16 Monochromatic Rooms: Easy Ways to Achieve Monochromatic Interior Design
Cool color schemes to perfect this chic decorating style.
If you want a stylish way to make a statement, monochromatic rooms might be exactly what you're looking for. This approach to decorating uses multiple shades of one color to give your space a dramatic design. We've gathered a list of ways you can bring monochromatic interior design into your home, including tips on choosing soothing shades and making the most of one color. Keep reading to learn what a monochromatic color scheme is and find inspiration for creating your own monochromatic rooms.
What Is a Monochromatic Color Scheme?
As the name would suggest, monochromatic color schemes use different shades of one color. You can find these shades by looking at a color wheel and choosing tones that are lighter or darker than your base color. Using red as an example, you can go lighter for a bit of pink or darker to choose maroon.
Monochromatic Rooms
When using a monochromatic color scheme, you can choose from bold hues or soothing neutrals so that styling one color can be as dramatic or subdued as you'd like. We've put together 16 of our favorite monochromatic rooms to help you find inspiration.
1. Deep Green
Filling a room with a dramatic color is one of our favorite ways to incorporate monochromatic interior design. Deep hues with plenty of drama (like the dark olive color in the photo above) bring a stylish and intentional feel to any space. To pull off this look, go for a dark wall color and coordinate the bedding to match. Plus, the dark color creates a cozy ambience that's perfect for getting a good night's rest.
Monochromatic rooms can also be light and airy. Rather than choosing a bold hue as your base color, opt for a soothing neutral that can open up your space. Look for light neutral colors that reflect light and feel pleasing to the eye. In the example above, we love how the creamy beige color palette translates across warm white walls, flowing drapes, and smooth upholstery.
Playing with patterns keeps monochromatic interior design from looking dull. From wallpaper to area rugs, it's easy to decorate a space using different shades of your base color. Choose a muted tone for the walls, and use textiles to bring in bolder shades. Opt for solid-colored bedding to balance the patterned wallpaper and area rug.
Choosing different tones of your base shade can create an inviting and layered look. Look at larger areas or pieces of furniture (like the upholstery or walls) to determine the other colors you should use throughout the space. In the photo above, we love how the pink sofa pairs with the darker mauve walls to create a soft and complementary look.
Bathrooms are a great spot to experiment with monochromatic color schemes. The small space allows you to stick to one color without it feeling too overwhelming. To make a monochrome space even easier, try choosing a light shade like pale blue. Pick a wall tile that matches the color of the floor tile to create a cohesive look. Take the wall tile from floor-to-ceiling for an all-over wash of color, or install wallpaper panels halfway up the wall to add more dimension.
Create a chic entryway with an all-black color scheme. Install black wall paneling to give the entryway a dark background with a touch of texture. Use black pieces of furniture to make a monochrome statement. In the monochromatic room above, the black bench and black sconce add subtle depth against the black paneling.
Give your seating area an upgrade with a rich brown color palette. The warm neutral tones add an earthy feeling that will make you want to snuggle up on the sofa. Because brown is so versatile, it's easy to choose a cozy brown sofa that pairs well with warm wood tones. Complete the seating area with a plush area rug in a similar shade.
Black-and-white color schemes make monochromatic interior design easy to implement. Pairing these two shades brings plenty of contrast. The combination works with plenty of styles, ranging from transitional to modern farmhouse. Stick to timeless style with an equal balance of black and white furniture, or use one shade as a bold accent color.
Purple is an elegant choice for a monochromatic color scheme. Thanks to its luxurious and calming feel, we love choosing muted purple hues to decorate bedrooms. Pick bedding in a darker shade of purple to complement the wall color, or opt for a lighter tone to brighten up the bedroom. Choose curtains in a similar shade to the walls to give your space a seamless feel.
Make the most of a small space with a bold monochromatic design. Not only do elements like floral wallpaper or glazed tile add color, they also fill the space with pattern and texture. Make sure to choose wallpaper and tile that share the same tones to keep it cohesive. Plus, the moody color palette makes the bathroom feel cozy enough to be your at-home retreat.
If you're looking for an easy way to bring monochromatic interior design into your home, choose blue textiles to add a bright wash of color to neutral furniture. Top the sofa with a pile of blue throw pillows and slip a matching area rug beneath the seating area to really tie the space together.
Area rugs take up plenty of floor space, so they can play a key part in monochromatic interior design. Use the wall color to choose the primary color of the rug, or let your area rug inspire your next paint color. For an extra monochromatic touch, go for a rug that incorporates different shades of your base color.
Find the balance between blue and gray with this monochromatic bedroom design. To find the most soothing shades of slate, work with both the pale blue and the dark gray shades of the base color. The combination of these shades are light and airy, and they also add a calming feel to your sleep space.
Looking for a daring way to decorate a monochromatic room? Choose a vibrant base color like cobalt blue or magenta for an eye-catching design. Use this shade for as many elements as possible – from the walls to the upholstery to the decor. To add extra drama to the space, choose drapes in a similar fabric to the accent chair.
Liven up your bathroom with a bold lilac palette. The bold pastel reflects light and gives your bathroom an energizing feel. Enhance the wall color by incorporating pops of purple throughout the bathroom, such as a set of plush bath towels or framed pieces of wall art.
Use a bright green color scheme to create an inviting entryway. Shades of springtime green are great for welcoming guests and making your space feel fresh. Start with panels of striped wallpaper to set the tone. Vertical stripes add subtle texture and can make your space appear taller. Place a green console table near the door to keep all of your essentials organized so that you always know where your keys are.
