Bathrooms are unique places. They’re where we go to get ready for a big event, relax after a long day, and pretty much everything in between. These are some of the most vulnerable times in our lives. So it stands to reason that we’d want to put a lot of thought and care into the environment in which they take place. But we don’t want to go so far with our decor that we’re distracted every time we enter the room. This balance can be difficult to achieve, but gray and white bathrooms consistently succeed.
Gray and white is a soft palette that welcomes without drawing too much attention to itself. It’s present enough to make your space feel complete, but not so much that it becomes distracting. Plus, there are so many different ways to do a gray and white bathroom that you’ll always be able to find one that suits your taste.
So take some time to look through the plethora of gray and white bathroom ideas that exist in this world. And get ready to create a space that is as cozy and calming as you desire.
Mix and Match
Tiles can be used in a variety of ways when decorating a bathroom. So why not combine a few of your favorites? One set of tiles should be used to line the walls, and another set should be used to cover the floors. If you want to keep things interesting, use the same set of tiles to cover your shower floors and your bathroom floors, rather than separating the two.
Subtle Statement-Makers
Don’t be afraid to wear patterns that make a statement. Because your palette is so simple, even the most vibrant prints will be subdued, leaving you with a space that is eye-catching but not overwhelming.
Shades of Gray
To tell you to embrace many different shades of gray feels a little tired. The advice, however, is too good to pass up. Changing up your tones is a great way to keep things interesting when your palette is so neutral. (And no, you don’t have to use 50 different shades of gray—two or three should suffice.)
Pops of Marble
Marble will quickly become your best friend when designing a gray and white bathroom. Why? To begin with, the material is very bath and shower friendly. It’s also available in a range of gray and white hues. Add a few marble accents to your space to tie your color scheme together.
Big, Bold Tiles
Most of us decorate our bathrooms with smaller tiles. But why not go for bigger, more daring ones? The moment you lay down large tiles, they will make a statement. You can also use them to set the tone for the rest of your room.
Accent Walls
Bathrooms may be small, but there are numerous options for accent walls. Use paint to distinguish one wall from the others, or use eye-catching tiles to create an accent wall in your shower. Match your wall tiles to the ones on your floor to keep things feeling cohesive. Alternatively, go for a more maximalist approach and use different tiles for each.
Cozy Pieces
Because bathroom floors can become cold and slick, a rug can go a long way. Choose a printed, in-palette option to warm up your space. (Your toes will thank you when you step out of the tub the next time.)
Texture Play
Many of us use color to keep our spaces lively. However, when working with a limited palette, other elements, such as texture, become much more important. Use textured materials in your bathroom and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Terrazzo may appear to be an unusual choice for a bathroom floor, but it will complement the textured tiles on your bathroom wall—and the sleek marble lining your shower.
High Contrast
When the only colors available are gray and white, it may appear impossible to create contrast. However, when you combine your brightest white with a darker gray, such as charcoal, you may be surprised at how bold your space can become.
Tiles and Textiles
To keep your space feeling cohesive, pair your softest materials with your toughest. Combine a gray rug with gray shower tiles and a white towel to complement the white marble on your bathroom counters. Because you’re organizing your space around two colors rather than one, your bathroom won’t look too matchy-matchy.
In-Palette Accents
If your bathroom is large enough to accommodate a few accent pieces, go ahead and use them—just make sure they match your color scheme. As long as it complements the rest of the decor, a chair can be a welcoming addition to a bathroom. (Why give up now if you’ve worked so hard to create a consistent color scheme?)
Floor-to-Ceiling Tiles
Consider tiling your shower walls from floor to ceiling—and tiling your floor to match. Yes, committing to just one tile can be daunting. However, because you’re working with such a muted palette, it’s difficult to go wrong. If you want to keep things interesting, you can always choose two sets of tile that are similar enough to match.
Playful Prints
Allow printed wallpaper to add visual texture to your space without detracting from your minimalist palette. Light gray pineapples on a white background will add just enough character to your space to keep things interesting (but not so much that your aesthetic feels totally derailed). A more graphic pattern would also work well if you prefer a sleeker look.
Splurge-Worthy Fixtures
Installing a chandelier in your bathroom is an unquestionably daring move. However, in the right setting, it can look absolutely stunning. So don’t be afraid to incorporate a few eye-catching fixtures into your bathroom. (This includes large chandeliers, but smaller ones can look just as good.)
Painted Cabinets
It’s time to let your cabinets in on the fun after you’ve coordinated your walls, floors, and shower tiles. White is the obvious choice for cabinetry, but gray can also look great. Choose a color that provides your bathroom with exactly what it requires, whether it’s contrast or congruence.
Patchwork Tiles
You’re having trouble committing to a single tile set because you have so many favorites. Consider using all of them. Because your palette is so muted, you can experiment with different prints and textures. You can even combine your tiles to create a patchwork effect.
Patterns on Patterns
Combine modern circle tiles with a sleek striped shower curtain. Why? Because you are capable. Combinations that may appear overpowering in a vibrant color scheme will appear perfectly balanced in your pared-down palette. So challenge yourself to take some risks with your prints—your space can almost certainly pull them off.
Wall-to-Wall Cement
Cement may appear to be an unusual choice for a bathroom. However, when done correctly, it can look absolutely stunning. If your home is modern, industrial, or even a little bohemian, cement could be a great addition to your bathroom.
Built-In Accents
Accent pieces do not need to be last-minute additions. Instead, you can incorporate them into your design. Make use of shower benches, shelves, and storage areas to mix things up. Choose a slightly darker tile color or a different material—and know that your palette will keep everything looking sleek.
Cohesive Pieces
Shower curtains are often associated with college dorm rooms or small apartments. However, the piece can be an eye-catching addition to any room. If your color scheme could use some cohesion, use a shower curtain to tie your bathroom together. (Even if you don’t need a shower curtain, consider hanging one over your tub—it’ll make bath time even cozier.)
Invert Expectations
Most people try to keep their walls lighter than their floors. Why? We’re simply applying a rule of thumb. And, while that rule makes a lot of sense most of the time, inverting it can make your space look really bold. Consider using pewter wall tiles in conjunction with off-white floor tiles. Alternatively, use a variety of different tiles on your floor to blur the lines.
Out-of-the-Box Adds
Don’t be afraid to deviate from the script. A light brown rug will not detract from your color scheme, and neither will a wooden bath stool. If your gray-and-white color scheme is well-defined, you can get away with mixing in a few neutral accent pieces without undoing all your hard work.
Final Touches
Bathrooms necessitate a plethora of hardware, including faucets, towel racks, shower heads, and other fixtures. While changing out these fixtures can be time-consuming, investing in sleek hardware can really tie your space together. Consider this final upgrade after you’ve completed all of the preceding tasks. It will be the icing on the cake for a carefully (and beautifully) curated space.
