Using gray as an accent color in the bathroom can create a soothing, spa-like atmosphere. Gray is versatile enough to work with almost any color scheme, making it a popular choice for bathrooms. Here is an in-depth look at how and when to incorporate shades of gray into your bathroom design.
An Introduction to Using Gray Tones in the Bathroom
Gray is a perfect neutral that can provide an elegant backdrop in the bathroom. The color gray evokes feelings of tranquility and relaxation – ideal for a space where you want to unwind.
Shades of gray are extremely versatile. They can read as cool or warm, depending on the undertones. Mixing gray with other colors creates depth and interest. Gray also acts as a subtle background that allows bolder accent colors to really pop.
There are so many options for adding gray to the bathroom. It can be used on the walls, whether as a main color or accent wall. Tiling large swaths of the bathroom in gray is also popular. Gray makes an excellent color for flooring as well. Accessories and linens in gray hues help pull the look together.
When using gray as a primary color or accent, pay attention to the undertones. Cool grays with blue undertones are modern and pair well with other colors in that palette. Warm grays with brown, taupe, or beige base notes create a cozier feel. Keep reading for more tips on incorporating gray into the bathroom with style.
Choosing the Right Shades of Gray for the Bathroom
Gray encompasses a wide range of shades from pale dove gray to charcoal. Choosing the right tones of gray for your bathroom depends on the look you are going for and what colors you want to pair it with. Here are some popular types of gray for bathroom design:
Cool Tones of Gray
Cool grays like platinum, steel, slate, and silver have blue undertones. These icy grays pair beautifully with other colors on the cool end of the spectrum – think blues, greens, and purples. Cool grays provide a relaxing and airy look perfect for spa-like baths.
Some examples of cool gray shades for bathrooms include:
- Farrow & Ball Shadow White – This very pale gray has a slightly blue cast that reads as a clean, airy neutral.
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl – A light gray with strong blue undertones. It creates a soothing, relaxed look.
- Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray – This is a popular mid-tone gray with blue-green undertones. It is tranquil without being too cold.
- Behr Pale Onyx – With a hint of blue-gray, this is almost a true greige shade. It’s an excellent backdrop color.
-Valspar Durango Gray – A darker charcoal gray with blue undertones. It’s sophisticated for a more modern look.
Warm Tones of Gray
Warm grays have brown, beige, tan, or taupe base notes. They create a cozier atmosphere than cool grays. Decorating with warm grays allows you to seamlessly blend gray with woods, marbles, and natural textured materials.
Some warm shades of gray to consider include:
- Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray – A greige with brown undertones, this light gray has broad appeal.
- Behr Doe Skin – A creamy mushroom gray shade with brown undertones. It feels organic and earthy.
- Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere – This warm, brown-based gray is rich but still neutral.
-Valspar Rock Gray – A mid-tone warm gray with slight taupe notes. It feels familiar and comfortable.
- Farrow & Ball Lamp Room Gray – A greige tone that takes the edge off brighter white spaces.
Avoiding Muddy Grays
Some gray shades can come across as drab or muddy, especially in spaces with minimal natural light. Rather than using a flat gray shade on large surfaces like walls, opt for grays with more dimension. Look for tones with undertones or layers of color that keep it looking vibrant.
Also, use plenty of lighting. Add mirrors to amplify light. Use lighter grays in darker spaces and save the deeper charcoal gray accents for well-lit bathrooms. This keeps the gray tones looking fresh instead of gloomy.
Incorporating Gray on Bathroom Walls and Tile
Using shades of gray on bathroom walls or as backsplashes and shower tile is an excellent way to create an inviting, spa-like atmosphere. Here are some tips for integrating gray tones on walls and tile:
- As an accent wall – Paint one wall gray behind the tub, shower or vanity to create a soothing focal point. Use contrasting colors on the remaining walls.
- As an all-over wall color – Light to mid-tone grays like greige work well on all bathroom walls. Add contrast with white trim and use plenty of lighting.
- On shower tile or backsplash – Layer gray marble, stone or glass tile against white. Use dark gray grout for drama.
- Mix tile colors – Blend grays with complementary white, blues, greens or natural wood tones for texture.
- Mini tile patterns – Tiny gray tiles in mosaic patterns add visual interest behind sinks, vanities and bathtubs.
- Large format tile – Big slate gray tiles can cover floors and shower walls for a spa look. Use white grout.
- Horizontal stripe tile – Alternating horizontal bands of white and gray tile break up solid gray for more dimension.
Take into account the size and lighting in the bathroom when choosing shades of gray. Bold, dark charcoals work best in bright, airy spaces, while soft pale grays are great for rooms with minimal natural light.
Using Gray on Bathroom Floors
Gray makes an elegant, versatile choice for bathroom floors. It provides an upscale neutral base that does not show dirt or stains easily. Gray flooring also gives an open, airy feel to small bathrooms.
