How to decorate a black and white bathroom


18 Inspirational Black and White Bathrooms

By

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 09/12/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Looking for some inspiration for your bathroom decor? Why not go the simple route with the classic and always-fashionable black and white?

In all parts of the home, black and white decor is going strong—and will go on strong for quite a while. It's easy, simple, and flexible. Black and white lets you use your favorite accent color for just a dash of happy.

You can also quickly change that accent color with small touches like accessories, linens, a new mirror, or a new coat of paint on the door frame.

Let's have a look at some beautiful black and white bathrooms. 

How to Style Black and White Interiors to Look Anything But Boring

Black and white bathroom ideas: 10 monochrome schemes |

Black and white bathroom ideas are the perfect way to decorate if you’re looking for a timeless, chic and sophisticated space. Simple and understated, the classic pairing can be used to create an infinite array of captivating looks from bold, edgy and contemporary to luxurious, traditional, elegant.

Decorating with contrasting tones can be tricky to get right, but with a considered eye and with each tone used in the right proportions, this daring tonal duo can be used to create beautifully balanced interiors. 

Two-tone schemes can run the risk of being cold and flat – the key to decorating in monochrome is to ensure to add interest and depth through tonal variations, intriguing shapes, pattern and texture. 

With so many inspiring bathroom ideas out there it can be hard to know where to start, so we've rounded up some beautiful black and white along with some expert tips to help get you started.

Black and white bathroom ideas

Sophisticated and versatile, black and white bathroom ideas have remained popular over the decades and show no signs of abating as we enter 2022.

'In contrast to vibrant colors, the monochrome style remains an iconic design trend, providing a timeless and classic look. It’s the equivalent of wearing black trousers, a white t-shirt and a black leather jacket – but in bathroom design. The contrast between stark white tiles and bold black brassware creates the same glamorous and edgy style that is seen on the high street,' says stylist Lisa Talbot as she rounds up the latest trends for bathroom brand Roxor .

By limiting your bathroom color ideas to two contrasting tones, you can create a graphic look with real impact and drama perfect for a glamorous, edgy feel. Alternatively, for a space which is more relaxing, embrace a monochrome scheme that layers various tonal shades from light gray bathroom ideas through to deeper charcoals for a gentler feel.

The key to decorating with monochrome schemes is to add in plenty of interest and texture to prevent the scheme from falling flat, clinical and uninviting. Decorating with patterned wallpapers, fabric blinds and decorative wall tiles is a brilliant way to do this, as well as opting for fixtures and fittings in burnished brass or gold finishes. When it comes to bathroom wallpaper ideas there's no need to hold back says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene .

1. Wow with a luxurious geometric floor

(Image credit: Drummonds / Cuschieri Architects )

Marble bathroom ideas are guaranteed to bring luxury to a space, but when introduced in the form of 3D geometric tiles they can also bring a beautiful contemporary twist to a traditional bathroom, too, as this space by Cuschieri Architects proves. 

‘We used marble tiles to tone in with the more traditional fittings, but the floor still makes a powerful statement,’ says architect Paul Cuschieri.  

Setting the tone for a luxurious Art Deco feel in this black and white bathroom the statement floor is teamed with Drummonds’ Humber bath.

2. Add a striking monochrome mural

(Image credit: West One)

For a room with wow-factor nothing turns heads quite like a statement wall mural –and there’s no reason why you can’t have one in the bathroom thanks to the innovative Wall & Decò system from West One Bathrooms which offers a water-resistant alternative to wallpaper and tiles. 

‘Upscaling really makes an image pop. Wall & Decò’s incredible designs are 100 per cent waterproof so they can be used anywhere in the bathroom, including inside the shower,’ says Kirsten Wain, designer, West One Bathrooms. ‘Each print is rendered to fit the wall dimensions and can be adjusted to ensure focal parts of the design take prime position.’ 

Statement designs such as Wall & Decò's Imaginary Paradise waterproof wallpaper, pictured above, would make a really effective master bathroom idea as these bathrooms are often the largest, giving the wall space to really show them off.

