Black is a timeless and elegant color choice for bathrooms. When used thoughtfully, black adds a dramatic, sophisticated look to any bath space. From fixtures and tiles to accessories and decor, black brings moody ambiance and luxurious style.

Here are 9 elegant ways to incorporate ravishing black hues into your dream bathroom design:

Black Bathtub

A black bathtub makes a striking style statement. The dark color provides a crisp contrast against white or light-colored walls and flooring. Black tubs come in various materials like acrylic, porcelain, stone resin, and cast iron. Each material has its own aesthetic appeal. For example, matte black acrylic has a sleek contemporary vibe, while polished black porcelain exudes vintage luxury. Some stylish options include:

• Freestanding black tub: A freestanding soaking tub commands attention. Placement near windows or as a room focal point highlights its drama. Choose a classic roll top, modern rectangle, or curved silhouette. Black brings out sculptural details. Add in gold, brass or chrome feet for metallic glamour.
• Black clawfoot tub: For traditional charm, a cast iron clawfoot tub can’t be beaten. The curved feet, sloped back, and vintage shape exude timeless elegance. Position against a wall or island style. A black clawfoot tub pops beautifully against white subway tiles.
• Black stone tub: Natural stone tubs make an organic statement. Materials like granite, marble or onyx have beautiful veining that feels both earthy and elevated. A rectangular or oval black stone tub suits modern and traditional aesthetics. Allow the stone’s natural finish to shine.

A black tub commands attention, so keep other elements clean and simple. Add in artful bath accessories like a ceramic vase, sculptural candle holders, or framed black-and-white prints.

Black Tile

From floors to walls and backsplashes, black tiles bring dark drama. Mix and match black tiles in glossy, matte or textured finishes for bold impact:

• Black penny tiles: For vintage appeal, black penny rounds arranged in checkerboard motif add classic charm. Use on floors, walls or tub/shower surrounds. Pair with white grout for high contrast.
• Black subway tile: A popular choice, black 3×6 subway tiles lend timeless sophistication. Use them vertically, horizontally, or in geometric patterns on walls and backsplashes. Black grout creates seamless lines.
• Black marble/slate tile: For natural elegance, large-format marble or slate tiles make a luxe statement. Geometric patterns or irregular stone arrangements have organic flair. Allow the stone’s texture to shine through.
• Black porcelain tile: Modern and minimal, matte or glossy black porcelain tiles work on both floors and walls. Choose uniform squares, directional shapes or 3D tiles for contemporary style.

Mix black tiles with lighter neutrals like white, beige or grey to create bold contrast. For added visual interest, include an accent color or texture, like brass or wood.

Black Shower Design

Make the shower a stunning focal point with black design elements like tiles, fixtures, or accessories. Some stylish ideas include:

• Black tile shower walls: Cover shower walls in sleek black subway tiles, dramatic marble slabs, or mosaic penny rounds. Use black grout for a seamless look. Add warmth with wood-look floor tiles.
• Black shower niche: Recessed shower niches provide smart storage for bath products. Clad the niche in black tiles or marble to make it pop. Coordinate with floor and wall tiles for unity.
• Black metal shower accessories: Matte black shower fixtures like the showerhead, handles, shelf brackets and caddies lend modern appeal. Introduce black metal or wood shelves, benches and organizer baskets for a coordinated look.
• Frameless black shower enclosure: Ditch the shower rod for a custom black frameless glass enclosure. For a modern spa-like feel, add recessed lighting, dual showerheads, and a black linear drain.

Keep other elements light and neutral to let the black shower details command center stage. Add decorator lighting above for a dramatic look.

Black Vanity

An elegant black vanity anchors the bath with sophisticated style. From modern to traditional, a black vanity pairs well with many design aesthetics.

• Black floating vanity: For contemporary edge, choose a wall-mounted floating vanity in a crisp matte black finish. The minimal silhouette feels fresh and sleek. Add a rectangular porcelain vessel sink.
• Black traditional vanity: Timeless and tailored, a black wooden vanity with turned legs and polished stone top exudes classic elegance. Pair with a polished nickel faucet and round undermount sink.
• Black modern vanity: With clean lines and concealed storage, a matte black modern vanity creates a streamlined look. Accent with a rectangular above-counter sink and geometric brass handles.

