ᐅ Which colors go well with IKEA PLATSA in white?

Created on: 8 Dec 2020 20:37
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Tausi33
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Tausi33
8 Dec 2020 20:37
Hello everyone,

I am currently working on furnishing my living room and planning to use the IKEA Platsa shelving unit in white. Since the design is quite minimalist and modern, I’m wondering: which colors go well with the IKEA Platsa in white to create a harmonious yet lively atmosphere?

I’m especially interested in recommendations for wall colors, accessories, or other furniture that would work well in both living and work areas. It is important to me that the overall look does not feel too cold or sterile, but rather inviting and warm, while still maintaining the clear style of Platsa.

I look forward to your suggestions, including reasons or personal experiences. Thank you in advance!
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vinpau
8 Dec 2020 21:03
Hi! That’s a great question! 😃 White is a fantastic base – so many colors work well with it!

Personally, I find that warm tones go really well with the white PLATSA, for example, a nice mustard yellow or terracotta as a wall color or in cushions and decor. This softens the coolness and brings a lot of life to the space!

Dark green or teal also create striking contrasts that look very elegant. And don’t forget wood tones – especially light woods like oak fit perfectly and create a warm atmosphere.

Feel free to experiment a bit; I have tried many combinations, and it’s really fun! 👍
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SAWYERR
8 Dec 2020 21:27
Almost anything goes with white, depending on the style you want.

- For a modern look: gray or anthracite.
- For more warmth: brown tones or beige.
- For contrasts: dark blue or black.

Accessories in copper or brass complement this well.
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kulau
9 Dec 2020 07:12
Hello Tausi33,

I would like to add to the previous tips with a slightly more detailed perspective, as I have placed my own PLATSA unit in white and enjoy experimenting with colors.

The challenge with white is usually to avoid creating spaces that feel too sterile. White works well as a base color, but the contrast and combinations make the difference.

A possible approach to choosing colors could be as follows:

- First, consider whether the room size and lighting feel more cool or warm. Cool daylight pairs better with warmer wall colors.
- For wall colors: a soft light gray with a warm undertone (e.g., greige) adds depth without feeling cold.
- Do you prefer to introduce color through textiles and accessories? Then tonal combinations of cream, sand, or delicate pastels like blush or sage are suitable.
- Wood elements (especially natural oak or birch) pleasantly break up the white space and bring a natural touch.
- From a technical standpoint, hues with a high yellow content (“warm colors”) create a friendlier atmosphere, while blue-tinted colors can feel cooler.

Also, pay attention to the furniture surfaces—matte finishes are preferable to glossy ones, in order not to “break” the minimalist look of PLATSA.

I’d be interested to know: Which style are you aiming for? Modern-minimalist, Scandinavian, cozy? This greatly influences the ideal color choices.

Looking forward to more details!
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vincent46
9 Dec 2020 09:45
I would like to add to the previous posts with a few more thoughts. Finding the right balance between white and color can sometimes be quite challenging, especially when you put a lot of effort into the interior design.

I experienced this myself, initially worrying that everything might feel too sterile. Then I tried incorporating green plants as a natural element of color and life. They bring freshness, create great accents, and make the white feel more vibrant through the greenery—a definite win-win.

Fabrics with texture—such as chunky knitted throws or velvety cushions—also add coziness and prevent white from looking too stark.

Perhaps you could also experiment with different materials for furniture or sideboards. I have often seen how a small addition of wood or metal can change the look without having to significantly alter the overall color scheme.

I found the process not particularly easy, but if you stay open-minded, you develop a good feel for the space.
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RETRAVIS
9 Dec 2020 12:58
As an addition: White has the advantage of combining very well with neutral yet contrasting colors.

- Wall colors: Gray tones between RAL 7000 and 7035 are recommended; they provide enough neutrality without appearing sterile.
- Furniture/accessories: Steel blue or anthracite accents create clear highlights without overwhelming the space.
- For a warmer atmosphere: Beige or pale ochre work well as wall colors.

The surface of PLATSA is matte, so it makes sense to choose matte or slightly textured materials to avoid distracting light reflections.

If a color accent is desired, it can be introduced through cushions, vases, or textiles.

From a technical perspective, a combination of white with highly saturated colors should generally be avoided, as these can quickly appear visually unsettling in this context.