Some options for gray bathroom flooring include:
- Porcelain or Ceramic Tile – Available in a wide range of gray shades from pale dove to charcoal. Durable and water resistant.
- Slate Tile – Natural stone slate tile provides texture and rich gray tones. Needs sealing.
- Concrete Flooring – Can be acid stained, painted or polished concrete in gray tones. Modern industrial look.
- Vinyl Plank Flooring – Affordable gray vinyl tile has the look of real wood or stone. Waterproof.
- Laminate Flooring – Durable gray laminate replicates slate, wood or concrete at lower cost.
- Carpet Tiles – Carpet squares in gray wool blend or nylon easily replace if stained. Soft underfoot.
Factors like cost, comfort, and bathroom use can help determine the best gray flooring option. For high moisture areas like showers, use water-resistant porcelain, concrete, or vinyl tile. In the main bathroom area, slate, laminates or carpet tiles add comfort.
Incorporating Gray in Bathroom Cabinets and Vanities
Gray makes an attractive color choice for bathroom vanities and cabinets. A gray vanity anchors the space without competing with wall colors or tilework.
There are several options for integrating shades of gray into bathroom cabinetry:
- Painted Cabinets – Existing cabinetry can be updated with gray paint. Use a satin or semi-gloss paint for washability.
- Stained Cabinets – Wood cabinets can be stained a gray tone instead of traditional maple or cherry. This retains the wood grain.
- Lacquered Cabinets – Lacquer provides extra depth and sheen on gray stained or painted vanities.
- Gray Wood Cabinets – Choices like oak, ash and maple come in gray wood grain finishes straight from the manufacturer.
- Thermofoil Cabinets – Affordable light to dark gray thermofoil cabinetry resists moisture, scratches and dents.
Whether you want a weathered driftwood gray or rich charcoal stained vanity, gray offers versatility. Be sure to coordinate the shade with your wall color and backsplash tile so the scheme flows together.
Using Gray in the Shower and Bathtub Area
The shower and tub area is perfect for introducing shades of gray into the bathroom. Cool grays help create a relaxing spa tub soaking experience. Gray also works beautifully in showers when paired with glass and marble accents.
Some ideas for using gray in the bathing zone include:
- Gray Marble Shower Walls – Elegant gray marble subway tiles make a glamorous shower backdrop. Leave some walls white.
- Gray Glass Shower Tile – Mix frosted, smoky and clear glass tiles for contemporary charm. Use silver hardware.
- Gray Porcelain Tub/Shower Tile – Available in matte and polished finishes. Use large format tiles on walls or as tub surround.
- Gray Vessel Sink – Floating gray stone or hammered copper sinks really pop against gray marble walls.
- Gray Freestanding Bathtub – Make a sculptural style statement with a standalone gray enameled cast iron or copper soaking tub.
- Gray Bathroom Accessories – Use gray towels, bathmats, shower curtains and wastebaskets to tie the space together.
Keep the shower and tub areas light and bright by using pale grays or alternating bands of white tile. Darken the scheme with bold gray grout lines and plumbing fixtures.
Adding Gray to the Toilet and Sink Areas
The toilet and sink spaces are ideal for bringing in shades of gray. Cool grays and concrete finishes help create a clean look in functional areas that see moisture and daily use.
Some ideas for using gray around the toilet and sink include:
- Concrete Sink – For an industrial edge, use a poured concrete sink basin in charcoal gray. Keep walls bright.
- Gray Porcelain Sinks – Vessel, pedestal and undermount sinks come in matte and glossy gray porcelain. Coordinate with vanity.
- Gray Toilet and Bidet – Make gray fixtures part of your overall scheme. Options include vitreous china, enameled cast iron or stainless steel.
- Gray Countertops – Quartz, recycled glass and concrete countertops can be done in gray. Pair with white sinks for contrast.
- Gray Glass Sink Backsplash – A strip of gray mirrored glass tile behind sinks unifies the space.
- Gray Bathroom Accessories – Use gray soap dispensers, faucets, towel bars, mirrors and wall art for accent.
Limit gray to key surfaces so utilitarian areas don’t feel too dark. Use plenty of task lighting. Gray works best on surfaces that are easy to keep looking freshly cleaned.
Pairing Complementary Colors with Gray in the Bathroom
One of the benefits of using gray as a main bathroom color is that it complements almost any shade. Gray’s neutral versatility allows you to get creative with accent colors that pop.
Here are some colors that work beautifully when paired with gray:
- Crisp White – High contrast white against gray adds drama. Use in bathrooms with plenty of natural light.
- Navy Blue – Deep navy blue has a grounded, sophisticated look next to lighter gray floors and walls.
- Sage Green – Earthy sage paired with greige or taupe gray brings the outdoors in.
