A classic black-and-white color scheme will ensure your bathroom never goes out of style!
8 Black-and-White Bathroom Decor Ideas
Updated on Jan. 04, 2024
Embracing the Timeless Black-and-White Bathroom
If you’re designing a bathroom, you can’t go wrong with black and white. This classic combination is modern yet timeless, with a clean and polished finish that’s perfect in a bathroom setting.
But black and white shouldn’t be the only colors in the room. According to interior designer Kristen Bonney-James of KBJ Interiors, it’s important to add other hues and textures to create balance.
“I like to bring in other materials to warm up the space like a wood stool or hand-rubbed brass light fixtures,” she says.
To avoid the bathroom looking too stark — a common pitfall with black and white — don’t forget to infuse your own personality into the design. “Hanging original art adds interest and brings soul to any space,” says Bonney-James.
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Balanced Black-and-White Bathroom
The black wall paint in this beautiful bathroom from @loves_leeds_homes highlights the impressive ceiling lines.
The hex floor tile, black bathtub and matte-black fixtures are all decidedly modern, while the wood vanity (made from an old dresser!) adds character. Bring in wood tones and natural texture to avoid the bathroom leaning too cold and stark.
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Black-and-White Shower
Designer Shelby Knoles of @willowandcohome likes to use classic materials like this black-and-white tile in an unexpected layout to create a distinctive look.
The tone variations in the white tiles paired with the black borders make this shower the star of the show. Add a frameless glass shower enclosure and all that gorgeous tile work will always be visible.
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Traditional Black-and-White Bathroom
A black-and-white color scheme can feel modern, but this classic colorway choice fits with traditional style as well. This bathroom from @kbjinteriors is the perfect example.
The penny floor tile, sophisticated vanity and marble countertop combine to create an elegant black-and-white space. Gold accents and a tortoise shell mirror complete the elevated look.
Photo: @marypatcollinsphoto
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Black-and-White Powder Room
For a black-and-white powder room, the right wallpaper can have big impact.
This space from @amberldesign features stunning cloud print Cole & Son Nuvolette wallpaper that fits well with a black-and-white scheme, but also contains gray tones for added dimension. A sleek vanity and simple mirror keep the focus on the wallpaper, preventing the bathroom from looking too busy.
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Refined Black-and-White Bathroom
Although black and white are the main colors in this elegant bathroom from @hemptonhouse, they’re not the focus. Creamy white walls and wood tone flooring bring warmth and sophistication. A black double vanity anchors the space, while brass accents add the perfect touch of glamour.
This bathroom is proof that black and white can be warm and inviting.
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@_brookemwilson_ Wallpaper look at a fraction of the price. This bathroom glowup is worth trying in your home #homerenovation #diy #diyproject #bathroommakeover #charlestonsc #wallpaper #blackandwhite ♬ Betty (Get Money) – Yung Gravy
DIY Black-and-White Walls
As much as we love wallpaper, it’s usually not cheap. Watch as @_brookemwilson_creates a playful black-and-white wallpaper look-alike at a fraction of the cost!
Using black paint, she makes thick, short brush strokes all over the walls. It’s an easy technique that gives a big wow factor. Remember to keep the other bathroom decor and accessories simple to prevent a pattern like this from overwhelming the space.
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@spetrichhome One of my favorite transformations! #buildergradeupgrade #peelandstick #peelandsticktiles #bathroomdesigns ♬ original sound – Spetrichhome
Budget-Friendly Black-and-White Bathroom
Here’s a budget-friendly black-and-white bathroom transformation from @spetrichhome. She uses black peel-and-stick tile to create an accent wall. Peel-and-stick tile is easier to install than regular tile, and costs a lot less.
She also applies Liquid Nails to give the tile extra adhesion, and grout to make it look like a real tile wall. The results speak for themselves!
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@kadilakhomes Our newest blog is giving you tons of bathroom inspo, including this moody little powder room🧼 This is a small bathroom with a lot of character and contrast. We brought in vertical lines with the tile and mirror to contrast the shiplap wall. And of course the black against white, which gives it such a sleek vibe. Check out the blog for more bathroom inspo! #powderroom #halfbath #powderroomdesign #smallbathroomdesign #blackshiplap ♬ original sound – carneyval
Black Shiplap Wall
An accent wall might be the focal point your bathroom needs.
This black-and-white bathroom from @kadilakhomes features a dramatic black shiplap wall. The wood vanity and white tile flooring add contrast, letting the black wall be the main event. Plus, the horizontal lines created by the shiplap make the wall seem wider and the room more spacious.
About the Expert
- Kristen Bonney-James is the owner and principal designer of KBJ Interiors based in the Washington, D.C. area.
