The Stylish and Elegant Appeal of Black Bathrooms

There was a time when we associated bathrooms with wall-to-wall white finishes and artefacts.  Not any longer. Nowadays designers have discovered the possibilities of black interior décor in bathrooms, for both small and large spaces. Black bathrooms are effortlessly stylish and sophisticated when handled with care. Psychologically, black offers a sense of intimacy and adds a grounded ambience to bathroom design. This is ideally suited to the modern bathroom which nowadays we think of as a refuge, a retreat from the stresses of modern life, where we are restored.

Through this article, we are going to provide practical advice, inspirational ideas and the dos and don’ts of black bathrooms.

Oxo black and white bathtub 200×75 cm
Oxo black shower column 
Square black bath tap
Oxo black washbasin mixer 

The Unique Properties of Black

Black is the absence of colour. It offers a unique tool for interior designers to sculpt spaces. Wall finishes in black tones appear to recede into the distance; therefore, elements of colour stand out within a predominantly dark environment. Black blurs our perception of depth and dimension. There is a more ambiguous sensual experience of black spaces because ambient light is absorbed, not reflected.

On the other hand, black is also timeless and will never go out of style. It has no association with any one historical period and is highly versatile. However, since the modern age, it has evoked glamour and sophistication, which is made manifest through the skills of interior design. In addition, black décor can just as easily be minimalist or maximalist.

Black Bathrooms Ideas

The line between excessive and elegant is very fine when it comes to black bathroom décor. You want to avoid the moody nightclub aesthetic and embrace the sophisticated, elegant look. There is a lot more drama with black. While the all-white bathroom has a neutral quality, there is more emotional involvement with black bathrooms. Texture, lighting and accents are among the most useful tools to take black from pedestrian to perfection.

Wall tiles – Nylo Noir Polished 120×270 cm

#01      Black Wall Tiles

Either ceramic or porcelain tiles are the gold standard of bathroom wall protection. Choose between a wide variety of subtle variations on black. Avoid Jet black because it deadens any space, especially small spaces such as the bathroom. Instead, introduce cooler or warmer shades of black, blue undertones for cool and brown undertones for a warmer tone. Marble tiles with white veining provide a sophisticated primer to the black bathroom canvas. Or choose a gold vein for a more opulent look.

#02      Wall Coverings

Simple paint is a practical and budget-friendly way to decorate black bathrooms. For a more varied and visually stimulating result, textured wallpaper in darker hues is recommended. Nowadays, bathroom wallpaper is resistant to moisture and splashes and comes in a large array of patterns and figurative mural designs. Combine with panels of tiles for a more characterful décor.

#03      Flooring

Combine or contrast flooring with bathroom walls to define the space. Match floor and wall finishes for powder rooms or courtesy bathrooms to create a stylish cocoon. For family bathrooms or en-suites, the flooring should provide a contrast with the walls. Geometric pattern tiles with tones of grey create balance within a moody black bathroom. Timber effect floor tiles or LVT flooring also complement a black background.

#04      Ceilings

The large horizontal plane of the bathroom ceiling takes on special significance in black bathrooms. Stark white, as a rule, is too clinical for black bathroom ceilings. Add a hint of grey to elevate the sensation of space; this works well for low ceilings, especially. A skylight is a bonus, but a similar effect can be achieved with lighting. Alternatively, clad the ceiling with a material that matches the décor to create a designer feature.

#05      Lighting Scheme

Black absorbs visible light, reflecting little or none back into the space. That’s why artificial lighting is so important in black bathrooms. The lighting should complement any features and textures of the space. Combine direct and indirect lighting to create dimension. And let your creativity run riot with a statement chandelier or vintage fitting. Black is the ideal framing device for luminous glass and metal designer lamps.

#06      Storage

Black bathroom cabinet storage solutions help to define the space. These elements add an architectural quality to the bathroom. The massing of these volumes becomes an extension of the walls. Glass doors and metallic ironmongery add sparkle to alleviate the look and help define the volumes.

#07      Glass

Be creative with decorative glass elements; shower screens, cabinet doors, wall lamps and mirrors don’t have to be plain old flat glass. They can add sparkle and decorative flourish to black bathrooms. Fluted glass especially picks up light reflections and adds visual interest, but coloured glass and frosted glass can also add oomph.

Statement Black Bathroom Tiles

A decorative tiled wall panel or a geometric floor tile helps to elevate black bathrooms. The classic black and white bathroom floor is a timeless example, but there are a number of other options. Given that black is still an unusual choice, combining it with a non-standard tile makes perfect sense.

Deco Nero Velluto 59.6×150 cm
Nero Velluto Polished 120×270 cm

Statement Black Wall Tiles

With black, it’s all about the drama. A surefire way to heap on the drama is with textured or three-dimensional wall tiles. Whether you prefer a light surface relief or a more modelled design, the surface texture creates delicate patterns of light and shade. This nuance is subtle but nevertheless powerful, especially when seen in natural light. The extra depth and dimension of these tiles denote quality and gravitas.

Statement Black Floor Tiles

With monochrome geometric or floral motifs, the black bathroom floor resembles a bespoke rug. One that offers all the advantages of ceramic or porcelain. Alternatively, a geometric-shaped tile, such as an octagon, creates a mosaic-like quality. For smaller bathrooms, rectified tiles that match the wall tiles add to the perception of dimension. In either case, add a plain contrasting border tile for the ultimate sophisticated flooring.

