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Gray bathroom painting ideas


26 Gray Bathroom Ideas for Every Design Style

By

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.

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Updated on 07/14/22

Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Margaret Austin Photo

Gray is an understated neutral color that is timeless and classic for a reason. Easy on the eyes, it is versatile enough to work with virtually any design style, from traditional to industrial to contemporary. Gray can be warm, cool, light, or dark. Depending on the tone and shade you choose, gray can fade into the background or set the mood.  

Using gray paint for a primary bathroom or a powder room can create an elegant, calming feel. But you can also mix and match flooring, backsplash and shower tiles, and textiles such as rugs and towels in fun and unexpected ways to create a lively gray-toned space.

Check out these stylish bathrooms in a range of styles and sizes that prove that decorating with gray is anything but boring with a little effort and imagination.

About This Term: Primary Bathroom

Many real estate associations, including the National Association of Home Builders, have classified the term "Master Bedroom" (or "Master Bathroom") as discriminatory. "Primary Bedroom" is the name now widely used among the real estate community and better reflects the purpose of the room.

Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge to make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome.

25 Gorgeous Gray Bedroom Ideas

how to decorate with this popular neutral |

(Image credit: Future)

Gray bathroom ideas are a popular choice for a modern bathroom, and it is easy to see why. Gray is the new neutral and there’s a shade to suit every style of bathroom, be it contemporary or classic.  

‘Everyone wants to paint their houses grey at the moment,’ says Karen Haller, a color expert who teaches industry professionals the science of applied color psychology, ‘but it’s one of the most difficult shades to get right because of the colors that lie beneath.’

'Working with a neutral palette can easily end up bland. By using symmetry and proportion, together with simple but clean-lined fittings, neutral materials will come to life. 

'Any size bathroom that is beautifully proportioned and features neutral, nature-inspired materials will provide one of the most important things in today’s hectic lifestyles; calmness,' says Lisa Persse, Porter Bathroom.

Gray bathroom ideas – 12 ways to use this popular shade

Breathe new life into your space with these smart gray bathroom ideas. From moody dark gray to light pastel gray, here we show you how to choose and update your bathroom color ideas with gray.

1. Use pale grey to create a country garden

(Image credit: Future)

'Decorating with grey works well in a country setting, and salvaged wood comes to life when set against it. Use pale greys on the walls when cupboards and bathroom storage cabinets are made from rustic materials, for a truly homely feel,' says Sarah Spiteri, Editorial Director. However, you can also add grey detailing in accessories, such as blinds, to create that welcoming finish.

2. Add grey to a bathroom with wallpaper

(Image credit: Little Greene)

If you are looking for grey room ideas, often it's best choose a wallpaper to add just a splash of this muted shade.

Patterned bathroom wallpaper ideas, such as this Wilton wallpaper design by Little Greene will add character, depth and texture to what can sometimes be a boxy space free of personality. 

A large, bold repeat pattern like this can work in small bathrooms. If you don't want the space to feel too busy, it is best limited to a single wall, perhaps framing a shapely, roll top bath, and complemented by smart bathroom paint ideas on the remaining walls.

3. Create a color clash for depth

(Image credit: Future)

Gentle gray is the most popular of modern neutrals, making it a chic choice for all kinds of interiors, and there are plenty of accent colors for gray that will add relief in a bathroom, which does, after all, need to feel warm.  

From cool, light shades to warm, dark tones with depth and drama, gray is a versatile choice that is easy to work with, offering you the freedom to create rooms stamped with your own personality and style. 

One of the best ways to add individuality is to layer in highlights and pretty accents that will lift the overall scheme and make the room your own. Here, gray is the perfect canvas for flashes of pink accessories.

4. Decorate with varying shades of gray

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

'Mixing different grays can be tricky if they don’t have the same base notes but it’s a look that’s easier to achieve if you mix up your materials: a wood panelled wall with marble effect paper and layers of textiles and textures,’ explains Kate Watson-Smyth, author of Shades of Gray. 

When considering bathroom colors, opting for a single, muted shade in an eggshell finish for walls, paneling and window frames will create a blank canvas, allowing furniture and curios to stand out.

5. Match gray bathroom schemes with warm wood

(Image credit: Future)

A match made in heaven, cool shades of gray bring out the warmth and beauty in natural wood. 

Modern neutrals are ideal for creating a timeless look. Shades of gentle gray, off-white and natural earthy tones can be used to create a simple and classic backdrop that is calm and easy to live with. 

