29 Black Bathrooms for an Ultra Chic Oasis

<p>The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto</p>

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Black is an unexpected choice for the bathroom that feels daring and bold in a world where white has long been the go-to option. But those who take the plunge will be rewarded with a chic and timeless space with an enveloping oasis feel.

There are many ways to use black in the bathroom, from all-over paint to black fixtures and fittings, black tile flooring, feature walls, or wallpaper. You can balance black with white or pair with colors from retro pink to fresh greens. If you’re going for an all-black look, be sure to vary finishes and textures to create dimension, and to use metallics and reflective surfaces to bounce around light.

And don’t fall for the received wisdom that painting a small space black will make it feel claustrophobic or cramped. Painting a small space black (or any dark color) will help blur the perception of where walls begin and end, adding depth that will increase the perception of more space rather than diminishing it.

Check out these stylish black bathroom ideas that show you how versatile and alluring a black bathroom can be.

Accent With Wallpaper

<p><a href="https://perkinsonhomes.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Perkinson Homes</a></p>

Break up all-black walls with a band of wallpaper to keep the dark color from overwhelming, as in this original bathroom by Perkinson Homes. Note the brass and silver faucet that's installed through the mirror, increasing the reflective effect.

Use Bronze Accents

<a href="https://www.chrissyco.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Chrissy & Co</a>

This black bathroom by Chrissy & Co combines modern and traditional features for a unique, personalized look. A small chandelier and distressed-looking mirror frame blend perfectly into the modern, black background of this powder room. The neutral pedestal sink could suit either of these styles and really ties the room together.

Stay Traditional

<p><a href="https://palmertodd.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Palmer Todd</a></p>

This bathroom from Palmer Todd shows off its traditional style with a black double vanity and large cabinets on either side. Modern light fixtures and minimal faucets give the space a touch of contemporary style. Colorful pink accessories pop out against the monochromatic background.



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.

Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge to make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome.



Accent With Plants

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWoDzUmAFkC/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">lisacohenphoto / Instagram</a> / <a href="https://woodmelbourne.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Wood Melbourne</a></p>

This all-black bathroom from Wood Melbourne feels balanced thanks to the low-hanging light fixtures, plentiful green plants, and a floating light wood cabinet.

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Add European Flair

L'Interior
L'Interior

A gauzy black drape marks the entrance to this European-inspired bathroom, designed by L'Interior. Damask tile marks the two sinks, and the space between them is filled with a French-style cabinet painted over with stripes. A pair of classic Venetian mirrors hang above the double sinks.

Use Reflective Materials

<p><a href="https://www.karamann.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Kara Mann</a></p>

Black and gloss go together like peanut butter and jelly. This traditional bathroom with a modern twist from interior designer Kara Mann has mirrors and reflective vanities that bounce light around and keep the space feeling bright.

Colorblock It

<a href="https://nordhouse.com.au/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Nord House</a>

Mixing blocks of black hex tiles on the floor and bathtub wall with floor-to-ceiling white subway tiles creates a balanced feel in this bathroom from Nord House that evokes Scandinavian style.

Add Gothic Touches

<a href="http://philipnimmodesign.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Philip Nimmo Design</a>

This Gothic-inspired bathroom from Philip Nimmo Design has a dramatic touch—perfect for those homeowners who eschew the ordinary. Crystal balls, an ornate mirror, and surreal artwork portraits add to the sophisticated Addams Family aesthetic.

Add Luxurious Touches

<a href="https://www.jamiebush.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Jamie Bush + Co</a>

Dark and luxurious, this powder room by Jamie Bush + Co features low-hanging lights, vertical black subway tile, and dark wood enhanced by botanical wall art. The cozy, comfortable style reminds you of a secret cave where you can take refuge from the busy world outside.

Mix With White

<a href="https://aldenmillerinteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Alden Miller Interiors</a>

A white egg-shaped freestanding tub set against a black subway tile sets the tone for this modern-eclectic bathroom from Alden Miller Interiors. Note the shiplap contouring under the large window and the black-and-white tiling, which bring balance and light to the whole.

Use Brass Hardware

Norris & Pip
Norris & Pip

Norris & Pip balance matte black walls of this compact bathroom with a large, unframed mirror, a simple wood floating shelf, and distressed industrial-style hardware in brass.

Make It Contemporary

<a href="https://www.rwid.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Robin Wilson Interior Design</a>

A chessboard-style floor and black subway tile lend a sophisticated air to this bathroom from Robin Wilson Interior Design. The Moroccan mirrors add movement and a white granite countertop provides contrast.

Mix in Some Gray Notes

<a href="http://branchstudioarchitects.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Branch Studio Architects</a>

Straight lines and a dark palette give this bathroom from Branch Studio Architects a sharp, modern style. You'll see more and more of the concrete tub and vessel sinks in the future, as this style is gaining popularity. The marble illusion cube tiling brings a touch of softness and movement, much needed in a bathroom built on straight lines and square angles.

Add Drama

<p><a href="https://www.orangecoastinteriordesign.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Orange Coast Interior Design</a></p>

Black brings on the drama in this contemporary bathroom from Orange Coast Interior Design. The damask wallpaper adds texture, while the shiny silver sink and black granite countertop add reflective surfaces for the light fixtures. The ceiling chandelier makes an interesting play of shadows and light over the white surface, which definitely adds to the overall dramatic style here.

