The way we experience a chair has a lot to do with the choice of fabric, and today I’m focusing on black and white fabrics.  Black and white are powerful colors on their own, and make a statement when used together.  The results can be classic, edgy, graphic, or serene.   

Just looking at the image above gives me a sense of tranquility.  This understated space allows our attention to focus on the elegant shape of the Brou Chair by Alfonso Marina.  Simple white upholstery highlights the graceful lines of the black frame, and the chair becomes a perfectly balanced part of this minimal composition.   

By using solid black fabric on these vintage chairs, the emphasis is on the form of the chair.  I especially love how the strong lines of the chairs contrast with the delicate features of the fireplace and the architectural details of this New York Brownstone.   

This traditional settee gets a modern refresh with this small-scale fabric pattern by textile designer, Seema Krish.  The settee complements the composition of this art wall, and the pattern is small enough that it does not compete with the artwork.  The black outline of the settee frame accentuates the graphic quality of the fabric.   

We used zebra printed hair on hide at our West Clay Park Project to give our client’s Chippendale chairs a fresh look and new purpose in the entry foyer.  Zebra print works as a neutral, so this pair of chairs look great when they are moved into the adjacent dining room or living room for extra seating.   

Teakwood is often used in Danish furniture construction like the chair above.  Older teak tends to have a lot of orange undertones, so adding color needs to be done thoughtfully.  This cream-colored fabric with an organic black pattern by Fabric and Steel is perfect with these chairs because it highlights the rich natural colors of the wood.    

Using black and white in your interior design makes a statement and has a timeless appeal.  To read more about using black and white to create a timeless design, head over to our blog post about the ballroom of Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley of France.