Although light colors have dominated bathrooms for ages, darker tones have become increasingly popular in recent years. And for a reason! They’re effective, dramatic, and can turn your bathroom space into a luxurious oasis if well incorporated.
So, check out our dark bathroom ideas, and see how beautiful a dark bathroom can actually be.
Combine Various Materials and Textures
Opting for a black bathroom doesn’t necessarily entail monotony. In other words, you don’t have to settle for exclusively black color and traditional materials.
Using different materials, patterns, and textures can bring depth to your bathroom, make it more dramatic and luxurious, and add some contrast.
Get creative and dare to combine marble, wood, glass, and ceramics on your walls, floors, etc.
For example, you could pick dark marble for one of the walls and contrasting, warm, wooden panels on the opposite wall. Add in white in the form of a ceramic bathtub, sink, and other decorative details.
This way, you’ll get an abundance of texture and a perfect unique personal sanctuary.
Add Plenty of Light Sources
If you want to make your dark bathroom look fantastic, adding enough artificial light is something you mustn’t forget, especially if you have black bathroom walls (and/or not enough natural light coming from the windows).
You don’t have to settle for a single lighting fixture in the center of the ceiling. You could disperse subtle light sources all around your bathroom. For example, you could introduce several ceiling lights, LED lights around your mirror, LED wall lights, etc.
Well-positioned light sources will add depth to your bathroom and create a more inviting atmosphere.
Combine Different Hues of a Single Dark Color
Opting for a dark bathroom doesn’t necessarily mean you have to use a single shade of the color of your choice. Combine different dark colors and shades and let your creativity shine through.
For example, if you choose to get a charcoal or dark grey vanity in your bathroom, feel free to play with its surroundings and opt for walls, floors, and other elements in different shades (e.g., ash, graphite, etc.).
Don’t forget to add some contrasting details (e.g., a white tub, sink, or a contrasting beige wall) to complete the look!
Opt for Alternative Dark Colors
Opting for a dark bathroom doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go all black. Though black is always a safe bet, you can also combine different dark colors, shades, and hues to achieve the ultimate dark elegance.
Some of the most popular colors you can choose from are dark blue, violet, brown, and grey.
If you’re bold enough and looking for something truly unique, we recommend deciding on a dark green bathroom. Choosing small-sized dark green tiles will be enough to get the effect and some texture.
Add some details in neutral or earthy natural tones, and your dream bathroom will be all set!
Bring In Some Contrast
Introducing lighter colors (e.g., white, beige, ivory, etc.) can bring some contrast to your bathroom.
There are many ways to go about this. For example, you could bring in some brightness by strategically adding numerous pieces of light-colored decor in your all-black bathroom.
Or, if you’re into a more dramatic look, you can go half white, half black. Combine white and black marble on the walls and floors and mix classic white bathroom fixtures with a dramatic dark vanity in your bathroom.
Luxurious Dark Natural Stone Tile
If you want your bathroom to look as high-end as possible, we recommend getting dark natural stone tiles for your walls. Though they’re some of the pricier remodeling options, they’ll truly give your bathroom some texture and a touch of luxury you’re after.
To brighten up your bathroom, bring some warmth in, and truly open it up, you could introduce an effective bathroom shelf made of light-colored wood as well as mirror door cabinets.
Hang Up a Large Mirror
Having a small bathroom is no reason to give up having a dark, dramatic aesthetic. You can make your small dark bathroom appear bigger by introducing a large wall-to-wall mirror (or combining several smaller ones).
They reflect light, creating the illusion of spaciousness and brightening up the space (especially the one dominated by a dark color palette).
Add Some Warmth With Wood-Colored Details
Adding some wooden details can go a long way. Wood will add a touch of nature to any bathroom regardless of its overall design. The right type, color, and texture of the wood will perfectly complement your bathroom, be it modern or rustic.
Opt for an effective large wood-colored vanity, a luxurious bathroom-safe wooden floor, or, if you’re not prepared for such a major investment, accessorize your bathroom with a variety of wooden bathroom decor items (e.g., toothbrush holders, soap dispensers, organizers, small shelves, etc.).
Wood goes well with virtually all dark colors, and it’s a particularly good choice for an all-black or a dark gray bathroom.
Elegant Black Marble
If you want a touch of drama and luxury in your bathroom, choose one of the most elegant materials for your walls and floors — black marble.
To avoid your bathroom looking too dark, make sure to add some contrasting colors. Choose brass or chrome lighting fixtures and/or a white sink and bath and add some brightness to your deluxe bathroom.
A Massive Dark Vanity
Introducing some dark-colored statement pieces into your bathroom is an excellent way to create a modern dark bathroom.
For example, getting a bold vanity in a dark color (or simply painting the existing vanity black) is usually enough to get the effect. Then, you also could add a black shower hose (and showerhead), light fixtures, hardware, and black mirror frames to complete the look.
If you’re prepared for higher costs and a more extensive remodeling project, you could get a dark grey or a black floor to get even more mystery and elegance to your space.
You can achieve this even if you’re on a budget and don’t intend on replacing your flooring. Just paint your floor tiles with latex or oil-based paint, and you’ll be good to go.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, dark bathrooms don’t necessarily have to be dull monochrome spaces. With a little bit of imagination, beautiful decor, and appropriate use of contrasting colors, you can create a true self-care oasis.
FAQ
Is a dark bathroom a good idea?
Getting a dark bathroom is an excellent idea if you like bold looks and want a dose of luxury in your home. It does come with some extra maintenance (e.g., dust shows quickly), but the effect is usually worth it.
How can I brighten up a dark bathroom?
To brighten up a dark bathroom, you should use white, wood, or gold details to instantly bring some light into your bathroom. Also, don’t forget to add a sufficient amount of various light sources to truly brighten up your bathroom space.
Should bathroom walls be dark or light?
Bathroom walls can be either dark or light, depending on what look you’re trying to achieve. If you’re after a dramatic look, darker colors are the way to go.
Are dark colors good for small bathrooms?
People usually pick lighter colors for small bathrooms, as they contribute to the illusion of spaciousness.
However, dark colors can also look good in small bathrooms. Just make sure to add enough light and a large mirror to make the space appear larger.
How do you style a dark bathroom?
There are various ways to style a dark bathroom.
For example, you could:
- Add different textures and materials (wood, marble, natural stone, etc.) to introduce some variety.
- Combine different dark colors (or different hues of dark colors).
- Opt for classic white bathroom fixtures to add some contrast.
- Add decorative light fixtures in contrasting colors (brass, gold, chrome, etc.).
- Add a variety of bathroom accessories in warmer colors or event plants to brighten up the space.
Check out our styling guide above for more dark bathroom ideas and styling options.
