These 12 Black-and-White Accents are Just What You Need for an Instant Room Refresh

It’s not a new trend, of course, but after a few years of the design world’s fixation on gray, I’m suddenly seeing black and white taking over again—and not in a flashy Kardashian type of way. These pieces are graphic and sophisticated, in timeless patterns (stripes and geometric prints, for example) and with chic details like subtle pleating or a cozy handwoven texture. They don’t have to cost a lot either. And the best part: Mixing and matching these neutrals is pretty foolproof.

That said, some black-and-white pieces are stylish standouts while others can veer a little into boring territory. Need some shopping guidance for this trend? I’ve rounded up my favorites—from an artsy striped chair to a block-print shower curtain—to help you decorate in this classic color combo.

IKEA’s already on top of the broken stripe trend. Case in point: this simple but stylish cushion cover. At just $6 each, it’s easy to upgrade your sofa pillows several times a year.

Buy: KINNEN Cushion Cover, $5.99 from IKEA

There’s something super playful about this pattern-on-pattern, fabric-wrapped lamp by designer Kara Mann for CB2. The pleated shade alone makes it a fun statement piece for an entryway credenza or on both nightstands in your bedroom.

Buy: Scrunch Table Lamp, $149.00 from CB2

A black-and-white rug grounds a room and gives you total flexibility to play up color everywhere else. With its earthy fringe and elegant chevron pattern, this one can get dressed up or down, and it looks great whether paired with bright hues or natural, neutral shades.

Buy: Project 62 Chevron Woven Area Rug, $199.99 for a 7-foot by 10-foot rug from Target

I’m a big fan of Hedgehouse throwbeds because these portable down and microfiber loungers are comfy indoors or out and can even double as a makeshift headboard. The linen or cotton cover comes in more than a dozen patterns, but I’m partial to this sleek black-and-white one with a teensy pop of red in the tassel zipper.

Buy: Solid Throwbed in Black Linen with White Pipe, $385.00 from Hedgehouse

This natural-dye artwork is block printed on handmade cotton rag paper by fifth-generation master printers in India. The curvy design brings graphic style to a blank wall, but the neutral black-and-white palette keeps it from stealing the show.

Buy: Sidewinder Wood Block Print, Starting at $320.00 from Block Shop Textiles

With its sleek natural white marble top and black angular base, this handcrafted table is deceptively affordable. It’s that reliable piece you’ll have forever, moving it from room to room over the years, since it works with literally anything.

Buy: Round White Marble and Metal Accent Table, $159.99 from World Market

Even though this pretty porcelain serving bowl is inlaid and glazed by hand by ceramicist Andrew Molleur, it’s sturdy enough to go in the dishwasher. It’s a total splurge and would make a great gift; the clean-lined design is timeless and modern, meaning it will never go out of style.

Buy: Black and White Grid Bowl, $160.00 from Andrew Molleur

Here’s an heirloom-quality find that brings black and white to your bed or sofa: a thick, 100-percent-wool woven blanket that’s handmade on pedal looms in a mountain town in Guatemala. Even better, some of the proceeds help support ethical employment and education for the local women and children.

Buy: Black Chamarra Blanket, $115.00 from Marra

Sometimes all you need is that one striking piece to draw your eye to a curated shelf or console surface. One of these handmade porcelain splatter vases would do the job beautifully on its own, but you can also cluster them together and add a few fresh blooms.

Buy:  btw Ceramics Torrent Vase, $44.00 from West Elm

Pom Pom at Home’s vintage-inspired line has been described as “lived-in luxury,” and that’s exactly the vibe this hand-stamped shower curtain brings to a bathroom. Pair it with white or natural accents to keep the look airy and spa-like.

Buy: Pom Pom at Home Kiara Shower Curtain, $80.00 from Lulu and Georgia

Poufs are prized for their portability and functionality—seating and foot rest in one. A black-and-white patterned pouf, however, is like artwork for your floor. Hand-woven with wool and cotton, this one adds a hit of cozy, nubby texture, too.

Buy: Aztec Hand Woven Pouf, $179.00 from Pottery Barn

A rounded frame softens the look of this boldly striped chair. Try one in a bedroom or put a pair in your living room, keeping the other pieces quiet, so these seats can take center stage.

Buy: Banded Stripe Delaney Chair, $1,148.00 from Anthropologie