Can a White Living Room Feel Cozy?

For many folks who lead hectic lifestyles, coming home to white interiors is calming and comforting. But not all white on white color schemes feel warm or inviting. Today we’ll explore gentles ones that invite us to relax. Mixing whites is a practice I have played with for decades now, and there is always more to learn. Even at our new place with its varying grey shades and bright white, warm whites also join the mix. Can a White Living Room Feel Cozy? Let’s look at a variety of interiors and be inspired.

Michele of Hello Lovely Studio at home on a Belgian linen sofa. Come be inspired by Get the Look: Warm White Living Room Design With Unfussy Sophisticated Style...certainly soothing indeed.
Hello Lovely Studio – Get the Look: Warm White Living Room Design With Unfussy Sophisticated Style…certainly soothing indeed.

Warm White Living Rooms With Cozy Unfussy Style

What do I mean by unfussy style? In prior homes (above), “unfussy” for meant plenty of rustic touches so that there was a sense of “ahhhhh, I can flop down in here and not worry about wrecking the place since it’s already worn in.”

Psst. Are you excited about FALL’s arrival? I’m about to add to that excitement…check out this:

Great room with upholstered ivory sofa and tufted leather sofa - design by Bodine White; sofas by Scout & Nimble. #greatrooms
Design: Bodine White; Grace Sofa and Tufted Leather Chester Sofa, Scout & Nimble

I think of mixing metals and finishes so that there isn’t a sense of formality where it all looks like it was purchased together rather than collected over time.

Inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio.

If you haven’t paired warm whites with grey tones, try it! Pops of black also look right at home.

Cozy white living room with rustic accents and an airy coastal organic Cali vibe - Lulu & Georgia. #whitedecor #livingroom #casualstyle #interiordesign #neutraldecor
Lulu & Georgia…in case you admire warm white living rooms with an unfussy look.

Bringing live plants and trees into a white space creates magic.

Stunning warm white contemporary living room with sectional and neutral decor - Lulu & Georgia. #livingroom #modernfarmhouse
In case you love a comfy sectional with a more timeless look.

And just imagine the space above without the rug…it would have a devastating effect on the cozy.

Inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio.

Vintage + Scandi White + Natural

Oh, this serene dream of a white interior!

Cozy warm white Swedish living room with all white decor and Mora clock - Villa Jenal. #whitelivingroom #whitedecor #scandistyle
Villa Jenal…hello lovely neutral nirvana.

Isn’t the delicate silhouette of these lunaria branches heavenly?

French Nordic living room vignette with candles, pale colors, grain sack pillows, linen and serene style by Villa Jenal. #frenchnordic #livingroom #scandistyle
Vila Jenal

And who knew simple taper candles in a jar could feel so sweet?

Minimal Yet Warm White Living Room

My living room in our Arizona house was a mix of high and low. Vintage chairs from the thrift store, a huge frame I found next to a dumpster, and a pharmacy floor lamp mingle with luxurious custom Belgian linen slipcovers on the sofas.

Serene white living room with pale blue accents features Ektorp sofa (Ikea) with custom Bemz slipcover in Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio. #livingroom #slipcoveredsofa #bemz
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio…certainly minimal indeed. See more of my home HERE.

My aunt sewed the pillows I designed with beautiful linen (Shabby Chic Couture) collected fabric.

Belgian linen slipcovered sofa (Ikea Ektorp) in my Arizona living room with aqua accents - Hello Lovely Studio. Come be inspired by Get the Look: Warm White Living Room Design With Unfussy Sophisticated Style...certainly soothing indeed.
Hello Lovely Studio – Get the Look: Warm White Living Rooms With Unfussy Sophisticated Style…Bemz slipcover on Ektorp in case you need a custom cover.

Fantasy Modern French Warmth

The architecture and scale are out of this world and certainly can’t be reproduced, yet notice the simplicity of the decor, how the bright white interacts with the putty tones, and how one can play with geometry.

