Decor and colors Ivory adds a touch of formality and luxury

From piano keys to wedding dresses and marble floors, the color ivory is ubiquitous and symbolizes purity and peace, according to color psychology. Ivory is not a single color, but a range of shades of creamy white, deriving its name from the milky white color of elephant tusks, which were historically used in the production of antiques.

Ivory ranges from a very light beige color to a warm off-white color. It falls between white and beige on the color wheel. Even though ivory contains a little bit of yellow, it is still used to symbolize feelings and messages similar to pure white, such as: Calmness and purity. Ivory also conveys a sense of formality or luxury.

Information about the color ivory

Modern living room furnished with comfortable furniture with an ivory color palette

Ivory is neutral; it falls somewhere on the color spectrum between cool whites and yellow-based creams. Ivory attracts with its soothing warmth and luxury.

Once upon a time, both elephant tusks and rhino horns, made of ivory, were prized over the centuries, a symbol of prosperity and wealth. Nowadays, we’re finding other ways to incorporate the clean feeling of ivory into home decor.

Ivory is compatible with any color of your choice; when paired with a dark color (blue, for example, or black), it provides a bright focal point for the eye. In addition, you can add depth to a room by pairing ivory with dark wood tones. Conversely, to achieve a fresher look, use ivory with light woods.

In summary, ivory is relaxing and brings a touch of elegance and a warmer, richer feel to the home room in which it resides, beyond white.

Ivory color and home decor

Upholstered headboard upholstered in ivory-colored fabric

Ivory is relaxing; it brings a touch of elegance to the room, especially the bedroom, and a warmer, richer feeling compared to white.

Any area of the home can benefit from a touch of ivory through a piece of furniture, a rug, or even cushions on the sofa. Ivory works well with contrasting colors, furniture styles, and décor.

On the other hand, when you paint the walls with ivory-colored paint, any room will look bigger.

Using Ivory in the Living Room

Interior design of a living room furnished with ivory furniture, a soft carpet on a hardwood floor and a fireplace

An ivory linen or cotton sofa instantly improves the look of the living room, allowing for the distribution of colorful accent pillows in sky blue, yellow, and emerald.

Ivory curtains, made of linen or cotton, beautifully filter natural light in the living room.

Using decorative objects, such as: Ivory vases, sculptures, trays, and bowls are an easy way to create a cohesive look. Textured pillows, ceramic lamps, decorative frames, and rugs in ivory all add visual interest, while keeping the atmosphere calm.

Using Ivory in the Dining Room

The ivory dining table gives the space it sits in a clean, sophisticated look. So do the dining chairs, upholstered in ivory linen.

On the other hand, ivory can be replaced by a cotton tablecloth, ivory porcelain centerpieces, or short ivory candles…

Using Ivory in the Kitchen

Interior design of a living room open to a kitchenette with ivory colors and wood paneling

In the kitchen, the ivory color provides a bright, inviting feel and is used to paint upper cabinets, backsplash tiles, and even accessories, such as: accent candles.

However, it’s important not to overdo the ivory color in the kitchen. It’s helpful to choose brushed aluminum appliances or colored enamel. Contrasting with a darker color for the lower cabinets creates a light, rustic feel.

Harmony between ivory and these colors

Ivory is a neutral color that goes well with both warm and cool colors, although the general consensus is that the yellow tone in ivory’s composition gives it a subtle warmth. Ivory goes well with jewel tones, shades of teal or turquoise blue. When ivory is used with shades of blue, a tropical look can be created in any room.

Ivory pairs well with warm earthy colors, such as: dark brown, light gray, pale blue, and gray-green. Ivory is a complementary color that works well with these colors and creates an overall soft and elegant look.

Differences between white, beige and ivory

When a slight tint of yellow, cream, or peach is added to white, ivory is formed. Beige, on the other hand, is a soft, neutral color often used as an umbrella term for a range of colors, including: light yellow, light brown, khaki, and desert sand.