Decorating in Black and White

• Create a stark contrast by designing a black and white room. This design style works particularly well with modern furniture, but you can use it with other styles as well. Use a black or dark colored carpet under the black sofa and other furniture, and accent that furniture with a white sheepskin rug or other type of throw rug.
  
  

Choose the Right Accents

• Paint the walls the brightest shade of white you can find. Accent those white walls with an assortment of modern art that uses a classic black and white design. A black and white wall mirror makes a good counterpart to the black furniture and white walls as well. You can change the look of your room simply by changing the art on your walls and moving those wall accents around. Aluminum pole lights can also add to the beauty and drama of the room. Those bright aluminum lights provide an interesting contrast to the black furniture and carpeting.
  
  

Throw Pillows

• Arrange an assortment of plain and patterned white throw pillows on your black sofa and chair. The white throw pillows provide a good contrast to the black furniture. One of the best things about using throw pillows as part of your decorating scheme is that you can change the whole look of the room simply by moving the pillows around or replacing your existing styles with new ones.
  
  

Pastel Shades

• Paint your walls with a soft pastel if you do not want such a stark contrast between the furniture and the rest of the room. Accent the black sofa and chairs with throw pillows that complement the shade you use on the walls. Subdued shades of pastel blue, lilac and beige can provide an attractive contrast to the dark furniture, carpeting and accents in the rest of the room.