3. Introduce texture with veined marble

(Image credit: Future)

You can use bathroom flooring ideas through veined marble tiles as a beautifully decorative way to channel the black and white bathroom aesthetic. Covered in beautiful natural markings, these Calacatta Viola polished marble tiles from Mandarin Stone bring interest and texture to what could be a stark space. 

4. Soften the scheme with a fabric blind

(Image credit: Future)

Black and white bathrooms can often have a masculine, contemporary feel. If you’re looking to soften the look consider adding printed fabrics through fabric window blinds. 

With its simple floral motif reminiscent of Indian block printed designs, Tasha’s Trip Charcoal linen by Kit Kemp at Christopher Farr Cloth makes for a lovely roman blind in this black and white bathroom and teams well with the additional pattern from the Indian inlay pearl furniture. 

‘For blinds or curtains to work in a bathroom, make sure the room is well-ventilated to prevent mildew developing,’ advises Yvette Murrel contributor at Homes & Gardens.  ‘Avoid full-length designs – or at least ones that hang on the floor – and opt for a lightweight fabric that will not only maintain privacy while letting in light, but will also dry quicker in case they do get damp.’

5. Opt for a feature floor

(Image credit: Samantha Todhunter / Jonathan Bond)

Patterned floors are a brilliant way of making a playful statement in the bathroom without overpowering the space – this makes them an effective small bathroom idea as they bring personality to a space while allowing the walls to be kept plain to keep the space light and airy. 

‘Using a bold floor tile is a wonderfully effective way to elevate a bathroom – it grounds the room, emphasizes the sense of space and scale, and packs a chic punch without being too overwhelming,’ advises interior designer Samantha Todhunter .

A tessellated floor pairs well with white walls and marble tiles to keep the rest of this space light and uplifting, while gold fittings and fixtures bring luxury and warmth.  

Opting for a tiled design which is not clear where one tile begins and an other ends is a brilliant idea for small spaces, too, explains Irene Gunter, interior designer and founder, Gunter & Co Interiors .

'When it comes to tiling, I prefer bathroom tile ideas where you don’t obviously see where one tile starts or stops, making the entire floor appear seamless. Mosaics, large marble slabs or quirky geometric shapes can all be used to achieve this – especially when using bright colors like a powder blue. Whatever you do, try to avoid standard 60x60cm tiles as they visually divide the room into squares, accentuate that not too many of them fit.’ 

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)

Available in almost any shape, shower tile ideas in a wide variety of materials and with a huge array of decorative surface designs to choose from offer endless scope for decorating a bathroom. If you’re stuck on where to begin with your design, picking out some tiles you love could help spark the rest of a scheme.

Asked to create a luxurious en suite for the main bedroom of an early Victorian house, CP Hart designer Stefania Marino was inspired by her clients’ choice of tile. ‘They brought me an image of an eye-catching black and white hexagonal design. It sparked the idea for a bold monochrome scheme, which would also make the most of the original black cast-iron fireplace,’ she recalls of the project in south London. 

Moving the entrance door allowed her to position a large 1,500x900mm enclosure in its place, with a Crittall-style matt black frame chosen to introduce industrial style.

‘The taps and shower fittings are finished in polished chrome to balance the matt black elements in the scheme,’ says Stefania of the Italian-designed Gessi Eleganza range. ‘I wanted to contrast the modern industrial look with a little glamor and elegance to make the room unique.’ 

7. Soften the look with sinuous curves

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)

Whether you are looking at mainly white bathroom ideas or dark bathroom ideas, a beautiful freestanding bath with a sinuous, curved silhouette is a brilliant way to bring elegance and to soften a black and white bathroom. CP Hart's Elter composite stone bath makes a beautiful focal point in this scheme designed by Stefania Marino. 

‘To soften the scheme, the freestanding composite stone bath has a gently curved shape,’ she says of the bathroom, which sees the bath placed in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows: ‘I wanted my clients to be able to lie back and see the green of the garden, and the sky,’ she adds

On the floor hexagonal marble-effect tiles bring subtle pattern while keeping the scheme bright and uplifting. 

