I always knew my guest bathroom was just… there. I hadn't been able to give it much TLC when I moved in so there it was, a white box completely forgettable and basic. Every time I had people over, I found myself apologizing for it, which is a silly thing to do for a room people spend maybe five minutes in. Albeit, this is why bathrooms can be a great space for doing something bold!
As a bathroom designer, I knew it needed be something more. Small spaces can make a big, unexpected statement so when I found the time, I decided this space would be a great candidate to create an elegant black bathroom. Even though Black is my favorite color, I know the idea of an all-black room can be scary; I get it.
We are often told bold colors make a room feel small and cramped. But I was tired of playing it safe with boring beige choices I had been making for other spaces. I wanted a bathroom that felt like a retreat, something dramatic and sophisticated. You'll learn exactly how I created an elegant black bathroom, from the first scary idea to the final, beautiful result.
Here is the Before:
Table Of Contents:
- The Dream: Why a Black Bathroom?
- Planning and Design Phase
- This is How I Created an Elegant Black Bathroom Step by Step
- Lighting: The Secret to Avoiding a Black Cave
- Adding Texture and Warmth
- The Finishing Touches
- Conclusion
The Dream: Why a Black Bathroom?
My inspiration wasn't one single picture but a feeling. I thought about luxury hotel bathrooms and moody, gothic themed restaurants I'd been to. They all used dark colors and vintage golden accents to create an intimate and exclusive vibe. Dark academia? Something sort of along those lines. That was the feeling I wanted to capture.
The goal was to craft a space that felt intentionally designed, not just a room that happened to have a toilet and a sink. I wanted a bit of drama and felt a stylish black bathroom would be a powerful statement about my personal style. The right black color scheme has a way of feeling both modern and timeless.
Planning and Design Phase
Going from a vague idea to a concrete plan was the most important part of this whole project. I knew that without a solid plan, my this concept of an elegant black bathroom could easily become a design nightmare. My design process is typically the same- I research and spend a few days just thinking and collecting bathroom ideas before I touch a single thing. Hello Pinterest! :)
Gathering Inspiration and Creating a Mood Board
I started where most of us do: online. I made a digital mood board and filled it with images of black bathrooms I loved. I looked for patterns in what I was saving. Pinterest is a great resource for saving images of materials, fixtures, paint colors palettes.
I knew matte paint finish, clean lines, and a touch of metallic warmth with gold accents was the way to go here. This focus helped narrow down the thousands of options. The mood board wasn't just pretty pictures; it was a blueprint. This board serves as a guide, keeping the design direction focused and ensuring the final look was cohesive.
Choosing the Right Shade of Black
When I first started designing for clients, I quickly learned that black is not just black. There are dozens of shades with different undertones. Some blacks have a cool, blue undertone, while others have a warmer, brown base. The right paint color can completely change the feel of a room.
I bought several paint samples and painted large swatches on the white walls. I looked at them at different times of day to see how the light changed their appearance. I eventually settled on a deep black with a slightly soft undertone that felt rich without being too harsh.
According to paint experts at Benjamin Moore, testing paint in the actual space is a vital step people often skip. It helps you see how the color interacts with your specific lighting and other elements.
Layout and Spacing
My guest bathroom is pretty small, so I couldn't change the layout of the plumbing. I had to work with the existing footprint. This meant my choices had to make the space feeling as open as possible.
Designer Tip: Thinking about small details, like the placement of bathroom furniture, during the planning stage will saved you from making expensive mistakes later. Measure twice!
This is How I Created an Elegant Black Bathroom Step by Step
Once the plan was set, it was time to get to work. This was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Seeing the old white bathroom get cleared out was the point of no return. But it also meant my vision was finally starting to come to life.
Tiling: The Foundation of the Look
Typically this is a decision I would make for full renovation, however this was intended a quick refresh over the course of a few days, so I opted to not include new tile and worked with what was there.
Hypothetically, the wall behind the vanity could have became my focal point. For future reference, below is a list of tile options that could be considered:
| Tile Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Format Porcelain | Fewer grout lines, makes space look bigger, very durable. | Can be tricky to install on uneven floors. | Floors, seamless wall coverings. |
| Ceramic Subway Tile | Affordable, classic look, versatile patterns. | Many grout lines can make a small space feel busy. | Backsplashes, shower walls. |
| Natural Stone (Marble, Slate) | Each piece is unique, adds luxurious texture. | Requires sealing, can be porous and expensive. | Vanity tops, feature walls. |
| Textured Tile | Adds dimension and visual interest, hides imperfections. | Can be harder to clean than smooth tile. | Feature walls, accent areas. |
Walls and Paint
For the walls, I used the charcoal, almost black paint color Cracked Pepper by Behr in an Eggshell finish. This is the "secret" that gives this bathroom an high-end, cozy vibe. The typical semi-gloss would've displayed too much shine to pull off this look.