Flank black vanities with decorative wall lighting. Crystal sconces, vertical lighting strips and adjustable fixture arms all make excellent choices.

Black Bathroom Mirrors

Strategically placed black mirrors can make small bathrooms feel more spacious while adding artistic style. Look for:

• Large black framed mirror: For dramatic impact, hang an oversized rectangular mirror with a thick black frame on the wall above the vanity. This enlarges the room and bounces more light around.
• Round black mirrors: For organic shape, hang two round black mirrors side by side above a double vanity. Keep the frames thin for a lightweight look. Adds curve and contrast.
• Black mirrored cabinets: Get storage and reflection with mirrored cabinet doors on wall cabinets or medicine cabinets. Plain black frames allow the mirrors to take center stage.

Keep clutter out of sight behind the sleek mirrors. Add recessed lighting or sconces around mirrors to amplify brightness.

Black Fixtures & Hardware

From faucets to showerheads, black bath hardware lends a polished, cohesive look.

• Matte black fixtures: Modern and moody, matte black fixtures like wall-mount faucets, shower trim and rain showerheads bring contemporary edge. Coordinate with black vanities and tiles.
• Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures: For old-world appeal, oil-rubbed bronze finish on traditional fixtures like widespread faucets, Roman tub fillers and shower systems pairs well with vintage black clawfoot tubs.
• Aged black hardware: Door knobs, pulls, hooks and towel bars in black antique finish add a timeworn look. Coordinate with black marble counters and subway wall tiles.

Mix and match black finishes and styles to suit your aesthetic. Limiting black fixtures to 2-3 statement pieces prevents overwhelming.

Black Bathroom Cabinets & Shelves

Strategically placed black storage adds function while complementing other black elements like vanities and tiles.

• Floating black wall cabinets: Streamlined floating cabinets in a matte black finish maximize space above a vanity or toilet. Great for storing linens and toiletries out of sight.
• Black ladder shelves: Display bath accessories in style on a matte black ladder shelf mounted on a wall or tucked in a corner. Provides open storage for rolled towels, candles and plants.
• Black corner shelves: Make use of awkward angles with black corner shelves. Great for storing extra toilet paper rolls and small decor items.
• Black freestanding cabinets: Provide floor storage with a black wooden cabinet. Features doors to conceal items or open shelves to display pretty bath accessories.

Coordinate cabinets and shelves with existing black vanities, mirrors and hardware for visual flow.

Black Bathroom Lighting

From pendants to sconces, black lighting lends on-trend style while brightening up the space.

• Matte black sconces: Frame vanity mirrors with elegant black wall sconces. Crystal and orb styles work well. Place on each side of the mirror or staggered.
• Black pendant lights: Make a style statement with a black drum, orb or conical pendant light suspended above bathtubs or sections of countertop. Provides a focal point.
• Matte black chandelier: For drama, hang a black-framed crystal chandelier as a centerpiece light. Works in vintage and modern bathrooms. Make sure it aligns with tub or vanity.
• Recessed black lighting: Rows of recessed black can lights provide uniform overhead illumination. Discreet and contemporary. Place evenly for consistent lighting.

Mix in secondary lighting like candles and undercabinet strip lighting. Control brightness with dimmers.

Black Bathroom Flooring

Beyond just tiles, consider black flooring to anchor the space. Options like:

• Black engineered hardwood: For natural warmth, black stained engineered hardwood offers water-resistance and organic beauty. Works with vintage clawfoot tubs and modern vanities alike.
• Black bamboo flooring: Sustainable bamboo flooring stained black adds texture and eco-appeal. Durable and easy to clean. Matches both traditional and contemporary designs.
• Black hexagon floor tiles: For geometric impact, hexagon-shaped black floor tiles create visual interest underfoot. The unique shape contrasts with walk-in shower tiles.
• Black basketweave floor tile: Intricate patterns like a black basketweave design add traditional flair. Use larger tiles for easier cleaning between grout lines.

Pair black floors with white trims along baseboards and door frames to visually expand the space.

Black Bathroom Wall Decor

Elevate walls with black decor that complements the room’s high-contrast elegance.