8. Bring personality with a decorative wallpaper

(Image credit: CP Hart)

As practical spaces bathrooms can often run the risk of being clinical and cold. However, this needn’t be the case as this beautiful bathroom proves. Often people shy away from bathroom wallpaper ideas but a statement wallpaper is an easy way to bring personality and texture to these spaces. Try papering above wall tiles to prevent the paper being damaged, plus make sure your space is well ventilated. Capturing the beauty of nature into the bathroom this Richmond Park design with its decorative leaves from Zoffany looks beautiful with marble tiles. 

9. Create a traditional feel with patterned wallpaper and blinds

(Image credit: Warner House Knotted Sash wallpaper and fabric)

'For a traditional bathroom in black and white consider papering the walls with a dramatic wallpaper and using the same design across blinds, suggests Lee Clarke director of Warner House . 

'Bathrooms are a great place to create a sense of drama so be brave and use the same pattern on all the walls and even the same design on blinds or curtains. Whether you are going for a classic or an ultra-modern look, there is a wide choice of designs to suit all styles,' says Lee.

'The Knotted Sash design is an absolute classic Warner print dating back to 1900. A simple, yet bold trompe l’oeil pattern which looks delicate in pink for a bedroom and bold in black for a dramatic bathroom. I just love the simplicity of the design, yet it carries so much presence.'

 

10. Create two-tone drama with black walls and marble surfaces

(Image credit: Future)

If you’re thinking of splashing out on beautiful marble tiles consider contrasting them with dark walls to make the tiles really shine. We tend to shy away from using dark colors in small spaces but dark bathroom ideas can be really effective in creating a luxurious, cocooning and soothing feel.

‘Bathrooms are somewhere you can indulge in strong pattern and color without upsetting the flow of your overall interior design,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

How do you add color to a black and white bathroom?

There are many ways to add color to a black and white bathroom. Decorating the walls and floors of a bathroom in a neutral, tonal variations of black and white will help keep spaces feeling timeless, but adding in color through accessories such as towels, mirror framed and small pieces of furniture such as wall-hung bathroom cabinet ideas will help add interest and bring the space to life.  

Bathroom paint ideas, such as painting furniture, are also a quick and easy way to bring color to timeless black and white schemes, plus the color can be refreshed if tastes change.

‘Painting fitted furniture in a bathroom is a good opportunity to introduce stronger colours complemented with neutral walls or vice versa. Painted paneling is still very popular and we love combining our beautiful stronger colors – such as Malahide or Invisible Green – with exquisite wallpapers,' says Edward Bulmer, interior designer and founder, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint .

'Painting an old bath is another good way to inject some color and our paints are perfect for traditional cast-iron baths: colors such as our earthy browns Brick or Etruscan Brown are favorites.’ 

How do you soften a black and white bathroom?

To soften a black and white bathroom consider factoring in a range of different tonal variations into the palette, from light grey through to charcoal rather than simply decorating with the stark tones of pure black and white.

Adding in an array of different textures and patterns will help too, consider decorative wallpapers and window treatments in printed fabrics provided they are suitable for wet areas and the space is well ventilated. Patterned tiles will also help take the harsh edge off a black and white bathroom. 

Introducing accents in softer colors, such as green bathroom ideas or blue bathroom ideas, can also help calm the scheme. Pastel pink works well with black and white, as do the ever-popular botanical greens. 

Fixtures and fittings such as towel rails in burnished brass and gold make beautiful finishing touches which will help warm the space and add a touch of luxury and sparkle.

Black and white bathroom: 100 photo examples of design

Trend colors come and go, but the classic remains unchanged. Unless you're planning on remodeling your bathroom every few years, it makes sense to plan the interior so that it stays up-to-date for as long as possible. In this article, we tell you how to design a black and white bathroom and show photos of beautiful examples.

Decorating the bathroom in black and white

Color combination
Design tips
– Finish
– Plumbing
— Furniture
— Decor
Sample projects
— Perfect balance
— Concrete and wood
- Everything fit

Instagram @snopkova_design

It may seem that there is nothing simpler than monochrome design. However, a black and white bathroom is a combination of two contrasting colors that is equally likely to look spectacular and gaudy. Let's figure out how to combine them correctly.