Richard Shapiro designed living room in Malibu with plaster walls and soaring ceilings. #richardshapiro #interiordesign #oldworld #livingroom #plasterwalls
Richard Shapiro in Architectural Digest
Self-care quote on Hello Lovely. #selfcarequotes #selflove #encouragementquotes

Ruth Gay’s Houston living room whispers tranquility with its sunny golden warmth and tone on tone. (Make sure you check out THIS if you admire French inspired living rooms!)

I’m so fond of the way the ruffles juxtapose with the hard rugged stone everywhere.

Inspirational quote about staying in the present on Hello Lovely. #beherenow #quotes

Warm White Belgian Linen at Home

It’s still the fabric of my life! This chair below is “mama’s chair” and placed near the fireplace both in our former home and our current one.

Belgian linen upholstered club chair (RH) in our living room with white oak hardwood flooring - Hello Lovely Studio. #belgianlinen #livingroom #interiordesign #neutraldecor
Warm white Belgian linen plays a starring role in every room of my home!

The living room was two-stories and massive in our last home, yet it felt beyond cozy. How?

See more of my home in this story.

Belgian linen sofa, antique rustic sideboard from Belgium, and white oak flooring in my living room - Hello Lovely Studio.
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio…certainly unfussy indeed.

Each furniture piece was oversized (massive really), and the color story was kept quiet. Nothing precious lived in here.

Belgian linen upholstered sofa and chairs, white oak flooring, and white walls (Benjamin Moore White) in my living room - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio…certainly soothing indeed.

The adjacent dining room related to the living space, but the lower ceiling meant it always felt intimate and separate.

Belgian linen arm chair and industrial side table in my living room wih European country style - Hello Lovely Studio. Come be inspired by Get the Look: Warm White Living Room Design With Unfussy Sophisticated Style...certainly soothing indeed.
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio – Get the Look: Warm White Living Room Design With Unfussy Sophisticated Style…certainly soothing indeed.

A rustic coffee table and sideboard are also huge in scale and contribute to the overall snug factor.

Belgian linen upholstered chaise (RH) and antique Belgian rustic oak sideboard with modern concrete lamps in my living room - Hello Lovely Studio. #europeancountry #frenchmodern #interiordesign
Hello Lovely Studio…certainly simple indeed.

By the way, we have never worried about stains or wear to the Belgian linen upholstery with which we love to live. On pieces that get an exceptional amount of use, the material may thin and wear, and we thoroughly love it! We adore the idea of using things FULLY and WELL and THOROUGHLY. It is just how we want to live our lives too.

Inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio.

Threadbare fabrics and fading colors are some of my favorite things!

Modern Scandi With Black

I have never been able to live with too much black, but I love watching others use it skillfully.

Black adds edge and a chicness.

If you’re after a more modern feel, definitely try to bring black into the room’s mix.

Glorious Cotswolds Cottage White Living Room

Here’s an example of a space where the furniture isn’t all matchy matchy. The room doesn’t appear decorated at all. But it does seem to invite relaxation.

Cotswolds cottage white living room with enormous fireplace - photo by Pernille Pahle. #cotswoldscottage #cozylivingrooms
Photo: Pernille Pahle – see this rustic cottage HERE...in case English country cottage style tingles your jingles.

It feels like a room that gets used and not simply passed by.

Elegant French Whites in a Living Room by Pamela Pierce

This may not be informal, but oh the warm whites and tonal bliss!

Sophisticated French living room with white designed by Pamela Pierce.
Interior Design: Pamela Pierce; Photo: Reagan Andre…certainly sophisticated indeed.

Cozy Warm White Living Room With Blue Accents

Who can say why blue brings so much cheer to an all white room?

Gorgeous and sophisticated white and blue living room by The Fox Group. Come be inspired by Get the Look: Warm White Living Room Design With Unfussy Sophisticated Style...certainly soothing indeed.
The Fox Group – Get the Look: Warm White Living Room Design With Unfussy Sophisticated Style…certainly soothing indeed.