Large format tiles in neutral shades mean fewer grout lines, so they can be a great way to boost the sense of space and make a small bathroom look bigger. 

Introduce layers of texture in tiles of similar tones for simple elegance, add depth and character with warm wood and natural stone finishes, or team neutrals with striking furniture and richly coloured accessories to create a balanced and sophisticated scheme.

6. Pick a dark gray for a dramatic look

(Image credit: Future)

Kate Watson-Smyth explains why dark gray works in any space and why you shouldn't be afraid of dark bathrooms: 

'If you're only going to paint one wall, it needs to be a gray from the darker end of the spectrum. It will bring a hint of drama to the space. Starting with one wall also gives you a chance to see how you really feel about a color.'

'I’m a huge fan of dark gray walls because I think it’s the easiest of all the grey shades to live with. It works in both daylight and electric light, and most colors look striking when set against a dark, charcoal gray.'

7. Match grey marble with classic black

(Image credit: Future)

Marble is a stylish and luxurious way to introduce gray flooring ideas into a bathroom. What's more, marble is naturally water-resistant and adds a luxurious spa-like feel to a bathroom whether you have a modern space or a more traditional one. 

The color gray is a short cut to sophistication, so ramp up the ethereal charm by teaming it with thinly-veined marble for grey and white bathroom ideas that have a lighter touch than all-gray. A smart black bath with aged brass taps anchors the scheme, reinforcing the classic look.

8. Choose silvery wood-effect tiles

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

If you are looking for gray bathroom tile ideas that are stylish yet practical, these porcelain wood-effect tiles bring beautiful texture and myriad subtle gray tones to this modern bathroom. Combining the beautiful appearance of silvery weathered timber with the benefits of being easy to clean and water-resistant, the tiles are a brilliant way to bring the beauty of nature indoors.

9. Add a gray vanity unit

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

While they are bright and spacious, white bathrooms can sometimes lack depth and interest – adding in gray furniture can be an effective way to create a focal point within the room that will help anchor the scheme. Painted in Farrow & Ball's Downpipe, this gray bathroom vanity idea also features a dark marble top which brings added luxury to the space.

10. Consider the light in the room

(Image credit: Interior Design + Architecture: Finkernagel Ross with Bute bath in a painted finish by Drummonds)

'Timeless and neutral, gray bathroom schemes can offer longevity as well as being a relaxing sanctuary,' explains Helen Shaw, UK director at Benjamin Moore . When deciding on the right paint tone it's important to think about the light, both in terms of natural daylight and light fittings explains Helen. 'Remember that pale grays can feel cold in north-facing bathrooms,' she says. 'Also consider the right lighting for a gray bathroom, these cool tones can make everything, and everyone, look a little pale, so the right lighting is key, especially around a mirror.' 

It's also worth thinking about choosing a gray tone that complements your fittings and furniture, too. In this luxurious blue and gray bathroom designed by Finkernagel Ross, the gray wall color features a subtle hint of blue which pairs beautifully with the inky tones of the Drummonds Bute bath and the warm metallic touches.

11. Paint your bath to complement the walls

(Image credit: Little Greene)

To prevent gray bathroom walls feeling cool consider painting other surfaces within the room in warmer colors which are similar in tone suggests Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs .

'Make your gray paint pop by teaming it with darker tones of sea foam greens and metallic accents such as cast-iron radiators. Pick out areas such as skirting boards, windowsills and even a painted bath to contrast against the darkness of the grey walls. Avoid bold color contrasts and stick to a tone-on-tone and harmonious color palette that ‘sings’ together.'

'Choosing a warmer tone,' such as Little Greene's Livid shade, pictured here on this Omnia bath, 'will stop the gray from feeling too cold,' he says.

12. Choose textured tiles in a wetroom

(Image credit: Bert & May)

As often small, sleek spaces with wall-to-wall hard surfaces, it can be tricky to know how to bring character to wet rooms; opting for gray bathroom wall tiles with a textured finish is a brilliant way to make the walls more decorative. Practical yet aesthetically pleasing, hand-poured cement tiles feature subtle variations in color and tone creating a fabulous textured effect when laid. If using cement tiles in a bathroom it's important to seal them before use to make sure that they are water-resistant. 

What colors go with a gray bathroom?

If you're wondering what colors go with a gray bathroom, the good news is that there are lots of options. As grey is a neutral color, you can pair it with other neutrals, such as a white bathroom, or go bolder if you prefer – the possibilities are endless. Yellow, pink, coral, navy, green and teal are just a few colors which pair nicely with gray.

How do you style a gray bathroom?

