It's elementary: To lighten a color (or a room), add a dab of white. Here are a half-dozen light and easy ideas.

Side Table
At 20 inches, this cube is the perfect height to replace a dark table next to a low sofa or a platform bed. It also provides storage for board games or remote controls. To buy: West Elm Cube Cutout Side Table, $129, www.westelm.com.

Woven Boxes
Stow away unsightly odds and ends in these sturdy plastic catch-alls. They're quick fixes for dark shelves. To buy: $20 for a set of two (one small and one large), Tag, 800-621-8350 for store locations.

Flokati Rug
Plush and lush, this pale throw rug makes you want to go barefoot. To buy: Smith + Noble Kalo rug in natural, 28 by 56 inches, $49, www.smithandnoble.com.

Linen Throw
Toss this gauzy, summer-weight accent on a sofa back or arm to hide stains, or throw it over your shoulders on a chilly evening. To buy: Francesca Linen Throw, $68, Garnet Hill, www.garnethill.com.

Ceramic Vases
These high-gloss pieces reflect light and provide a modern touch. To buy: Brentwood vases, from left, $58, $29, and $98, Wingard, 415-345-1999.

Slipcovered Footstool
Opt for a piece of furniture with a variety of uses. This footstool could also serve as extra seating, a place for magazines and remotes, and, inside, storage for toys. To buy: Ikea Bromma footstool, $99 with slipcover, www.ikea.com.