The warmth of the wood table with its curvy legged base looks right at home in the white sea.

Elegant Country French Whites

Blue greys and muddy aquas with white?

French country great room with magnificent wrought iron staircase and white decor - Desiree Ashworth. #frenchcountry #greatrooms
Design: Desiree Ashworth

Yes, please.

Inspirational quote to encourage from Iyanla Vanzant on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #iyanlavanzant #encouragement #personalgrowth #quotes #lifequote

Greige Walls With Dark Contrast

This dramatic interior by Michael del Piero is inspiring my own plans for our family room.

Modern rustic living room with black fireplace and eclectic neutral interior design by Michael DelPiero. #modernrustic #livingrooms
See more from the designer HERE

What do you think about keeping the trim and wall color consistent (but varying the paint’s finish)?

Cozy Tonal Decor

Everything Jennifer does at home inspires me.

French country Christmas decor in a lovely living room with neutral palette and white - The French Nest Co Interior Design. #whitechristmasdecor #frenchcountrychristmas

Warm whites are definitely her thing!

Deconstructed chair in French country living room by The French Nest Co Interior Design. #frenchcountry #livingrooms
@thefrenchnestcointeriordesign
Frida Kahlo quote about endurance, strength, and the capacity of humans. #fridakahloquotes #endurancequote

Exotic Chic Warm White Interior Design

In case you need inspiration for dark trim paired with warm white walls…

Living room with tropical exotic accents and ivory by Cari Giannoulias.
Interior Design: Cari Giannoulias…certainly cozy indeed.
Black and white classic living room with Myla slipcovered sofa from Lulu & Georgia. #slipcoveredsofa #livingroomfurniture #whitesofas
Myla Sofa, Lulu & Georgia

White Modern French Farmhouse Living Room

Too many pretty details to count!

Sophisticated modern French white living room in a Houston home on Berthea with design by M Naeve - @greenwoodkingproperties

Modern California Farmhouse

Erin Fetherston’s modern California farmhouse was painted BM Chantilly Lace throughout. When you live with cool white walls, introducing warm creamy whites keeps it interesting and sophisticated.

Erin Fetherston's white living room in LA. Come explore California modern farmhouse interior design inspiration! #modernfarmhouse #livingrooms #whitedecor #interiordesign
Erin Fetherston – OKL
Beautiful inspirational quote from Alice Walker about creativity, beauty, and the soul. #quotes #inspirationalquote #beautyquote

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Beautiful inspirational quote about flowers and comparison on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquote #flowerquote

White Living Room Decor and Furniture

White linen slipcovered Coley Chair
White Linen Coley Chair, Scout & Nimble
Wynn Demilune Table, Ballard Designs
Wynn Open Demilune Table, Ballard Designs
Etagere, Black
Etagere…certainly classic indeed.
Storage Bench, White Linen
Storage Bench…certainly lovely indeed.

Classic White Living Room With Farrow & Ball All White

White Tufted Ottoman Idea

Velvet Tufted Ottoman - Come be inspired by Get the Look: Warm White Living Room Design With Unfussy Sophisticated Style...certainly soothing indeed.
Velvet Tufted Cocktail Ottoman,..certainly charming indeed.

Coastal Living Room Inspiration

Also, don’t miss this post with warm white paint color ideas!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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4 Comments

  1. Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns
    September 26, 2022 / 12:00 pm

    Every room is gorgeous and cosy. I have to admit that sometimes I find all white spaces cold and sterile.

    • Michele
      Author
      September 26, 2022 / 6:57 pm

      Thanks for reading, Elizabeth. I’m a big fan of mixing whites rather than matching ’em! 🙂

  2. lee
    September 26, 2022 / 8:27 pm

    Love this post!!! Exquisite. I don’t suppose you have a link to the pillows and the branches from Vila Jenal, do you? I looked at her instagram but it wasn’t in English. Every room is amazing. Love your taste. Thanks, always for the inspiration

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing