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Grey painted bathroom


26 Gray Bathroom Ideas for Every Design Style

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.

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25 Gorgeous Gray Bedroom Ideas

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(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.

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  • Matching bathroom furniture in gray

    • Bathroom in gray tones – “What could be more boring?”, you might think. And you will be wrong. After all, if you follow the simple rules for decorating such rooms, such shades will provide a very beautiful background for any variations when creating a bathroom interior in gray tones - from classic calm to modern space.

    Features of gray in the interior

    Many people consider gray to be dull, but its apparent unremarkable reality turns out to be completely different - the gray tint streamlines thoughts, relaxes, does not draw attention to itself and levels out other catchy color shades. Therefore, do not be afraid to make the interior of the bathroom in gray tones.

      1. Background gray dampens bright colors

    Those who are not afraid of bold colors and pure shades need to know that excessive saturation with pure colors does not contribute to maintaining harmony. At the same time, burgundy, hot pink, mint, scarlet and other flashy tones need a proper background. This is the gamma with the content of white and gray colors, it can be used both for walls and for floors, carpeting and textiles.

    In addition, various gray variations smooth out bright rich colors, preventing them from drawing attention to themselves and not allowing them to look ridiculous, reflected on furniture and things.

      1. Suitable for men's interiors

    There is a common stereotype - neutral dark tones are the best fit for shaping the interior of a bachelor's home. However, it has been out of date for a long time. Now completely independent representatives of the stronger sex want to see lighter and more varied tones in the room. At the same time, gray shades still remain relevant and clearly emphasize the masculinity of the owner, his fortitude and independence.

      1. Works well with pastels

    As opposed to dark grays, light grays can vary more, adapting perfectly and allowing airy pastel colors to blend seamlessly into spaces designed for relaxation (living rooms, bedrooms). And bathrooms in light gray tones are the best way to cope with this task.

      1. Combines beautifully with wood

    Gray itself belongs to the cold, so it must be combined with warmer colors - wood tones, brown, scarlet, coffee and chocolate.

    Interestingly, even if the design of the bathroom in gray tones has an excess of such colors, this will not make it look cold and boring - especially if there is exquisite wood furniture next to it.

      1. Interior gray scale

    This manipulation will create a volume in space, while the dimensions of the latter do not play a role. By applying several variations of gray (from the lightest to very dark), you can achieve a sense of integrity, as if every thing and surface is inseparable and interacts closely.

    In addition, the difference between dark and light tones allows you to level out small imperfections in the design of the room. Let's say you need to visually enlarge a bathroom that is too narrow - for this you need to paint its walls in a light tone, and the end surfaces in a dark one. Against such a background, furniture will look very impressive.

    If the room has high ceilings and a large area, the use of a gray gradient in the bathroom will smooth out the overly spacious look and give the room more coziness.

    1. Light required

    In addition, to make the room feel warmer, you need to think about proper lighting. If there are a lot of gray surfaces in the bathroom, then the main light source (usually a chandelier) will not help - the lighting needs to be supplemented with other sources - sconces, floor lamps, lamps, directional lights, etc.

    Light sources with high intensity and proper quality will look great - if such light is in a warm tone, it will provide additional comfort.

    See also: Large and small bathroom renovation ideas

    Many shades of gray

    The classic shade variation is a fusion of black and white. Their variations are called achromatic and are considered neutral. If the gray color is mixed with other pure colors (red, yellow, etc.), it will immediately become chromatic - such resulting tones are divided into cold and warm. Chromatic shades are made by mixing completely opposite tones (green - purple, blue - orange, blue - red, etc.), and are also obtained by merging blue, red and green.

    Many people know the book and movie "50 Shades of Grey", but, of course, the real number of possible shades used in bathroom decor is much higher. After all, the electronic palette of only achromatic tones has 256 pieces. Chromatic colors are practically incompatible, since their number only increases from year to year. New shades are even patented (for example, designer J. Wu made his own shade for the new collection and gave it the name Gray Jason Wu).

    They try to give associative names to new shades - silver, graphite, coral, etc.

    Recommended articles on this topic:

    Combining gray with other colors in the interior of the bathroom

    If you decide to decorate the interior of the bathroom in gray tones, then you need to think about what color to combine the main color scheme with.

