Using black and white for interior decoration has never really been out of fashion, and with good reason. This striking combination works with both traditional and modern interiors. White has a crisp clean look, whilst black is more dramatic and bold creating a marriage made in heaven. Monochrome was originally used to describe a photograph or picture produced in black and white or in varying tones of one colour. Black and white are both ‘flat’ colours but by
introducing the different shades of white, combining black with varying shades of grey and incorporating different textures and patterns there are endless ways to work this look in our interiors.
This delightful ‘monochrome’ bedroom uses of lots of different shades of white, grey and silver and incorporates many textural elements to add interest. Black is used only sparingly for dramatic effect on the picture frames and bed frame. The romantic Mime chandelier is from our Lincoln American Collection and works perfectly in this setting. An elegant, feminine ceiling light that hangs on a brushed nickel suspension with a sheer, translucent shade rather like gossamer wings. The tapered square crystal droplets add the final flourish.
Georgian and Regency rooms with high ceilings can accommodate the monochrome style well, creating a calm, classic feel. Adding texture and introducing hints of grey or other colours will soften the stark look and give a more sophisticated feel.
This large period sitting room is furnished in shades of white with black accents and a little textural interest from some blue coloured cushions. The cushions are cleverly used to lift the black and white monochrome look, ensuring it does not appear too flat. The Carisbrooke candelabra style chandelier with its black sweeping arms and ivory white candle sleeves hangs in the centre of the room and co-ordinates well with the black curtain poles. This is a quality British made ceiling light from our Chester Collection that works well in larger traditionally decorated rooms. It is a large, 8 light fitting with a drop of over 2 metres making it perfect for Georgian and Regency rooms with high ceilings.
Black and white tiles were a common feature of Victorian and Edwardian homes and can still be seen on outdoor
pathways and in entrance halls with their familiar chequerboard patterns. These striking geometric patterns can be toned down with muted greys and chalky white walls.
Our images here show two very different bathrooms both with a monochrome theme. The traditional Victorian or Edwardian room on the right clearly illustrates the stark use of black and white wall tiles combined with the geometric tiles on the floor. The image on the left shows a slightly more modern interpretation with a free-standing black bath tub in a neutral coloured room. The industrial style box wall light shown above the bath is in a dark weathered bronze finish that appears almost black. It is in fact an IP44 rated outdoor light which has been used here to enhance the minimalist look. Outdoor light fittings can often be used very effectively in bathrooms as they are protected against water penetration in the same way as bathroom light fittings
The chic black and white colour combination is just perfect for a 1920’s and 1930’s Art Deco revival. Re-create the ‘Great Gatsby’ look using bold zig-zag and chevron patterns, angular shapes and strong symmetrical lines and layer with striking black and white accessories and lighting– this is more of a daring look and not for the faint hearted!
Three very different monochrome light fittings all with a distinct Art Deco theme. The Metropolitan wall light on the left is a reproduction Tiffany wall washer light from our Kensington Collection and features the strong geometric shapes and angular lines that are so typical of Art Deco lighting. The Tiffany shade is a subtle blend of silver greys with black highlights on a milky white background and is decorated with clear glass beads. The dramatic Gotham drum shade ceiling pendant in the centre is from our Broadway American Lighting Collection. It takes its inspiration from the powerful lights and shadows of New York City and has been given an updated Deco treatment – a sophisticated chic appearance with symmetrical lines. With a drop of just under 2 metres it makes a great choice for rooms with high ceilings and for lower ceilings the upper chain can be shortened when fitting. The image on the right features two of our Hudson table lamps sat on an Art Deco glass console table. These eye-catching lamps have black plinths with black and clear crystal glass tapered bases completed by dramatic black shades which are lined in silver to reflect the light
The black and white combination is a style that lends itself just as readily to modern spacious and open plan interiors.
The pendants and floor lamp shown in the room settings here are from Davey Lighting and Original BTC. Both these British lighting companies manufacture light fittings using the finest materials and their lights have a relaxed unfussy appearance with simple clean lines. The 3 large black aluminium pendants make a bold statement over the table in
the modern 
minimalist room shown on the left. They frame the large window and stunning view of the more traditional garden beyond perfectly. The image on the right features the black Stirrup floor lamp shown in a more austere setting and exemplifies Original BTC’s industrial chic style. Designer Peter Bowles took his inspiration for this collection from the searchlight on the back of a toy lorry. The lamp has an adjustable shade with a bracket that can be tilted and fixed at angles much like proper searchlights or theatrical spotlights.
Keeping things simple with clean neat lines and a glossy minimalist appearance will bring things bang up to date without being dull. Industrial, retro and vintage interiors can all benefit from some monochrome magic too.
This great selection of black and white striped lights are from Original BTC’s Circle Line Collection. Stylish practical light fittings that are a modern take on traditional classic designs with a relaxed timeless feel. Manufactured in the UK in an interesting mix of materials – the shades are made from natural white translucent bone china with bold black stripes and are teamed with smart vintage braid cables. The perfect mix of style and function.
The trick to achieving ‘monochrome magic’ is to get an even balance of black and white. Don’t overdo things otherwise your room will seem fussy and chaotic. Introduce some texture to add interest – and key, of course, is choosing the right Bespoke Lights to complete the look.