Dark bathrooms can make quite an impact. If you prefer darker shades, you’re not alone. Bathrooms with darker colours are popping up everywhere. There are lots of modern, stylish and dramatic ways to design a dark bathroom. 

There’s a reason why darker bathrooms are on-trend right now. It’s because they give off a strong, somewhat luxurious feel. And here’s the important thing to be aware of: dark doesn’t have to mean dull. Some softer, blended shades can actually come off as more dull because they’re too muted and bland. Darker colours are brave, bold and empowering. They’re contemporary and cosy, particularly when done right. 

What really makes your dark bathroom come to life is plenty of contrast. Think targeted lighting, interesting and unique textures and objects that are seemingly opposite, but somehow come together really well. 

If you want to move to the dark side, but you’re not sure what design to choose, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll look at a few trending and popular dark bathroom colours and ideas. All you have to do is take your pick!

Table of Contents

  1. Dark green bathroom ideas
  2. Dark blue bathroom ideas
  3. Dark grey bathroom ideas
  4. Dark flooring
  5. Dark walls
  6. Dark cabinets
  7. FAQs

Dark green bathroom ideas

Dark green bathrooms are proving very popular at the moment. Despite being a darker shade, the green hues create a natural feel. Green always reminds us of nature. It’s a relaxing colour. 

  • You can create contrast by using warm metals like gold and bronze.
  • Want to give your bathroom a natural spa-like feel? Go for dark emerald or earthy forest green. 
  • If you’ve got a smaller bathroom, you might want to do a feature wall rather than paint the whole room green. 
  • Turn your bathroom into a sanctuary with green house plants or opt for green tiles on the walls. 
  • To lighten the room a little, choose some marble, cream or white tiles and a white bath and sink. 
  • Darker shades of green also look really lovely with wooden accessories and furniture. 
  • Make your green bathroom pop a little more with some artwork; botanical designs work really well. 

An image of a bathroom with a dark green tile feature wall

Dark blue bathroom ideas

Dark blue has a timeless feel. A lot of people choose dark blues for their bathroom as it’s a shade that isn’t too out there, and blue shades remind us of the sea and dark, starry skies. 

Brass fixtures go really nicely with dark blue bathrooms. They add a splash of colour and contrast nicely with deep hues.

  • You can also mix up different shades of dark blue such as navy and teal to create a multi tonal effect. 
  • If you’re looking to create a modern bathroom, then black and slate accents are a great choice. 
  • You can incorporate dark blue in numerous different ways, from navy or midnight blue wall tiles to blue cabinets and dark blue wall paint. Try to mix it up with an element of white somewhere to offset the darker blue tones, such as a white feature bath or a white wall and white bath towels. 
  • Try to use lighting to brighten the space, and a mirror can make a smaller blue bathroom feel more spacious.
  • Some greenery can help break up bolder, dark blue areas and add a softness to the room. 

An image of a bathroom with different shades of blue tiles

Dark grey bathroom ideas

Grey is a versatile colour that isn’t offensive or overbearing. It’s timeless, practical and stylish. If you’re wanting to create a chic, dark grey bathroom then here are some helpful tips.

  • Dark grey wall panels are a big hit at the moment. They’re a great feature for any modern bathroom. 
  • Layer different shades of grey to create a more interesting bathroom design. 
  • Darker grey shades appear almost black, and they pair really well with other bold accent colours like yellow
  • Grey doesn’t mean boring. It gives you room to play around with different textures such as textured tiles, plush towels and bold accessories. 
  • Grey vanity units tend to go well with a range of different bathroom designs. Charcoal and slate have a modern and fresh feel to them. 
  • To brighten up a dark grey bathroom, add some white features like a white sink and bath
  • Grey also works particularly well with earthy style bathrooms. Picture stone grey marble walls with green plants and natural elements. It creates a really calming environment. 
  • Pair dark grey bathrooms with gold accessories. The gold hues are a lovely contrast against dark grey shades and a splash of gold adds some light to the space.
  • Dark grey or black radiators pair well with dark grey bathrooms and create a modern industrial feel. 

An image of a mirror and sink in a dark grey bathroom

Dark flooring

If you don’t want to go for grey walls and ceilings, then you can opt for dark grey flooring. It’s a very practical shade for bathroom and shower room floors as it doesn’t mark or stain easily. If you go for dark flooring, then you can have a bit of fun with the rest of the room by using textures, prints and artwork to elevate the space. 

Dark walls

Another option is to go for dark grey walls. You can then go for lighter floor tiles or flooring and a white walk-in bath and sink. Monochrome bathrooms always look fresh and elegant – mix your dark walls with bright whites. 

Dark cabinets

If you’re not keen on having the entire floor or all the walls dark, then perhaps dark cabinets may be a better option. This allows you to add some darker features to the room whilst still allowing plenty of lighter elements to shine through. 

FAQs

Are dark bathrooms a good idea?

Dark bathrooms are an excellent idea if you prefer darker shades and want to create a more dramatic look. You can use contrasting colours to brighten the space and create some balance. 

Do dark colours make a bathroom look smaller?

Dark colours can suit both small and large spaces, you just need to create the right balance depending on the type of space you have. So if you’ve got a smaller bathroom then have a dark feature wall or dark flooring mixed with other lighter shades. A larger bathroom can take more dark features.

Which colours work best in a dark bathroom?

White naturally contrasts really well with dark bathrooms. But you can also play around with fixture colours and use gold, brass and bronze to help bring some warmth to the space. Gold fixtures and brown wooden shades can also complement darker bathrooms nicely. 

How do you stop a dark bathroom from feeling cold or gloomy?

Think bold metallic finishes that really stand out, such as copper, chrome and brass. These metals can add a warmth and richness to your dark bathroom.  If you’re smart with accessories and accents, you can make a darker bathroom feel brighter and  bigger. For example, mirrors, hardwear, glass and tiles can be used to stop a dark bathroom from feeling cold. You can use these features to elevate the mood and prevent heaviness. 

What sort of dark shades work well in bathrooms?

In terms of specific shades, it’s important to go with what you’re drawn to. But there are tons of options, from black and charcoal (which go really well with patterned bathroom flooring) to slightly brighter tones such as deep navy and moody greens. And you don’t have to go with a dark shade of paint, dark stone work on the walls or floors can look very impressive and high-end. 

What lighting should you use in dark bathrooms?

You can completely transform a dark bathroom with smart lighting. Use warming LEDs, layered lighting, mirror lights and wall lights to brighten an otherwise dark room.