Painting a room black does takes patience. Dark colors often require an extra coat to get full, even coverage. I also used a good quality primer tinted to a dark grey, which helped the black paint cover the old white color much more easily.
Some people might choose a bold patterned wallpaper for an accent, and while wallpaper adds a beautiful pattern, but my goal was a calm, spa-like contemporary feel.
The Vanity and Sink: A Focal Point
To break up all the black and prevent the room from feeling too heavy, opt for a mid-tone wood vanity. A floating vanity is mounted to the wall, leaving the floor space underneath open. This simple trick makes a small bathroom feel much bigger. This powder room already had a mid-tone vanity with a white quartz countertop.
The rich wood grain adds warmth and an organic element to the room. This white counter brings brightness into the space and needed contrast which helps bounce light around the room, crucial in a such a dark color scheme.
Fixtures and Hardware: The Jewelry
The fixtures were my chance to add a touch of glamour. I chose a brushed gold finish for the bathroom towel bar hardware and down light. The warmth of the gold against the cool black is a classic combination that feels incredibly elegant.
I like mixing metals so this room has a mix of cool and warm metal. Whether mixing it up or staying with the same finish, the right bathroom hardware can elevate the entire space.
Lighting: The Secret to Avoiding a Black Cave
If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: lighting is everything in a dark bathroom. Without good lighting, my elegant space would have just been a black hole. I wanted to be strategic about where I placed my light sources to make the black walls work.
Layering Your Light Sources
I used 3 layers of light. First, for general room lighting, there was already a light fixture in place and this provides good ambient light for the whole room.
This is where it gets fun. I installed an battery operated accent "down" light or picture light. It comes with a remote control and fun to use! This little detail highlights the artwork, a reprint from (Picasso's Blue Period; The Old Guitarist) which represents another facet of my personality: my love of art.
I added a undermount lights to the floating shelf for interest and highlight the texture of the towels.
The Power of Mirrors
A large mirror is a dark room's best friend. It bounces light around the space and creates an illusion of depth. It's one of the easiest ways to make a small room feel bigger.
A large frameless mirror was placed above the vanity for obvious functional reasons. The way mirrors add light makes them a non-negotiable element in any bathroom design, especially one with bold colors.
Adding Texture and Warmth
An all black and white bathroom can feel a bit sterile. To combat this, I focused on adding different textures and natural materials. These elements make the room feel more inviting and comfortable.
I also added a mid-tone wood floating shelf above the towel bar giving me another surface to decorate. Using a level was crucial when hanging anything on walls.
For textiles, I used thick, fluffy off-white towels as truly white towels would be a bit stark. The contrast against the black walls is stunning. I also chose a soft, textured bathmat in a deep taupe and white tribal pattern to feel good underfoot.
The Finishing Touches
With all the major work done, it was time for the final details that make a room feel complete. These little things often have a big impact on the final look. This is where I could inject even more polish.
I found a beautiful metal soap dispenser and a matching tray to hold a few small items on the countertop. Keeping the counter clear of clutter is key in a small space; the vanity helps with storage, but curated items add style.
And you can't forget about greenery. I found a large snake plant, which is one of the best plants for low-light conditions, as noted by the experts at The Sill. The pop of green adds life and color, proving that even a dark bathroom can feel fresh and alive.
Finally, I added a reed diffuser with a subtle amber, sandalwood scent. A great scent can make the bathroom feel even more like a spa-like retreat. It engages another one of the senses and completes the entire experience of the room.
Conclusion
Looking back at the boring white room I started with, it's hard to believe it's the same space. It took a lot of planning and some brave choices, but the result is a bathroom I absolutely love. It feels special, personal, and far more luxurious than its small size would suggest.
My bold bathroom project proves that you should not be afraid of using dark colors, even in a small room. The black brings a sense of sophistication and drama that light colors simply could not achieve. It's all about balance, texture, and thoughtful lighting.
So there you have it- The entire journey of how I created an elegant black bathroom. It's a testament to how thoughtful interior design can truly transform any space. It went from a room I apologized for to a bold and delightful point of my home.
At Bedford Canyon Baths, I specialize in creating bathrooms just like this. If you’d like to explore how to bring these ideas into your own home, I invite you to book a free project discussion call or book a private consultation
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All the best,
Lisette