- Soft Purple – Lavender, lilac and mauve create a soothing, feminine gray/purple pairing.
- Dove Grey – Mixing gray paint chips with soft dove grays provides cohesive layers.
- Warm Metallics – Brushed gold, satin brass and antique bronze finishes work with grays.
- Bold Black – For modern edge, black accents contrast beautifully with gray. Use in small doses.
Let gray act as a neutral backdrop for bolder sinks, tilework and accessories. Keep the overall scheme cohesive by repeating both gray and accent tones throughout the space.
Achieving Different Aesthetics With Gray Bathrooms
Gray is adaptable enough to work in bathrooms of nearly any design style. Here are some of the looks you can achieve using shades of gray:
Modern Gray Bathrooms
- Gray concrete or porcelain tile walls
- Glossy gray vanity with undermount sink
- Frosted glass shower tile in cool grays
- Sleek open shelving and modern wall sconces
- Pops of citrus yellow, teal or red accessories
Traditional Gray Bathrooms
- Wallpaper or wainscoting with gray damask print
- Classic built-in gray vanity and medicine cabinets
- Gray basketweave tile flooring
- Mirrored sconces and chandelier fixtures
- Pale blue, blush and peach accents
Industrial Gray Bathrooms
- Exposed concrete walls, sink and tub in charcoal gray
- Galvanized metal, wire basket shelving
- Gray rectangular wall tile
- Black and brass plumbing fixtures
- Pendant lighting over gray vanity
Coastal Gray Bathrooms
- Gray wide plank wood flooring
- White shiplap walls and breezy linens
- Gray marble or sand-hued porcelain tile
- Weathered wood vanity in coastal gray
- Pops of sea glass green and navy blue
Choosing the Right Style of Gray Bathroom Lighting
Proper lighting is key to keeping a gray bathroom from feeling dreary or cavelike. Choose fixtures that complement both the gray tones and overall decor of the space.
Here are some gray bathroom lighting ideas:
- Pendants – Hung low on each side of a gray vanity, transparent orb pendants diffuse soft glow.
- Sconces – Use frosted glass sconces on gray walls to wash them with flattering light.
- Chandeliers – In traditional bathrooms, small gray chandeliers add elegance over freestanding tubs.
- Recessed Lighting – Recessed can lights prevent dark shadows in gray rooms and provide task lighting.
- Skylights – Adding skylights to gray bathrooms introduces uplifting natural light.
- Accent Lighting – Use accent lighting inside glass-fronted display shelving to showcase collections.
Pair dimmable lighting with both ambient and task lighting sources. This allows gray bathrooms to be multifunctional – reviving and relaxing.
Avoiding Potential Pitfalls of Gray Bathrooms
While gorgeous when done right, gray bathrooms also have certain challenges to keep in mind. Avoid these potential pitfalls when designing your space:
- Don’t use flat, muddy grays. Opt for tones with dimension and undertones to keep the scheme lively.
- Don’t overwhelm the room with too much gray. Use it selectively combined with other accent colors.
- Don’t neglect lighting. Well-lit gray bathrooms feel serene vs. somber. Include ample task lighting.
- Don’t use dark grays on already dim surfaces like floors or countertops. Light gray floors help reflect light.
- Don’t assume gray is boring. Use a mix of finishes – glossy tile, matte paint, polished concrete – to add interest.
- Don’t let gray tile go unsealed. Porous natural stone grays require sealing to prevent staining and discoloration.
Fresh and Relaxing Gray Bathroom Color Schemes
Ready to unwind in a soothing gray bathroom retreat? Here are some beautiful and calming gray color schemes to inspire your own design:
Light Gray and Navy Blue
- Pale gray walls (Benjamin Moore Dewdrop)
- Gray basketweave floor tile
- Glossy navy vanity with brass hardware
- White tub with navy shower curtain
Warm Gray and Blush
- Greige walls with white wainscoting (SW Sensible Hue)
- Gray stained wood vanity
- Marble and glass mosaic blush tile backsplash
- Pink tufted bathmat and curtain
Charcoal and Gold
- Dark gray concrete flooring
- Floating charcoal vanity with black metal legs
- Gray marble and frosted glass shower tile
- Metallic brass fixtures and gold mirror
The Elegant, Adaptable Appeal of Gray Bathrooms
Gray is a versatile neutral shade that always feels elegant and on-trend when used in the bathroom. It effortlessly pairs with both cool and warm colors to create a relaxing, spa-inspired atmosphere. Use soft ethereal gray palettes for a airy tranquility or bold, dark charcoals to craft a striking modern statement.
With such variety in gray tones from icy grays to earthy greiges, it can adapt to any style. Use these tips to incorporate just the right shade of gray into your bathroom for an always fashionable look that is soothing, sophisticated and uniquely you.