Read Next: These 7 Paint Colors Have a Stunning Effect in the Bathroom

Hang a Gallery Wall

<p><a href="https://brextoncoleinteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Brexton Cole Interiors</a></p>

Deep black paint makes a striking background for this bathroom gallery wall from Brexton Cole Interiors.

Darken the Backsplash

<p><a href="https://www.leclairdecor.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Leclair Decor</a></p>

Leclair Decor added a floor-to-ceiling wall of black backsplash tile that complements the dark stone and plumbing fixtures on the double vanity. The dramatic wall adds depth to the space and contrast with the light flooring, white walls, and black-and-white marble finishes in the shower.

Paint the Ceiling

<p><a href="https://erinwilliamsondesign.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Erin Williamson Design</a></p>

An easy way to introduce black into your bathroom is to paint the ceiling. In this black-and-white bathroom from Erin Williamson Design, black paint with dark blue undertones turns the ceiling into a focal point. The dark paint highlights the skylight and creates a cozy feel despite the high ceilings.

Pair With Pink

<p>Design by <a href="https://www.andreamayinteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Andrea May Interiors</a> / Photo by Karyn Millet</p>

Design by Andrea May Interiors / Photo by Karyn Millet

Andrea May Interiors paired black and pink for a vintage feel in this bathroom decorated with pink and black floral wallpaper, black painted wainscoting, gold accents, antique furniture and decor, and a simple black tile floor in a geometrical pattern.

Accent With Gold

<p><a href="https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Emily Henderson Design</a> / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp</p>

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Gold accents on the wall-mounted plumbing fixtures and teardrop mirrors add warmth and shine to the deep black walls of this bathroom from Emily Henderson Design.

Mix With Emerald Green

<p><a href="http://www.laquitatate.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Laquita Tate Interior Styling & Designs</a></p>

This bold bathroom from Laquita Tate Interior Styling & Designs is dominated by the patterned wallpaper in shades of black, white, and emerald green. A black painted ceiling and black flooring echoes the background of the wallpaper and helps to tie it in with the rest of the space.

Use Decorative Mirrors

<p><a href="https://www.marypattondesign.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Mary Patton Design</a></p>

Mary Patton Design used a decorative mirror over the sink vanity that helps to bounce the light around in this black bathroom

Add Midcentury Vibes

<p><a href="https://brextoncoleinteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Brexton Cole Interiors</a></p>

In this bathroom renovation from Brexton Cole Interiors, midcentury modern-style marbled black wallpaper adds a retro feel that complements the black-and-white space.

Try Black Shiplap

<p><a href="https://www.jessicanelsondesign.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Jessica Nelson Design</a> /<a href="https://www.cassphoto.net/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow"> Carina Skrobecki Photography</a></p>

Jessica Nelson Design painted the shiplap in this modern farmhouse bathroom in soft matte black paint that grounds the space, keeping the ceiling and flooring light for a balanced feel.

Contrast With a Green Wall

<p><a href="https://brextoncoleinteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Brexton Cole Interiors</a></p>

A faux green living wall pops against the adjacent black wall in this bathroom from Brexton Cole Interiors.

Let in Natural Light

<p><a href="https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Emily Henderson Design</a> / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp</p>

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Good lighting will ensure that your black bathroom feels as good as it looks. During the day, a picture window with a view of trees brings in natural light to this black painted wood-paneled mountain home bathroom from  Emily Henderson Design.

Add Vintage Touches

<p><a href="https://lobsterandswan.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Lobster and Swan</a></p>

This English cottage bathroom from Lobster and Swan is moody and relaxing, with an allover black color scheme from the walls to the clawfoot bathtub. Vintage and upcycled accents like a mirrored medicine cabinet and rustic touches like a live-edge sink vanity with a linen curtain on the bottom make it feel homey, warm, and timeless.

Hang Black Wallpaper

<p><a href="https://www.katemarkerinteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Kate Marker Interiors</a></p>

Kate Marker Interiors hung woodland-themed wallpaper with a black background that adds pattern and charm to this Michigan rental cottage bathroom.

Paint Wood Paneling

<p><a href="https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Emily Henderson Design</a> / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp</p>

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Emily Henderson Design painted the wood paneling in this mountain home bathroom black. The visible wood grain adds texture and contrast with the pristine porcelain white of the toilet, while woven accents and plants soften the dramatic look of the paint.

Accent With White

<p><a href="https://brextoncoleinteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Brexton Cole Interiors</a></p>

Light flooring, a white vanity top, and a large white orchid add contrast that lightens up this black bathroom from Brexton Cole Interiors.

Is it a bad idea to paint a bathroom black?

It is not a bad idea to paint a bathroom black. Painting your bathroom black is a bold choice in a world dominated by white bathrooms. But a dark and moody bathroom can have a deeply relaxing, cocoon-like feel that will help make it an oasis rather than just a room in which to wash up. Go all-black for a moody feel, or mix in white fixtures, tile, or metallic finishes to add contrast.

Are black-and-white bathrooms popular?

Black-and-white bathrooms are classic and timeless. Choosing to decorate your bathroom in black and white will ensure that it outlasts trends and looks great without ever appearing to be trying too hard. You can always modify the look of a black-and-white bathroom by adding color accents or accessories as time goes by that will give it a refresh without remodeling. 

Read the original article on The Spruce.