The combination in equal proportions will look too flat and boring. It is recommended to use the "primary color - secondary - accents" scheme. The base can make up from 50 to 70% of the entire palette, the second color - about 20-30%, the rest - for accents. In the bathroom, the main element, as a rule, becomes the color of the finish, although variations are possible.

Versatile choice for light bases and striking dark accents. This option is suitable for any room, since white visually enlarges the space. You can take a chance and make a dark interior interspersed with light details. In this case, it is important to think over the lighting, the correct textures and the location of the mirrors. In a complex interior based on black, everything should work to ensure that an already small room does not turn into a cramped, uncomfortable box.

What to do in color

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Instagram @irina_myagkova_design

Instagram @famenka.design

Instagram @johnstonparkeinteriors

Photo: Vasily Bulanov. Stylist: Yuliya Chebotar

Black and white tiles in the bathroom can be imitated with marble - looks good in both light and dark versions. In white, they traditionally choose a “boar”, lay it out in different ways. Also in light colors there can be concrete-look porcelain tiles - suitable if you want to use the walls as a transition between black and white. Classic - square or rectangular white tiles.

The type of tile and installation method is chosen depending on the style and size of the room. It is believed that the smaller the area, the smaller the pattern should be - but this is not always the case. For example, a small mosaic in a small bathroom of 2-3 squares will only draw attention to its modest size. Optimally - medium-sized tiles or seamless porcelain stoneware slabs. For the floor, it is better to take large-format tiles - this is a universal option for both large and small spaces.

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Instagram @aquarius_design

Instagram @rerooms_design

Instagram @ax_interiors

Instagram @alisa_architekt

Instagram @alexey_volkov_ab

Instagram @snopkova_design

Instagram @marideco.ru

Plumbing

Plumbing plays a major role in the bathroom. The main question is: what color to choose?

The filling of the bathroom should be chosen based on these facts. The overall color scheme also affects: if the finish is white, then black plumbing will favorably shade it. The reverse technique is rarely used: as a rule, the same products are used against the background of dark walls.

What can be done?

Instagram @ekaterina_kodinceva

Instagram @kurilovdesign

Instagram @kerimov_architects

Instagram @inspi___deco

Instagram @redrobotdesign

decor

In the design of a black and white bathroom, decor is especially important. Achromatic interiors look spectacular, but in everyday life they can be perceived as too cold and uncomfortable. It is the accessories that help offset this effect.

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Instagram @alinasulinadesign

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  • It is necessary to provide additional lighting for the mirror - these can be wall sconces or LED strip around the perimeter of the frame.
  • Do not give up soft lighting - it can be put on the top of the room or installed in the shower area, bathtubs, so that if necessary, turn on instead of the overhead light and arrange a home spa area.
  • You can additionally illuminate the open shelves with LED lights to make it easier to find the items you need.
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    Instagram @maximadzhi

    Instagram @kurilovdesign

    Instagram @polinov

    Instagram @nastya.home

    Instagram @antei.by

    Instagram @koltan.violetta Photo: Evgeny Gnesin. Style: Olga Vasilyeva

    Finally, we offer you to look at some beautiful projects from designers, from which you can take ideas for note.

    Perfect balance

    Let's start with a project in modern style, where the balance of black and white is maintained in perfect proportions: the light finish of all surfaces gives room for creativity in the rest of the design. The central dark element is a spectacular wall-to-wall painted MDF installation. It is supported by details: a stool in the shower area, fittings and textiles.

    The result is a harmonious proportion. And pay attention - without using other colors!

    Instagram @texture_design

    Instagram @texture_design

    Instagram @texture_design

    Concrete and wood

    Here is an example of how textures can be combined within the same interior. Despite the small area (only 3 squares), the design is dominated by gray and black, while snow-white is used locally - this color was chosen for the sink and toilet bowl. There are two types of finishes on the walls: large gray tiles and black decorative plaster under the ceiling.

    The bathroom is made in a modern minimalist style, there is practically no decor. The emphasis is on textures: relief plaster is combined with concrete-look tiles and a warmer wood texture. Multilevel lighting also plays a role. Several overhead lights are complemented by LED lighting for the mirror and shelves in the niche.

