though not always as a favoured decorating choice in the U.K. That all changed a few years ago when white started to be recognised as a good base colour to design bedrooms and kitchens around. By 2009, white furniture had officially reached the status of nationwide trend; a trend that continues well into 2010.
In the bedroom, decorators are focusing on the age-old art of romance. White furniture left alone tends to exude a cold, institutional feeling; not exactly what you want in a bedroom. But used as a backdrop for other colours, like a passionate red, a cool green, or a warm chestnut, white bedroom furniture puts the focus on those other colours and hues. It's a masterful way of creating a bedroom environment which stimulates the senses without being overpowering.
White is also the rage in kitchen and dining room. Traditional kitchens are holding their own, mind you, but the sleek look of a white kitchen accented by black appliances and a touch of silver or gold trim, gives a look of class and sophistication. Crowning that look is a white table with matching chairs, featuring a colourful centrepiece and complementary place settings. What a way to show off your best china and flatware.
Since white furniture tends to be harder to keep clean, it's been slow to catch on outside the bedroom and kitchen. White sofas and chairs have long been considered a nightmare unless they're leather or vinyl. And as for stains? Once they get in, it's hard to get them out. Fortunately, that's not stopping furniture designers from bringing white to the living area.
End tables and coffee tables finished in glossy white can be custom accented to match the sofa and chairs. It doesn't work well with furniture having light-coloured fabrics, but against a dark-coloured piece, a white end table can be stunning. Designers are even producing white-framed futons and synthetic moulded chairs for those who prefer to replace their traditional furniture altogether.
With all the emphasis on decorating in white, there are a few subtle dangers to be aware of. First, too much white can take all the character and personality out of a room. Since we tend to want our homes to be decorated in a way that reflects who we are, an excess of white could give visitors the impression we lack warmth and feeling.
Second, white furniture can discolour pretty quickly. Depending on exposure to sunlight and how much the furniture is used, it can yellow over time or fade into a dingy greyish hue. White furniture requires a lot of care.
Regardless, the white trend is still going strong for now. We'll see what 2011 brings.