    Great combination with grey:

    Bad design examples:

    See also: Provence style bathroom: design features and decor nuances

    Advantages and disadvantages of gray bathroom design

  • Forms classical conservatism.
  • Neutral shades harmonize with a large number of saturated colors.
  • Calm shades do not depress the psyche, they relax.
  • Merging with other colors gives non-trivial effects.
  • Perfect for minimalism, which involves the use of gray tones throughout the design.

    • Cons:

    See also: Loft-style bathroom: nuances, ideas, photos

    6 style solutions for the bathroom in gray tones

    Classic

    Classic has always been associated with sophistication. A classic-style bathroom should contain natural materials (metal elements, stone). It is better to avoid imitation products (for tiles, minerals, marble, etc., as well as MDF instead of wood), but this is acceptable.

    A classic bathroom design with contrasting colors and spaciousness, so any tone can be used. Light ones are allowed not to be diluted with anything, medium and dark ones need to be combined with a large amount of white.

    Art Deco

    Art Deco is a style that emphasizes grandeur and a kind of tribute to luxury. It is here, by the way, that shiny elements, strict geometric lines, the use of contrasts, juicy animal prints, a lot of mirrors and glass look.

    Minimalism

    Minimalism in the design of the bathroom suggests:

    1. simple lines, strict forms;
    2. enough space and lighting;
    3. a small number of design elements and furniture;
    4. the functionality of items present in the bathroom.

    Gray is one of the most used colors in minimalism (along with black and white). However, it is used both separately and combined with white / black. The design of the bathroom looks very impressive in gray with surfaces of different tones (no more than two or three shades).

    See also: Minimalist bathroom: functional and stylish simplicity

    Country

    This style in the bathroom is associated with nature and the extensive use of materials of natural origin. The room is decorated with textiles, wooden or forged elements, wicker furniture. At the same time, the floor is made of wooden boards, porcelain stoneware or stone.

    Loft

    Loft is a stylization of industrial premises. A gray bathroom in this case will look great with a rough texture, concrete (or styling for it), chrome elements, glass or tile tiles.

    Scandinavian style

    The presence of Scandinavia in the interior of the bathroom has become so popular that in Moscow it is used more and more often, and it is not difficult to choose a combination of necessary components.

    Traditional Scandinavian classics - patterned elements, drawings (flowers, deer, snowflakes, etc.). As a rule, they are present on the tile in white and blue shades, but gray and white tones will also look great.

    Bathrooms made in this style, despite the relatively simple design, look really cozy. This is explained by the fact that natural wood or stone finishes, decor components and textiles enliven the space. Intense light from several lamps only enhances the feeling of comfort, and if the lamps are turned on alternately, then the bathroom will be cozy both during the day and in the evening.

    See also: Scandinavian-style bathroom: modern design trends

    Gray bathroom furniture was in vogue. Now the situation has changed dramatically, the market offers a wide range of exquisite items and designs for the bathroom in almost any gray tones.

    Furniture is almost always made of plastic (and also made of MDF, chipboard), in other words, you can not spend much on it. If such products are treated with a water-repellent coating or special paints, they can acquire an expensive appearance. The items offered for sale are presented as floor cabinets under the washbasin (or together with it), cabinets, as well as hanging solutions (including those with doors decorated with mirrors), pencil cases, countertops, etc.

    If you decide to finish the bathroom in gray shades, it is better to use frosted glass and mirror elements. White metallic hangers, hooks, etc. will go well with them.

    And if you use yellow instead of white metal, an ordinary gray bathroom will instantly look like a bath for royalty. But remember that this option is only applicable to a combination of different gray shades, as well as variations of gray with brown or orange. In other situations, the presence of elements "for gold" will be at least ridiculous.

    When decorating a bathroom in gray, plumbing products should be selected in the same shade, but still lighter than the general background. If the design is supposed to be gray-white, it is better to purchase plumbing fixtures in classic white, and a pearl option is also suitable for such a bathroom.

    With non-trivial mirror elements or rugs, the room will acquire a unique charm and become a worthy end to the planned bathroom design.

    See also: Installing plumbing in the bathroom: steps, nuances, recommendations

    Cooperate with the company "My Remont" is reliable and prestigious. The specialists working here are professionals of the highest level. The company "My Repair" operates throughout Moscow and the Moscow region.

    Gray bathroom: stunning photos

    Gray bathroom: style and comfort

    Many people think that gray makes a room unremarkable and nondescript. But such a statement is absolutely not true. The fact that the human eye distinguishes more than 500 shades of gray is capable of dispelling this myth. Isn't this a reason to make the atmosphere in the house beautiful, full and harmoniously contrasting? After all, all that is needed to decorate a bathroom in gray is the right tones, competent placement of decor, furniture and, of course, the choice of good plumbing.

