42 Timeless Black And White Bathroom Ideas

What's black and white and gorgeous all over? These dreamy bathrooms, of course. The classic color combination is always an excellent choice, but it's especially true in the one room that's dedicated to self-care. What's more, it truly works with almost any decor style, whether you're a minimalist or a maximalist.

"Black and white bathrooms are classic and timeless. The key is to use the two colors without making it feel too stark," says Chenise Bhimull, interior designer and licensed realtor working at ZFC Real Estate. "Start with a neutral background, such as white or a light gray, and add visual interest with black accents. Use small amounts of black tile to break up the walls, incorporate a black framed mirror or vanity, and add touches of black throughout the space. For instance, try a matte black faucet paired with white fixtures, or black and white patterned towels."

While black and white color palettes result in a crisp and clean feel, they also happen to be the perfect base for adding other colors into the mix. Introducing shades of blue, pink, green, yellow and gray in big and small ways can soften what may feel like a sharp contrast between two very opposite hues. "The key is to use the colors strategically and add other elements that can bring the space to life," says Bhimull. "Incorporate textiles, furniture pieces, and decorative items that can add visual interest without veering too far from the classic color scheme."

And the flexibility doesn't stop there. Chrome, brass, or matte black-finished hardware all work beautifully in black and white bathrooms, making the options to personalize your space seemingly endless. These finishes will bring some drama to your bathroom without overwhelming the space. If you want to soften up the bathroom a little, Bhimull suggests adding in warm and cozy elements. "Start by using softer materials like wood, rattan, and wicker. Incorporate subtle patterns with textiles like rugs or curtains. And don't forget to add some greenery with plants or flowers. These touches will help to bring warmth and life into the space."

These black and white bathroom ideas are elegant and will never go out of style, but that doesn't mean that the color palette doesn't come with a few negatives. It can be somewhat limiting for design choices, making the room feel flat. Get creative by mixing materials and textures throughout the space to add depth. Another con is that white can be difficult to keep clean in a bathroom. Water, toothpaste, and makeup stains don't look very good on a white, marble countertop. Dust, fingerprints, and hair can also show much more easily on black surfaces. If you're bothered by a visible mess, be prepared to wipe down and dust your bathroom often.

Let's take a look at stunning black and white bathroom ideas that prove the color combo is here to stay.

1. Punctuate with matte black fixtures.

If your bathroom is mostly white, one easy way to introduce the color black into your palette is to switch out all of your hardware with fixtures flaunting a matte black finish. This modern setup by NTF Architecture avoids the starkness of being too monochromatic by playing with different materials like the vertical subway tiles, marble vanity, and off-white flooring, and then punctuating the sea of white with ebony accents here and there.

Think outside of the traditional sink and vanity box, and go for something unexpected. The team over at Northbourne Architecture + Design did just that in this swanky bath, opting for a pair of cylindrical pedestal sinks and matching white wall-mounted faucets. The black backsplash-meets-floor tile really allows the unique white fixtures to pop.

Black and white bathroom ideas can be a match made in design heaven if you're looking for a dramatic contrast — black absorbs and white reflects. British blogger Olivia of Lust Living united the two hues perfectly in her modern wet room. She opted for white herringbone wall tile, black fixtures, and black marble with white veining to bring her design to life. The finished look is chic, inviting, and will stand the test of time.

Busy prints in bright colors can be a bit overbearing in a small space. The solution? Go black and white with your wallpaper. If you're feeling fancy, you can splurge on the Christian LaCroix (read: $$) design spotted in this dreamy setup by Technē Architecture & Design. Or, you can save a few pennies and still get the look with a similar pattern that won't break the bank. Powder rooms are a great space to go bold with your black-and-white palette.

Interior designer Raili Clasen knows a thing or two about incorporating unexpected and creative elements into just about any room, including the bathroom. This contemporary black and white setup, featuring patterned wall tile that continues down to the floor, is a picture-perfect example. The addition of light wood flooring ensures that the space continues to feel warm and inviting despite the contrasting color scheme.

Give your black and white bathroom a luxury hotel makeover à la this design from Nest Architects. Here, both black and white subway tiles clad the walls and the tub surround, resulting in an industrial-meets-art-deco vibe. This soaker needs little more than some fluffy, soft towels, a cozy robe, and slippers on hand for that five-star feel. Complete the look with polished chrome fixtures and high-end toiletries.

Getting clever with your tile can make for a budget-friendly design choice that packs a punch. Chevron, stripes, or hexagonal patterns can create a tailored and high-end look with minimal effort. We're swooning over this dynamic walk-in shower at the Gara Rock Hotel, designed by London-based House Nine Interior Design, which combines chevron wall tile with honeycomb floor tile for a visual feast.

