Bathrooms, en-suites and loos are generally considered to be the smallest rooms of the house, so it makes sense to stick to the number one decorating rule of keeping it light in smaller areas. However, in recent years, the trend for darker shades in these particular rooms in order to make a statement has become prevalent, and it turns out that a striking look can really work.
Impactful indigo, dark anthracite and bold black shades have come to the forefront where bathroom accessories, tiles, flooring and paint are concerned, and all-white offerings are out of the window.
If you are looking for your previously bland room to start making a statement then we’ve compiled our favourite accessories, paint shades and tips to consider when recreating the bathroom of dreams.
Black and white
One of the more popular ways to incorporate darker shades into your bathroom is to pair with opposing shades. This helps to make those darker elements really stand out and have their say and it helps to make the room not feel so smothered. For a powerful look try striped black and white walls or paint walls pale and adorn with black framed monochrome photos.
An electric designer radiator in black would really stand out here but also provide a sleek accessory within the room. Depending on how busy the walls are, you could find a flooring that makes a statement, in a herringbone pattern perhaps and add the wow factor with black tiles around a white bath. Despite the fact that you are sticking to only two shades; the possibilities are actually quite abundant.
Trends
With so many ways to corporate darker shades in your bathroom, a good place to start would be to think about the overall theme that you want your new room to fit into. Is the rest of your house ultra-modern and you would like the sleek décor to continue throughout? Perhaps you would love a more traditional Victorian bathroom to suit your style or you just can’t resist a contemporary Scandinavian vibe. Whichever way you want to add drama, it is a good idea to consider your style first.
If a Victorian style bathroom is right up your street, then make deeper tones work with a beautiful black freestanding claw foot roll-top bath to add a show-stopping centrepiece. Rest it atop monochrome patterned flooring and pair with a traditional style sink with dark vanity unit and toilet as well as white tiled walls for the complete look.
A more modern way to use black in the bathroom would be to go as minimalist as possible and add an impactful look with plenty of darker tones. Think walls, doors, door frames and floors all in black with white units or pick out areas of the room to incorporate deep tones, such as the shower surround, the wall behind the bath and doors. Alternatively, you could pick smaller elements in the room to incorporate the look such as a black shower, radiator, slate floor, and vanity unit only, keeping the rest of room fairly clean and elegant looking.
You could also consider blending black tones with wood to embody a contemporary Scandinavian look. It would definitely make a statement and offers a totally modern look that you will not see everywhere you go. Think sleek, minimal elements and the odd plant and you will be well on your way.
Paint colours to add the wow factor
If you’re looking to keep tiles to a specific area and you need some paint to complete the look then inky blues and charcoal greys are a great way add drama to the room and mix up the look if you don’t want to stick with all black elements. Switch up the shades and opt for Contrast, Firework or Infinity paint by Graham and Brown to bring a deep blue into the mix or Paean Black by Farrow and Ball for a deep and sensual shade.
The latter also offer plenty of grey shades including Mizzle, Treron and French Gray if your black elements rest in the accessories, such as a standout radiator, and you need to add more dimension to the colour scheme. If using near-black shades then you don’t have to paint all walls the same, you can choose to incorporate such darker tones in smaller areas such as the door, frame and skirtings, on one wall or even just the top half of the walls.
The possibilities of how you incorporate black into your bathroom truly depends on your chosen style and whether you have a flair for creating something totally unique or you like to dabble in dramatic décor.