The Best Materials to Complement Black Bathrooms

Black is a favourite of designers for a reason; it looks good with almost anything. Nevertheless, there are some classic combinations that are guaranteed to make an impact. The bathroom is a multi-faceted space with numerous functions gathered into one space. Every function requires a suitable material. From practical storage elements to decorative potted plants, the following materials will enhance the spatial experience of black bathrooms.

Wall tiles – Nero Velluto Polished 120×270 cm

#01      Natural Stone

White marble, cream or grey stone tiles are the perfect complement for black bathroom décor. The classic chequerboard floor tiles are the go-to solution for timeless elegance. While contrasting border tiles and feature panels add visual interest to black bathroom walls.

#02      Timber

Natural wood or timber effect tiles combine effortlessly with black, not only for wall cladding but also for flooring. Timber furniture elements and shelving also help to warm black bathroom décor. Wood adds texture to black and has an organic quality that works with either a rustic or contemporary style.

#03      Metals

Our tip for combining metal fittings and accents with black is to vary the finish. Choose between polished, brushed and matte metallic finishes. However, it’s best to pick one finish for each category for the optimum results. Accessories like toilet roll holders might all have a matte finish, while faucets might be consistently chrome. By varying the finish throughout the bathroom, there is more dimension and visual interest.

#04      Natural Fibres

Rattan, cane and wicker are trending right now in decorative bathroom complements. These natural fibres have a tactile quality that feels light and airy within black bathrooms. The organic beige and honey tones are beautifully framed by black as storage cabinet doors, laundry baskets or seating elements.

How to Accessorise with Black

The secret to black bathroom décor is choosing the right accessories and other details. As a rule, these elements, including bathroom fittings, should create a contrast with the background walls and flooring. With subtle gradations of tone, a mixture of different textures and the strategic use of metals, black bathrooms come alive. The following black bathroom accessories make the difference between a cold and lifeless bathroom and somewhere warm and inviting. But always elegant and sophisticated.

Basins – Faces Habana Dark BPT  45.4×49.4 cm
Motif Tray L Habana Dark 22×18 cm

#01      Bathroom Artefacts

To pile on the drama, nothing equals a free-standing bathtub. Whether your preference is for white or black, the bath is visually impacting. Similarly, nowadays black is an option for the WC pan, Wash Hand Basin and shower tray. But to avoid overkill, remember that contrast between finishes and colour tones is the key to providing visual interest.

#02      Vanity Unit

A black vanity unit with a marble or white ceramic basin perched on top is timeless. To underline the look, choose a stylish faucet design, in matte black, rose gold, chrome or other metallic finishes that complement the overall décor. This approach works well when matched with other bathroom accessories.

#03      Bathroom Mirror

The reflective qualities of glass are important within a darker setting. Combine the bathroom mirror with concealed lighting around the surrounding frame. The indirect lighting creates a halo effect and is both practical and dramatic in darker spaces. Anti-fog glass is recommended.

#04      Black Bathroom Taps

For a classic monochrome tandem, pair pristine white ceramic bathroom artefacts with matte black faucets. The matte finish absorbs the light while the white ceramic reflects it. The look is eye-catching and stylish. Coordinate with the sink stopper and soap dispenser for an added flourish.

#05      Storage

Instead of built-in cabinets, choose floating shelves or a brightly coloured free-standing storage cabinet to add visual interest to dark bathrooms. Jewel colours like ruby red or emerald green complement black beautifully. These bright colours add to the mystery and inscrutability of black bathroom walls.

#06      Decorative Accents

Details matter in black bathrooms. Add metallic accents with toilet roll holders, towel rails (or rings), soap trays and toothbrush holders. A black bathroom accessory set or shower head turns a practical function into an eye-catching feature.

#07      Soft Furnishings

Fabric elements like towels, bathmats and rugs provide a great opportunity to soften black bathroom décor. Even fabric laundry baskets can add tactile and visual warmth. Lighter colours work best; keep all textile elements within a sympathetic family of colours to avoid overdoing the softening effect.

Heating, Ventilation & Air Quality

To compensate for the more tenuous lighting in black bathrooms, make sure to pay particular attention to environmental comfort. In other words, the heating and cooling, as well as providing the required air changes. A suitably sized ventilation fan helps prevent foggy mirrors and reduces humidity. This is more important in black bathrooms than in white spaces.

Choose a black bathroom radiator or underfloor heating for a seamless sensation of comfort throughout the year. Metal radiators can double up as towel warmers depending on the design. Remember to install the radiator within reach of the bathtub or shower cubicle.

As a general rule, potted plants contribute to the air quality of bathroom spaces; the health benefits are not confined to breathable air. Vegetation in the home reduces stress and improves well-being. Broad-leaf plants that thrive in humid environments additionally look particularly attractive when framed against a black background.

Acro Compact wall-hung black bidet
Acro Compact wall-hung black WC
Essence C Compact 80 wall-hung black basin
Swan black basin mixer 
Round black bidet tap

Back to Black

Black is not for everyone. Nevertheless, if you want to make a statement with a small courtesy WC, or if you are interested in the psychological advantages of black in bathroom décor, then we recommend further research. Start online, but make sure to visit your nearest Porcelanosa showroom to appreciate the subtleties and variety of black décor. The nuances of cool and warm shades of black are best experienced under natural light. Make an appointment or drop us a line with any questions regarding this article, and we’ll get back to you.

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