Like wallpaper, a quick way to embrace the black-and-white trend in your bathroom is with shower tile. For example, Salthouse Collective went with this graphic design in a walk-in shower, and the addition makes quite the impact. The white flooring and surrounding walls add balance and keep the tile from feeling overbearing.

What's better than marble bathroom countertops? Marble flooring. Follow the lead of Technē Architecture and Design and use the same material for both. While we love the look of marble, you can use a different option, like concrete, instead. The end result will be cohesive and oh-so-stylish no matter what you choose.

Have a traditional bathroom but want to rock a black-and-white palette? No problem. Allow this striking design by Jean Stoffer to be your guide. The wood paneling on one wall keeps the look from feeling too stark or modern and adds an inviting warmth that pairs beautifully with the brass accents seen throughout.

The good news about choosing black and white tiles for your bathroom is that there are infinite styles to choose from. The bad news is there are infinite styles to choose from. So follow the lead of Ashley over at Cherished Bliss and incorporate more than one style in your remodel. She chose white subway tile for the walls and black penny tile for the floor, and the combination is picture-perfect.

Selecting a darker color for your grout can make all the difference in a bathroom. It will prevent a white wet room from looking washed out and creates depth. (Plus, it's much easier to clean!) Shir Shtaigman created a grid-like setup in this home renovation by opting to use large square tiles on the walls with black grout. The streamlined black fixtures and floating vanity complete the chic, minimalist look.

If you're a boho-style lover like us, then you're in for a treat. This black and white bathroom idea by Alexander Design is giving us all the feels with an all-black shower stall, floating vanity, and geometric patterned tiles. The vibrant red rug adds a little something special to break up the contrasting scheme.

Black and white color schemes aren't limited to graphic tile, dramatic wallpaper, and bold paint. In fact, you can pull off the color idea quite minimally, and this spa-worthy scene by Atelier Barda is the perfect example. The matte black fixtures provide the tiniest bit of contrast without taking anything away from the soothing vibe. Create a black focal point with a floating vanity.

Anchor your bathroom with a floating vanity in solid black like this modern look crafted by Auhaus Architecture. White vessel sinks provide a nice contrast, while the wood cabinetry adds a touch of warmth. Complete the sleek setup with gooseneck faucets and a frameless mirror.

Wood cabinetry is a great way to balance a black-and-white color combo and keep it from feeling stark. The team over at My Little Empire clearly received the memo as they incorporated a light wood floating vanity in this elegant bathroom design. The natural material beautifully complements the palette and adds a welcome dash of warmth.

Off-white tile paired with black details can look great, too. The encaustic tile in this family bathroom designed by Karen Knox looks super expensive but is actually porcelain so there's no maintenance required. The "aged" appearance means there is minimum upkeep, and Knox kept the modern feel by adding brass fixtures and a floating wood vanity.

While there are many ways to add texture to a bathroom design, hands down one of our favorites is zellige tile. In this stunning sanctuary by Design Hutch, the onyx-colored backsplash covers three-quarters of the walls like wainscoting. The modern light fixture and oval-shaped mirror are the icing on the cake.

Don't forget the ceiling in your bathroom remodel plans. Take a page out of Amber Lewis' design handbook and continue the wall color overhead. And if you really want to make a splash, a wall-mounted marble sink would definitely do the trick. This look proves that when it comes to making your black-and-white bathroom feel unique, it's all in the details.

Whether on the floor or the wall, a traditional herringbone pattern is always a good idea. Draw the eye to the back of your space with a black tile accent wall like the one spotted in this tranquil refuge by Sarah Montgomery Design. We love the idea of showcasing colorful towels for an extra pop.

If farmhouse style is your cup of tea, take notes on this design by Chango & Co. The team cleverly introduced a black and white palette with the help of buffalo check wallpaper. Country-inspired details used throughout the small space — such as shiplap wall paneling, industrial globe-style wall sconces, and even a leather hook to hang the mirror — bring the charming theme to life.

If you live in an older home or apartment, keep the feeling of your vintage bathroom intact by sticking with retro touches, as shown in this space by Oleander and Palm. Add black accents with drawer and cabinet pulls, sconces, and old-school patterned tile floors. While some of these black-and-white elements are original to this older home, it feels refreshed.

Yes, terrazzo is certainly having a moment, especially in kitchens and bathrooms as illustrated in this walk-in shower at the Paramount House Hotel. The team over at Melbourne-based Breathe Architecture clad the well-appointed alcove in terrazzo tile, resulting in a luxurious yet otherwise simple black-and-white bathroom idea.

