A black and white bathroom can be an elegant and timeless design choice. The contrast between the dark and light colors creates a dramatic, yet soothing vibe. When done right, a black and white bathroom has the power to look stunning.
From picking the right paint colors and materials to accessorizing and styling, there are several things you need to consider to create a beautiful black and white bathroom. This article will provide tips and ideas to help you design a gorgeous black and white bathroom that you’ll love.
Choosing Paint Colors for a Black and White Bathroom
The first step in creating a black and white bathroom design is picking the right paint colors. You want high-contrast colors that really make the black and white aesthetic pop. Here are some popular paint color combination ideas to consider:
Classic Black and White
A true black and white scheme is the most dramatic option. Paint the walls and ceiling a bright, clean white and use black paint on the trim and doors for contrast. Choose a black and white checkered tile floor to complete the bold classic look.
Black with Off-White
For a slightly softer look, pair jet black walls with an off-white, cream, or very light gray on the ceiling and trim. This creates more contrast against the black while keeping things clean and simple.
Dark Gray and White
Some people find pure black paint to be too dark and intense. Try a charcoal gray wall color with bright white trim for a similar moody, yet more relaxed vibe.
Black Accent Wall with White
If you don’t want to paint the entire bathroom black, try a black accent wall instead. Use black paint on one wall and bright white paint on the rest for a simpler take on the black and white theme.
Soft Black and Soft White
Not a fan of harsh contrasts? Go for softer shades like a dove gray wall color and a warm off-white like almond on the ceiling and trim. This maintains the black and white aesthetic with more subtle, neutral shades.
Crisp White with Black Fixtures
Rather than black walls, use black with your fixtures and decor instead. Choose bright white paint all-over and make a bold statement with black cabinetry, tiles, mirrors, lighting fixtures, and accessories.
The Best Materials for a Black and White Bathroom
The materials and finishes you choose will have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your black and white bathroom. Here are some striking material options to complement this dramatic color scheme:
Black and White Tile
From checkerboard floors to graphic shower walls, tile is a great way to incorporate black and white into your bathroom. Try bold patterns or mix different tile sizes for extra interest. Use glossy tile to make the colors pop even more.
Black Fixtures and Hardware
Replace chrome and silver hardware with matte black or black nickel fixtures, taps, shower heads, and accessories for a sleek look. Black towel bars, hooks, cabinet hardware, and lighting fixtures can all fit into a black and white theme.
White Marble Counters
For an elegant contrast to black walls or cabinetry, install white marble or quartzite countertops and backsplashes. The white veining in natural marble pairs beautifully with solid black.
Black Cabinets and Vanities
Painting your vanity and cabinets black is an easy way to incorporate this bold color. For variation, try glossy black lowers with matte black uppers or mix in some white details.
White Subway Tile
Classic white 3×6 subway tile is the perfect complement to black walls, cabinetry, or accents. Use it on the walls, shower floor, or as a backsplash. The clean white lines enhance the black and white aesthetic.
Styling Your Black and White Bathroom
Once your paint, tile, cabinetry, and fixtures are in place, have fun accessorizing your black and white bathroom. Use these tips to add character and style:
Add Pops of Contrasting Color
While limiting your color scheme to black and white can look sophisticated, adding in some contrasting accent colors prevents it from feeling flat and boring. Bright red towels, gold decor, green plants, or blue artwork all pop beautifully against a black and white backdrop.
Incorporate Natural Wood Tones
Bring warmth into the space with natural wood accents and greenery. Floating wood shelves, antique wood stools, live plants, and wicker baskets all provide an earthy contrast to the stark black and white.
Use Plush White Towels
Crisp white towels feel fresh against black walls and tile. Display them neatly on ladder-style towel racks or hang them on hooks to show off the fluffy texture.
Add Metal Mirrors and Decor
The sheen of metal accessories complements the black and white color scheme. Hang round, square, or arched metal mirrors to expand the space. Display black and white photos in metal frames as artwork.
Light It Up With Black or White Fixtures
From sconces and pendants to vanity lighting, use black or white fixtures to enhance the aesthetic. Black wrought iron, matte black, or glossy white all work beautifully. Mix and match styles for extra personality.
Incorporate Natural Textures
Wood crates, woven baskets, fluffy cotton bath mats, and fresh greenery add organic texture against the smooth tiles and sleek black and white. Layer in these natural elements to soften the look.
