How to Decorate With Black Leather Sofas & Espresso Tables

Coordinate the decor in the room with your black leather sofa and espresso tables, allowing the room to take on a "show room" appearance. Clean lines and modest decorations will keep the room from becoming cluttered and overwhelming. Add your decorations in a manner that cleverly balances the leather sofa, not detracts from it. Consider the function of the room when decorating. For example, white rugs are usually not practical in a room where children or pets will be frequent inhabitants. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Decide on a color palette. Use white, ivory, cream or tan for a simple, modern look. Bright colors, such as blues or aquas can also brighten and lighten the space and ambiance of the room. The color, or colors, you choose should be light to counter the dark colors in the sofa and tables.

2

Paint the walls in a light, neutral shade that matches your color palette. White, cream, sage green, blue-gray or any other light color will work. Another option is to paint one accent wall, preferably the wall behind the sofa. Use bright red, lime green or another bold color. Use a darker shade of the same color as the rest of the wall to allow for an accent wall while creating a seamless flow with the rest of the room.

3

Choose a rug in a light or bright color that coordinates with the walls but doesn't overpower the room. If your color scheme includes lime green, for instance, choose a rug that incorporates lime green with chocolate brown and ivory. The rug could include circles, stripes, squiggly lines or any other pattern. Plain white or beige rugs would work as well.

4

Select accent furniture if the room is large enough. One small accent chair is a good choice for smaller rooms. Choose an upholstered chair in a plain fabric, such as white or ivory. Incorporate color with one or two pillows, depending on the size of the chair, in patterns that utilize your colors.

5

Place plants or flower arrangements--real or silk--sparingly throughout the room. Fill a large, empty corner with a small tree. Use a single large flower in a vase on the coffee table or end table. Colorful vases work with white flowers, or use a glass vase with a bright flower or colored glass pebbles. One or two plants along with one flower arrangement will add "life" to the room without overdoing it.

6

Add finishing touches, such as one or two table lamps. Choose a lamp large enough to appear balanced next to the sofa in your accent color. Place other accessories, such as artwork and throws, to complete the room. Draping a throw over the back of the sofa in a casual way will break up the block of dark coloring and add a comfortable, relaxed feel to the room.