If you love living in a loft or an industrial-style space, this black and white bathroom is pure inspo. To create a one-of-a-kind bathroom — or shall we say, ‌bathing nook —‌ a cool mash-up of different materials like tile, brick, and even concrete were used. The clawfoot tub, complete with a telephone-style handshower and vintage-style floor tile, turn on the charm and then some.

Embrace a black and white palette, but keep your traditional space just that by simply adding some black wainscoting to the mix. Leave the top half of the walls, the pedestal sink, toilet, and even the light fixtures white, like this bathroom by Studio McGee, to ensure the dark wall paneling will stand out even more.

This dreamy space feels like a luxury bathroom thanks to the black mosaic mural behind the tub. The oversize pink roses are delightful touches that add color and artistic flair to the everyday wall tile, taking the design to the next level.

Shiplap backsplashes are perfect for a modern farmhouse bathroom. But if you're going with a black-and-white palette, consider painting the wall paneling black like Emily Henderson. The simple change turns an otherwise unassuming design into a luxe design that demands attention. The white countertops, vanity, cabinet, and flooring provide an excellent contrast to the inky walls.

Does your bathroom remodel call for new flooring? If that's the case, consider going with a black hexagon-shaped tile like the one used in this light-filled setup by Lauren DeBello Interiors. The geometric design, complete with dark grout, adds just enough visual interest without drawing attention away from the overall scene.

The floral wallpaper and shiny gold trims invites you right into this cozy bathroom. Bring in the black in the checkered floor pattern and keep the tub and shower curtain white. Mix in gold and black accents throughout to give the room a cohesive look.

Switch out your white countertops for concrete in your black and white bathroom. The industrial material is a guaranteed stunner and acts as a happy medium between two contrasting colors. Follow the lead of this dreamy situation and opt for concrete shower walls, too.

Black and white bathrooms needn't be dramatic and can look light and bright instead. Balancing the black-to-white ratio in favor of the latter will create an airy, open space. Erin of Sunny Circle Studio opted for very simple and classic choices when it came to this black-and-white bathroom idea, with a few pops of black here and there to add visual interest.

Go moody and paint your bathroom walls in glossy black paint. But make things extra cool and add brass-finished hardware for a lustrous glow-up. While the combo sounds daring on paper, it actually looks quite stunning as evidenced by this bathroom design. And if having all-black walls is a deal-breaker, limit the dramatic hue to one accent wall and leave the rest white.

This modern bathroom design feels a bit Scandi-inspired with the addition of gray vertical tile on the tub surround and backsplash. Keep your floor and hardware black, and your bathtub and sink white. Next, warm things up with some natural materials like the blonde wood vanity seen here.

Make an unforgettable statement with an eye-catching marble backsplash for your freestanding tub. Forgo classic Calacatta marble in favor of a bolder and darker choice, like the black and gray stone selected by Chango & Co. The dramatic backdrop will undoubtedly make bath time a special event.

If you have a tiny alcove just for your tub, invest in a freestanding option that's really going to stand out. We love the black soaker that Heidi Caillier selected for this marble-clad bathroom. And just when we thought the ultra-chic nook couldn't get any better, we noticed the Spanish tile floor. Swoon!

When in doubt, paint it black. No, seriously. The inky hue is the perfect choice when you're working on a budget and want to make an impact. Kimberly of Swoon Worthy used the design trick when she moved into her new home and painted the upper portion of her washroom — including the sloped ceiling — in Downing Street by Valspar. The result: a sophisticated black-and-white bathroom idea that is oh so modern, complemented by pops of greenery and gold detailing.

White subway tile will forever be a classic, but if you want to give the industrial material a little more edge, opt for black instead. This bathroom design featuring a black countertop, vanity, and artwork definitely has the right idea. The brass fixtures are a nice touch, too.

This bathroom design by Hendel Homes is a total glam moment. Everything from the black and white color palette to the crystal chandelier to the art deco-inspired floor tile adds to the effect. Oh, and let's not forget the stunning freestanding tub with a view of the outdoors.

If you're after a softer black-and-white bathroom idea, but still want the color combo, steer toward tile with irregular, curved patterns such as damask or organic floral designs. Cara Loren created this sleek wet room by incorporating said pattern with natural materials and a freestanding bathtub. Looks ready for a soak, right?

Even though the color palette is sophisticated here, the clawfoot tub and adorable flower pattern on the wall and floor bring a youthful flow to this black and white bathroom. Studio Lithe brought in more black accents with a mirror and chandelier to finish off this this small, yet show-stopping design.

The bold black floors and crisp white walls draw your eye right to the gray shower lip and wall. This monochrome look is very simple, but still makes a statement. The natural light and pop of gold above the mirror make the space feel larger than it really is.

Continuing on with the concrete look, this black and white bathroom uses black tiled walls with a fun black and white pattern on the floor. The wood vanity keeps the space warm.