You can style a gray bathroom just like you would with any other color. Be sure to add lots of lovely natural materials to give the room more depth and coziness. 

Also, remember that pale grays are good for creating a serene atmosphere while darker shades give a more industrial, urban feel.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

65 photos, design ideas, combinations

Design Features

Key Features:

Shades of gray

Dark gray tones are used to emphasize the geometry of the room, delineate its boundaries and add a certain severity to the design of the bathroom. To blur the spatial framework of the room and vice versa, light gray colors allow to give the atmosphere lightness and airiness.

Platinum is often preferred as a base color as it creates a neat and tidy look. Silver color is able to increase the amount of light in the bathroom and give it a visual volume.

Pictured is a bathroom with platinum tiled walls.

An elegant shade of wet asphalt is suitable for a self-sufficient interior, and a steel or pewter color with a bluish undertone is for a restrained and aristocratic design.

Anthracite, charcoal, iron or thundercloud color, despite the cold energy, form a deep and delicate image of the bathroom.

Finishes and materials

Ceramic tiles are the most common wall cladding. Gray tile with imitation of stone, marble or metal, due to a monochromatic grout, creates a natural monolithic surface. Plaster with matte, glossy, silky or velvet textures has unlimited potential.

You can dilute the gray interior with mosaics or patchwork tiles. So that the room does not look too crowded, it is better to apply a fragmentary wall decoration behind the washbasin or near the bathroom. For fashionable and trendy design, modern panels with a 3D effect are used.

The photo shows gray decorative plaster on the walls in the bathroom interior.

The ceiling in the bathroom offers a practical and moisture resistant finish. For example, a beautiful and durable stretch fabric or slats, which are easy to install and presentable, would be an excellent option.

The floor in the room would be appropriate to lay with wood imitation tiles, caramogranite or use natural cork flooring.

Selection of furniture, sanitary ware and accessories

For a bathroom in gray, furniture elements with plastic or wooden facades are selected. In a spacious room, you can install countertops, wall or floor cabinets, complemented by an illuminated mirror, arrange bedside tables or pencil cases.

A bathtub with a marble bowl will give an incredible sophistication to the environment, which, thanks to the pearl shimmer, will fill the interior with a special charm. In a room in gray tones, shiny steel or gilded towel warmers, faucets and other accessories will harmoniously look.

The photo shows a bathroom in gray tones, decorated with a hanging cabinet with a glossy facade.

You can diversify a monotonous design with green plants, bright rugs or towels. Additional effect will give the room lighting in the form of spotlights or pendant lights located above the sink.

Gray color combinations

Unique combinations enliven the space and make it cozy.

White-grey bathroom

A win-win classic combination that fills the room with lightness, relaxation and serenity. White should be used in moderation as it should only accentuate the unique gray and not become the main color scheme.

The photo shows a bathroom interior with white and gray finishes.

Grey-pink bathroom interior

In a dark gray bathroom, a gentle pastel-pink gamma will look particularly advantageous. No less harmonious is the combination of an ashy shade with a powdery color scheme or fuchsia, in any proportions. The gray-pink duet at the same time endows the design with calmness, unusualness and brings bright touches to the room.

The photo shows a modern bathroom design with pink furniture fronts.

Gray-brown interior

Brown shades warm up a monochrome room and add more comfort and harmony to it. A gray bathroom interior combined with wood looks really stylish.

Pictured is a dark gray bathroom with brown wood accents.

Black and gray bathroom

The gray-black tandem evokes elegance and luxury. Such colors do not give the atmosphere gloom, but rather make it more refined and perfect.

Pictured is a black and gray color palette in a spacious bathroom.

Blue and Gray Combination

Smoky tones with blue or turquoise colors create a rather cool, but mature and elegant combination. Midnight blue and sapphire shades add some solemnity to the interior, while pale cornflower blue, sky or blue colors contribute to relaxation and peace. Due to the low contrast, light blue forms a very pleasant and harmonious duet with gray.

Pictured is a bathroom with gray tiles combined with blue painted surfaces.

Bathroom in gray with bright accents

Intense color accents not only accentuate the noble gray design, but also completely change the visual perception of the bathroom.

An unprepossessing and ordinary monochromatic interior takes on a truly stylish and colorful appearance due to red shades.

The photo shows an orange bathtub in the design of a light gray bathroom.

Gold flecks can be selected for a more sophisticated design. Against an ashy background, gold looks very expensive and elegant.

The combination of cold gray and green is topical and natural, a gray-coral combination will bring special freshness to the room, orange or yellow colors will fill the bathroom with cheerfulness and positive.