    Color scheme in the design of a gray bathroom

    To make the room not dull, but bring aesthetic pleasure every time you visit, the gray bathroom is decorated in halftones. To add variety to this solution, the choice of materials, decorated from white and light gray, to dark and fat shades, helps. To create a multifaceted entourage, it is important to prevent confusion. The whole room can be conditionally divided into zones. Assign a shade to each. Based on this zoning and choose the cladding.

    The size and configuration of the room are the determining factors of what a gray bathroom can be. The design of a photo of such an interior will help to clearly demonstrate the demarcated areas, highlight the importance of using halftones. In particular, if the restroom is small, then this method of decorating will allow you to make the most of the usable area, make it convenient and comfortable.

    A conditional division into the following areas will help to disassemble the design of a gray bathroom:

    1. Ceiling part . Ceilings play a big role in spatial visualization. The darker this part, the more the impression of tightness is created, the walls visually narrow. Therefore, for finishing this area, it is better to choose the most light colors.
      A white and gray bathroom creates a feeling of comfort with a smooth flow of color. Therefore, the ceiling is best painted in a snow-white tone. Due to this, the space will visually expand, it will become lighter and more spacious.
    2. Walls . The design of this area must be approached very carefully. The whole point is that a monochrome gray bathroom design will actually look something depressing. Therefore, the walls are also delimited along a horizontal line to the top and bottom (panel). What should be the level of separation of the panels - directly depends on the plumbing. The line should go above all accessories. Thus, a bath, sink, toilet, bidet is assigned a lower area in which they will be well accentuated, stand out and be emphasized in the overall interior.
      If there is a window in the room, then to create the perfect bathroom design in gray, the border of tones on the wall is drawn along the line of the window sill.
      The maximum light ceiling should border on the wall without pronounced contrast. To do this, it is important not to go too far with color saturation. The painted bathroom (top of the wall) looks best with a pleasant semi-gloss paint. From the preferred tones: smoky white, light gray. If you want to create an atmosphere of vintage and aristocratic stylization, then a newfangled gray-brown tone is at your service. Its exceptional feature lies in the perfect combination with wood, from which the mirror frame, window and window sill, dressing table, wall cabinet, antique chest of drawers can be made.
    3. Paneling . When choosing a finishing material for the lower part of the wall, they are guided not only by color, but also by practicality. The cladding should be as resistant to water as possible, even in direct contact with it. Wall panels with a deep, rich tone will look beautiful and stylish in a gray bathroom. The choice in favor of this color is not accidental. After all, it is he who needs to become a pronounced, contrasting mediator between the light design of the ceiling and the floor. In addition, the snow-white karmic plumbing used against such a background will look spectacular, it will not get lost from sight.
    4. Gray bathroom floor . To create the completeness of the image, you can use the technique of combining the main color accents. The modern market of finishing materials offers an incredibly rich range of colors, patterns and types of ceramic tiles. It is preferable to use it when arranging the floor. The drawing should be organic and consist of three shades:
      • Maximum light to match the ceiling;
      • Smoky or taupe - exposing the top of the wall;
      • Deep - in time with the panels.
      Thus, the flooring will play the role of a collector that has collected all the harmony of the displayed concept.

    Plumbing and accessories in a gray bathroom

    In order for a gray bathroom to have an exclusive and elite design, it is important to pay attention to the choice of sanitary ware. First of all, a means for the full adoption of water procedures is determined. Depending on your comfort preferences, you can use a bathtub or a shower enclosure. When choosing a capacious accessory, you can give preference to the built-in model. In this case, it becomes possible to cover it with the same panels as the walls. An unshakable, monolithic image is created. A white bowl in contrast will look perfect.

    The shower enclosure is just as good. At the entrance there is no impression of "eaten space". Due to the use of a low pallet and glass doors, the cabins of the rooms breathe freedom and provide comfort.

    In the shower enclosure, it is better to finish the walls with ceramic tiles to match the ceiling (white or light gray). Thus, an accentuated allocation of space for a water procedure is achieved. At the same time, ceramics provide absolute moisture resistance and hygiene, which is important for taking a shower.

    Luxurious sanitary ware will be a natural addition to the design of a gray bathroom.

    Learn more