    Several interesting tricks are used here.

    There is not much decor, but it sets the right accents: dried flowers and textiles make the room cozier, while black matte fittings add graphicity.

    Instagram @design.nika_march

    Prepared by

    Anastasia Stepanova

    White color Black color

    Black and White Bathroom - 75 Best Fashion Design Ideas Photos

    The interior, whose elements are based on the contrast of colors, looks very bold and cannot leave anyone indifferent.

    The standard color of the bathroom will complement the elements of black tones very harmoniously.

    Table of contents of the article

    Advantages of the black and white style in the arrangement of the bathroom

    The bathroom in black and white is an example of timeless classics. This design choice remains relevant for centuries.

    Available in two contrasting colors, you can play with your bathroom in different tastes.

    Black and white bathroom interiors are never boring. It is this aspect that does not give you ground for thinking about the boring interior.

    Disadvantages of the contrast of black and white in the interior of the bathroom

    The cleanliness of a bathroom made in these colors must be monitored constantly, because dust and splashes of water on the interior elements will be striking.

    Before you start finishing work, think carefully about the design of the room. One small mistake can ruin the big picture.

    For people who are prone to depression, the interior of the bathroom in black and white will have a negative effect.

    If the bathroom you want to finish in black and white is small, this idea should be abandoned. This technique will make your room even smaller.

    Some features

    When decorating a room with contrasting tones, do not lean on dark shades. Black color should not be dominant, but only give the interior a special charm.

    The floor can be accentuated by staggering the tiles or completely black.

    If you want to visually make your room bigger, then leave white as the predominant color on the walls, and decorate plumbing fixtures in black.

    If your desire has the opposite direction, then the walls of the room should be made black, plumbing, respectively, leave white. This technique will make the bathroom smaller.

    Finishing Variations

    There are many ideas for black and white bathroom design.

    For example, you can check the tiles in vertical or horizontal lines, finish half the room in black and the other half in white, or make it completely black or white and many others.

    Tiles arranged in this way will look simple and tasteful, while horizontal lines will stretch the space and make your room appear larger.

    A room with vertical lines will visually make the space smaller, but at the same time the ceilings will appear higher.

    Plastic panels can serve as an alternative to tiles. With the help of such panels it will be easier to draw straight lines.

    To dilute the color scheme of black and white tiles in the bathroom, you can use a mosaic pattern. This option will look unobtrusive and at the same time allow you to divide the room into the zones you need.

    Wall and floor finishing work in the bathroom

    Working on the floor surface does not require any special troubles. You can perform it in any interpretation, but remember that if you make the skirting boards black, this will visually reduce the space of the room.

    A floor made in the form of a chessboard to add a noticeable space to the room. The ceiling trim can be left in white, this option always looks advantageous.

    But if you still decide to finish the ceiling in black, your bathroom will noticeably be heard in height. Pay special attention to the door, it should not stand out from the general interior of the room.

    Choice of sanitary ware and bathroom furniture

    If black is the dominant color in your black and white bathroom, opt for light-colored sanitary ware.

    The system will work exactly the opposite if the dominant color in the room is white.

    Choose your bathroom furniture based on its basic style, otherwise you may end up with an overly cluttered space.

    How to dilute the design of a black and white room

    To add variety to the strict classics of black and white tones, you can experiment with the play of colors.

    You can choose a bright color and play up the interior space.

    This color scheme will give your bathroom a special personality.

    Finishing tips

    When choosing black and white bathroom tiles, give preference to gloss. Compared to a matte shade, gloss will not absorb light.

    If the room is small, then you should opt for a small slab. For a large room, accordingly, choose large-sized tiles.

    In order not to go beyond the color style of the room, furniture and sanitary ware should contrast with the main color of the room.

    To give your black and white bathroom a complete look, choose interior elements in the same style.

    A few tips before cladding

    Before you start implementing your idea of ​​finishing a bathroom in black and white, you need to consider all the possible disadvantages and advantages.

    If you have a small room, it is better to opt for a black field and white plumbing. But even if your room has a large area, you should not flirt with black shades.

    Consider every detail when distributing lighting. But it is best to seek advice from an experienced designer.


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