Black and White Decor for Living Room

Canvas or Luxe Paper Print Options and Frame Choices for All Our Artworks

Decorating a living room with black and white artwork will infuse it with a timeless aesthetic. This classic color combination is versatile, appealing, and adaptable — a perfect choice to elevate your living room decor. 

From striking black and white canvas art to contemporary photography, add sophistication and visual impact to your space. These art prints create a harmonious atmosphere if your taste is eclectic bohemian with lots of color or minimalist in neutral tones. 

With its monochromatic palette, black and white art won’t clash with your existing decor. They’ll add a grounding touch or add energy and vibrancy to your living room. 

Choose from our curated collection, sourced from over 40 leading art galleries around the world. Choose from black and white canvas art for the living room, photographs, classic paintings, plus works by Impressionists, Modernists, and much more. Plus, choose between canvas or luxe paper print options and frame choices for all our artworks. 

Elevate your home with black and white wall decor for the living room by selecting from our stunning collection.

Styling tips with black and white artwork for your living room

Let’s look at some ways to make the most of your black and white artwork for a living room, from creating a focal point to complementing your decor to the chosen piece.

Create a focal point

Use large black and white canvas art to create a striking focal point above the sofa or fireplace. Opt for one singular piece to make a strong statement, or two pieces to create a sense of symmetry and conversation between the artworks. By creating a focal point you’ll center the room’s visual interest and draw people in. 

Depending on your personal decor preferences, choose a large abstract piece with strong, geometric lines to add energy and dynamism to the room. Or, go for a classic painting to lend an air of sophistication, power, and classic detail. On the other hand, a delicate sketch will give your room a sense of intimacy — perfect if your living room is on the smaller, cozier side. 

Consider a gallery wall

Gallery walls give you a wonderful opportunity to play around. It’s also a great way to play with scale. Incorporate smaller and larger pieces in a range of frames and hanging methods. This is a perfect way to elevate your living room with black and white decor, especially if you have odd-size walls or lots of features to work around. 

This styling tip also gives you lots of options to choose from, ideal if you can’t pick between favorite artworks. Pick pieces that you’re drawn to, regardless of style, for an eclectic look. Gallery walls in living rooms also work well for those with a minimalist taste. In this case, choose abstract artwork with gentle lines to maintain simplicity. Hang them in a straight line or a grid format to enhance symmetry and flow with your existing decor. 

Mix textures and materials

To avoid a stark or cold look, incorporate different textures and materials alongside your artwork. If you have glossy finishes on your furnishings, a matte frame may add a welcome contrast. 

If you already have lots of plush textures in neutral colors, a striking photograph in darker tones acts as an anchor for your space. 

Consider adding black and white artwork in different mediums to add dimension to your living room. For example, choose an abstract work printed on canvas for one living room wall and small sketches in simple frames for a smaller wall in the same space. Black and white decor for living room in different print types adds variety and layers to a dynamic effect.

Balance with other decor elements

To keep the space feeling cozy and balanced, consider adding soft textiles like throw pillows, rugs, or curtains in complementary colors and patterns. For example, a soft grey throw or a textured beige rug can soften and create a sense of warmth in the room. Pair this with a classic painting print for a surprising combination with a cultured feel.

You could also add impressionistic works to a living room with pastel tones for a gentle, airy feel. Or, complement a striking Japanese artwork with deep, jewel-toned walls, rich velvet furnishings and natural wood surfaces for an opulent feel.  

Use lighting effectively

Good lighting enhances your artwork. It will make a significant difference in showcasing your black and white pictures for the living room. Use spotlights, track lighting, or wall sconces to highlight key pieces, bringing out their textures and contrasts. This approach works especially well for rooms that don’t get a lot of natural light. 

However, it’s always a good idea to invest in good lighting to enjoy your black and white decor in the living room, regardless of the time of day.

Combine with natural elements

A living room with black and white decor benefits from bringing the outside in. Add natural wood, greenery, and stone to really elevate your space. For a living room decor black and white look that feels grounded and inviting, add houseplants or wooden furniture. 

The organic feel of these elements balances out the monochrome palette, creating a warm, welcoming ambience.

Where to hang your black and white artwork in the living room

Deciding where in your living room to hang your artwork can make a big difference. Here are a few of our suggestions: 

• Above the sofa: This is one of the most popular places to hang artwork — and for good reason. A large piece or a series of smaller artworks above the sofa provide balance to the room and anchors the seating area. 

• On accent walls: Use black and white decor to create an accent wall, particularly in open-plan living spaces where a focal point is needed. A large canvas or collection of framed art helps to define the space. 

• Inset to shelving units: If you have a bookshelf, consider hanging small pieces into larger shelves. This can create visual intrigue and a surprisingly layered effect. 
• Above a fireplace: A fireplace is already a focal point, so add height and drama to the hearth by hanging your black and white artwork above the mantle. 

Adding black and white decor for a living room is a wonderful way to add depth, character, and interest to one of the most used spaces in a home.