Photo of a small bathroom

With the use of a lighter palette, glossy, mirror surfaces and a minimum amount of volumetric decor, it is possible to achieve no less impressive interior masterpieces.

The photo shows the design of a small-sized bathroom in gray-pearl tones.

For a small bathroom, it is better to choose compact furniture, and replace floor cabinets with hanging shelves that save usable space. Enlarge and lighten the space can be due to the glass partitions for the bathroom or shower.

Examples in various styles

Ash tones are ideal for many modern stylistic solutions. For example, a light gray finish combined with crisp white plumbing will be a worthy design for a minimalist interior.

Iron gray and graphite colors will give the bathroom a bold look in the urban loft direction. Nickel-plated and chrome-plated surfaces against the background of concrete walls will look very original.

Photo of gray concrete walls in a minimalist bathroom.

Expensive marble cladding in shades of gray, combined with beautiful semi-columns and a large bathtub with gilded legs, will perfectly complement the luxurious baroque style.

For classic and neoclassical design, white-aluminium, agate or pebble colors will suit the elegant environment.

Gray toilet design

In the interior of a small toilet in a smoky palette, it is appropriate to use patterned decorative tiles, mosaics or accent color on the wall behind the toilet. Thus, the atmosphere will look more lively and interesting.

The photo shows a design of a gray toilet with an accent wall tiled with drawings.

In a very small washroom, you can apply graphite or anthracite finishes to only one of the planes. This solution will allow you to properly distribute light and shadows in the room and make the interior more organic.

Photo gallery

The gray bathroom with cleverly placed accents is a cozy space with a pleasant environment that inspires relaxation and relaxation.

Gray Bathroom Design 50 Inspirational Ideas

In our article today we have some very original images of modern gray bathroom design ideas. Gray and black are ideal base colors for a bathroom as it is very easy to add bright accents through furniture, small flowers or arrangements to complement these dark but neutral tones. Various shades work well with a gray bathroom, allowing you to choose bright colors that will serve as a decorative function in the bathroom.

Neon shades look great in bathrooms where the main color is light gray, a modest shade of shades of gray stands out even more attractive. To make your bathroom even more inviting, we will also show you some mosaic bathroom ideas. Mosaic bathrooms must be sure that this is a trend that will never go away, but evolves over time and takes on different forms.

Bathroom design with sink and gray tiles

This is nothing new, because mosaic is a technique known and used since ancient times. It's quite a challenge to place jigsaw pieces close together, create shapes and patterns, and even more so when you need to evenly cover an entire wall or an entire floor. But don't get discouraged, just think about the end result.

LED lighting in designer shower enclosure

If, after seeing these photos we have for you today, you have definitely decided to renovate your bathroom and do it with gray, we advise you not to forget about the light. Since this is a dark color, remember to have good lighting and more in the sink where you shave or put on makeup. What can lighten up your gray bathroom a bit is the use of light colors for the furniture.

Modern Green Illuminated Shower

Also, when it comes to decorating and adding light to increase illumination, you can use shower lights. To make the decoration more original and interesting, you can use lights of a color such as blue or green. So these colors will go with the idea of ​​water. In addition, these colors can be used in other parts of your bathroom to complete the decoration.

Gray walls in a modern spacious bathroom

On the other hand, candles can be used to enhance the lighting and brighten gray bathrooms. However, you will have to reserve a place for these candles away from the water, such as a shelf on the wall. You can make this shelf by creating a wall with this type of design, or you can also add floating shelves.

Gray wall in modern bathroom

On the other hand, when it comes to decorating an interior with a certain color, you can use that color to decorate walls and floors, as well as furniture. This way you can play more with colors. On the other hand, keep in mind that in small bathrooms, light shades of gray are better suited, as they will open up the interior more.

White washbasin in a gray modern bathroom

On the other hand, white furniture color can be chosen to match. Thus, in combination with light shades of gray, your interior will be filled with more light, and the effect of increasing the interior will also be created.

Combination of light and dark gray in a modern bathroom

On the other hand, if you don't want to use white in your bathroom, so as not to create very strong shades, you can choose a very light shade of gray. In this way, you can create contrast using dark gray and light shades. On the other hand, to create a bridge between two tones, you can use white for furniture.

Modern bathtub in a gray modern bathroom

In addition, the style and elegance of your bathroom can be improved by using furniture with an original and modern design. One of these pieces of furniture can be a bathtub. You can also use rugs to complete the interior decoration.

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