Inspiring Black and White Bathroom Ideas
Here are some gorgeous examples of stunning black and white bathroom designs:
Modern Spa Bathroom
This luxurious bathroom features a freestanding black tub, black stone vessel sinks, white marble tile, white grout, and white towel hooks. Lush green plants add fresh color against the black and white backdrop.
Sophisticated Hotel Bathroom
With bold black tile, black penny round floor tiles, white grout, white quartzite counters, and black walls, this bathroom definitely has that hip hotel vibe. The pendant light fixtures and wood accents keep it natural.
Dramatic Contrast
The crisp white tub, shower tile, and vanity pop dramatically against the inky black walls in this bathroom. Tiny mosaic floor tile adds interest along with the wood stool and greenery.
Checkerboard Floor
A black and white checkered tile floor laid in a herringbone pattern makes a bold statement in this bathroom. All-white walls, tub, trim, and fixtures keep the look clean and bright.
Black Shiplap Accent Wall
For a unique twist, use black stained shiplap wood on one accent wall. The natural wood grain shines through the black for a textured look. Surrounding white tile and walls keep it fresh.
Tips for a Stunning Black and White Bathroom
To pull together a truly stunning black and white bathroom, keep these final tips in mind:
- Stick to a black and white palette with just a few bold pops of color for accent. Too many colors competing will take away from the dramatic aesthetic.
- Use a combination of materials and textures like tile, shiplap wood, marble, and metal to add visual interest. Avoid making everything flat and one-note.
- Properly light the space with sufficient fixtures, natural light, and candles to brighten up the moody black.
- Incorporate greenery from succulents to eucalyptus stems to bring life and freshness into the black and white palette.
- Tie in black and white artwork, prints, and photography to complement the color scheme.
- Clean tile grout regularly and use grout pens to touch up and keep the white grout bright against black tile.
- Add modern or vintage-style black and white patterns and prints through wallpaper, shower curtains, and area rugs.
- Mix high gloss and matte finishes to add dimension and catch the light differently.
- Use window treatments like black and white striped roman shades or solid blackout curtains to enhance the aesthetic.
Get creative, play with bold contrasts, and layer in textures to design a gorgeous black and white bathroom you’ll never want to leave!
Frequently Asked Questions About Black and White Bathrooms
Is a black and white bathroom hard to keep clean?
Black and white bathrooms need a bit more maintenance to keep looking pristine. Dust, soap scum, and water spots show up more easily against black surfaces and white grout. Stay on top of daily cleaning and regular deep cleaning of tile and fixtures to keep it sparking.
Do black and white bathrooms feel cold?
Black and white can feel cold and sterile if not balanced properly. The key is to add in plenty of textures, warm metallics, wood tones, and greenery so the space still feels inviting, cozy and livable. Strategic lighting also warms up a black and white color palette.
Is a black bathroom gloomy?
If done right, a black bathroom can look sophisticated and moody in a good way. But covering every surface in black paint can make the space feel dark and cavelike. Stick to black on 50 percent or less of surfaces and balance it with bright white and natural wood tones to avoid gloominess.
Should you use black grout or white grout with black tile?
For most black and white bathroom designs, white grout complements black tile best. The bright white grout lines really make the black tile pop. However, black grout can create a seamless, graphic look on shower walls or floors if you want an integrated solid black effect.
What is the most popular black and white floor tile?
Black and white checkerboard tile is the most classic and popular choice. It immediately conjures up the black and white aesthetic. However, black and white geometric patterns like hexagons, diagonals, diamonds, dots, and stripes can also make a bold flooring statement.
Should you have a black toilet in a black bathroom?
Having a black toilet, sink and other fixtures can be too much black and make the space feel dark and closed in. Opt for white fixtures and hardware against black walls or tile to create a sense of contrast and brightness. Or pair matte black fixtures against bright white walls.
Is a black bathtub hard to keep clean?
Solid black tubs show soap scum, water spots and mineral deposits easily. Be diligent about wiping down the tub after each use. Fill it with white vinegar and water occasionally to dissolve buildup. Use a non-abrasive tub cleaning spray regularly to cut through residue without damaging the finish.
Conclusion
A black and white bathroom design can look incredibly elegant, dramatic, and unique when thoughtfully executed. Keeping the color palette and materials simple allows you to get creative with patterns, textures, accessorizing and styling. Follow the tips and ideas in this article to help you design a stunning black and white bathroom you’ll absolutely adore. Don’t be afraid to have some fun and get bold with this classic, versatile color scheme. Your dream black and white oasis awaits!