• Black & white art prints: Display bold black-and-white photographs, botanical prints or architectural diagrams in matching black frames for artistic impact.
• Framed mirrors: Outline rectangular, oval or round mirrors with wide black frames. Hang alone or in groups for reflective impact.
• Black wall vases: Add sculptural allure with black ceramic or glass wall vases holding fresh blooms or textured branches. Makes great fillers between sconces and cabinets.
• Black shelves: Floating black shelves mounted on walls provide display space for decorative objects like perfume bottles, candles, small artwork and lush potted plants.

Keep decor sparing and spread out. Let black finishes like tiles and vanities take center stage, and use wall decor to supplement.

Tying It All Together

When thoughtfully combined, black bathroom elements create a bold, elegant look:

• Mix black tiles, vanities, mirrors and metal fixtures for cohesive style. Tie in additional black accents like lighting, shelves and decor.
• Balance out bold black choices with plenty of whites and neutrals. Crisp white subway wall tiles, creamy marble, light woods and white trims counter the drama.
• Use black bathroom elements to define specific zones like a black feature wall behind the tub, or black mirror framing the vanity space.
• Mix up black finishes and textures like matte, polished, aged and gloss for visual interest. Limit to 2-3 finishes for harmony.
• Include natural elements like stone tile, hardwood flooring and greenery to soften the strong black palette.

With its timeless, sophisticated appeal, black is truly a knockout color choice for bathrooms. Applied thoughtfully, black creates a stunning setting for everyday routines and relaxation. Keep the look elegantly edited and properly illuminated, and your black bathroom will always stay stylish.

FAQs About Using Black in Bathroom Design

What are some benefits of using black in the bathroom?

Some top benefits of using black in bathroom design include:

• Creates an elegant, dramatic look – black adds a sense of luxury and sophistication.
• Makes a strong style statement – black color palette is bold and expressive.
• Visually expands smaller spaces – dark colors can make a room feel bigger.
• Easy to coordinate – black matches well with many styles from modern to traditional.
• Brings light and brightness – black contrasts well with white, reflecting more light.
• Adds cohesiveness – black used throughout room ties the look together.

What are the best black materials for a bathroom?

Great black materials for bathrooms include:

• Porcelain, ceramic or stone tiles – long lasting and water resistant
• Glass, granite or quartz vanity tops – sleek and durable
• Wood or laminate vanities – versatile and design friendly
• Metal fixtures like faucets, drains, towel rods – availability in black finishes
• Acrylic, stone or cast iron bathtubs- lends itself well to black coloring

What colors pair well with black in bathroom design?

Some universally flattering color pairings with black include:

• Crisp White – clean contrast and brightness
• Greys – softened look, especially lighter greys
• Wood Tones – warm, organic balance
• Gold/Brass – glamorous metallic accent
• Cream – soft neutral to prevent overwhelming black

How can I add natural light to a black bathroom?

Strategies for adding light to black bathrooms:

• Ensure adequate overhead lighting – recessed cans, pendant lights
• Add mirrors and reflective surfaces – amplifies brightness
• Windows/skylights – maximize natural light sources
• Sheer curtains – filter sunlight while preserving views
• Add plenty of white – white tiles, tub, towels brighten up
• Layer lighting – pair overhead with sconces, undercabinet lighting

What mistakes should be avoided with black bathrooms?

Avoid these common black bathroom mistakes:

• Too much black – aim for 60/40 ratio of white and black
• Dark grout with black tiles – go for white grout with dark tiles
• Insufficient lighting – install plenty of natural and artificial light
• Black on black – mix up tones and textures for visual interest
• Black floors with dark walls – pair dark floors with bright walls/ceiling
• Dated decor – keep accessories modern and elegant

Conclusion

A black bathroom design allows you to be daring in your decor choices. From sleek surfaces to textured tiles and custom cabinets, the color black provides the perfect base for creating a bold, dramatic space. By balancing rich blacks with bright whites and natural elements, the look comes together as glamorous versus gloomy.

The key is carefully choosing high-contrast and complimentary materials for an elegantly curated look. Keep black finishes cohesive by limiting the palette and adding metallic and wood accents for warmth. Proper lighting is essential, with ample overhead, sconces and accent lighting to make the dark tones glow.

With so many options for integrating black tile, vanities, tubs, fixtures and decor, the possibilities are endless. Use black bathroom elements creatively to make the space feel luxe and tailored to your personal style. Done right, you’ll have a showstopping bathroom design that you can enjoy for years to come.