Including Ivory In Your Home Design

Due to its warmness and comforting hue, ivory is among the most popular shades of white that interior designers choose when decorating homes. But what color is ivory, and how do you properly incorporate it into your color scheme? Hiring an interior decorative to advise and implement a color palette throughout your house isn't always within the budget, and many people prefer DIY projects these days.

Luckily, it's easy to bring ivory into your home with a few tips and tricks. The color is tried and true, timeless, classy, and appealing to the eye. It makes family and guests feel at ease and can help a space look more open without feeling cold and impersonal. It's a popular color for walls, window coverings, furniture such as sectional couches, floor coverings, home accents, and beyond. You'll be hard-pressed to find items that don't provide an ivory option–that's how well-loved the color is.

At Mor Furniture for Less, we're here to help you through the interior design process every step of the way. We have furniture and home accents that suit every taste and style, all at the most affordable pricing in town. Browse online or visit your local showroom to get answers to the questions such as "what color is ivory, and how can I buy pieces that will look best in my house?" Together, we can make your living space a cozy home.

What Color Is Ivory?

Many people think of white when they hear the color ivory, which isn't entirely wrong. White tends to be bright and crisp and is the lightest color on the spectrum. There are no layers, no added hues, and instead represents a total absence of color. Experts refer to the color as "achromatic." This is not quite the same as ivory.

The color ivory is a variation of white, yet it brings a more cheerful and hospitable feel to your space. The color of true white can make a room feel stiff and ultra-formal. You may think of a cold doctor's office or a place where you're not supposed to touch anything. Ivory, however, has a bit of a light yellow tone, which livens up the area and brings a comfortable feel.

The History of the Color Ivory

Ivory is a color that has deep and rich origins. While today artisans blend the color by mixing white and yellow, this wasn't always the case in years past. This white and yellow blend has a history in the hunting and cultivating of precious animal bones and teeth. These include the tusks of elephants and walruses. The name first came to be in the year 1385, greatly pre-dating common hues today, such as "lime green" or "electric indigo."

In the past, items made with authentic animal ivory were cherished and adored. They were seen as a status symbol and often used for pieces such as jewelry pendants, knife handles, and even door handles. Natural ivory was hard to come by, in high demand and considered a luxury item. Comparable to modern-day products such as diamonds and gold, ivory items were highly exclusive and expensive.

The hunting and poaching of these animal parts have long been banned in many parts of the world, but the white & yellow shade is now a staple in the design world. The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) banned the selling and trading of natural ivory in 1989. It's now illegal to buy, sell, trade, give away, transport over state lines, or ship overseas. However, you may find it hidden deep away in an ancestor's box of keepsakes.

Today, many animals hold the beloved ivory name. These include birds such as the ivory gull, the ivory-backed wood-swallow, and more. Plants, such as the ivory orchid, also share the hue's designation.

How to Use the Color Ivory in Your Home

While buying and selling animal-derived ivory is banned, the color remains prominent in the world of interior design. No animals are harmed in creating the hue by mixing paint or colored fiber dyes. It's a fashionable color that never goes out of style and, even better, matches virtually every interior design scheme. Seen as a neutral color, you can pair it with almost anything in your home.

Use ivory as a wall color when you want to create an area that looks spacious yet welcoming, and decorate the room with the furniture color of your choice. Additionally, any wall hangings or window coverings will complement the shade nicely.

Many people also like to employ the use of ivory carpets. Shag carpets and faux-fur floor coverings in this shade add elegance and glam to the room. Other common uses include main furniture pieces such as media consoles and home accents such as throw pillows and blankets. There's almost no way that you can't properly incorporate ivory into your home design.

Mor Furniture for Less' Favorite Ivory Pieces

At Mor Furniture for Less, we carry a wide variety of ivory-colored furniture and accent pieces. We know that they'll never go out of style and can elevate the look of any space. Here are a few of our favorites.