8 Ways Your Bathroom Would Look Great in Gray
Gray may be a neutral, but it need not be dull
Jennifer Ott
February 26, 2016
San Francisco-based architectural color specialist and design writer. Jennifer's work has been featured in many print and online publications. Her recently-published book, "1000 Ideas for Color Schemes," is a beautifully illustrated and easy-to-navigate guide that takes the guesswork out of selecting the perfect color palette for your home or special event. For more information on Jennifer Ott Design, visit http://jenottdesign.com/.
San Francisco-based architectural color specialist and design writer. Jennifer's... More
If the previously featured blue bathrooms were a tad too colorful for you, perhaps gray is more your speed. Gray has been a popular neutral for quite a while now, and it doesn’t appear to be falling out of favor anytime soon. One complaint I’ve seen about gray is that it can feel too cold and institutional. Here are some examples of how to use gray in a way that is warm and inviting.
1. Gray mix. Break up the grays by layering a variety of shades. The walls here are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Sterling Silver, a nice midtone gray. The darker gray vanity really stands out against the lighter colors. The floor also has a few shades of gray in it, tying everything together. The gray hues differ from one another just enough to avoid a monotone look.
2. Fully tiled. Tiling an entire wall or walls can make a bathroom appear more luxurious and expansive. But depending on the tile used, it can be quite an expensive undertaking. For this reason it’s a good idea to go for tiles in a muted or neutral hue, like this super-soft gray. Subtle neutrals don’t become dated quite as quickly as bolder, more assertive colors.
See more on using floor-to-ceiling tile in a bathroom
See more on using floor-to-ceiling tile in a bathroom
3. Wallcovering. Use an interesting wallcovering to dress up your bathroom, like the one shown here from Scion. One caveat to this is you have to consider how steamy the bathroom gets. It’s best to limit this wall treatment to powder rooms, or to full bathrooms that have top-notch ventilation.
See more bathroom wallcovering ideas
See more bathroom wallcovering ideas
4. Fixtures. There’s no rule stating that bathroom plumbing fixtures such as tubs and sinks need to be shiny and white. The soft gray concrete fixtures in the bathroom shown here have a beautiful sculptural quality that brings uniqueness.
5. Concrete contemporary. Because of its association with industrial applications, gray concrete has a decidedly contemporary vibe. But contemporary and minimalist need not be cold and stark. This bathroom has many charming elements that keep it firmly on the side of warm and inviting, such as the wood structural framing and the whimsical paint job on the vanity.
6. Gracefully gray. The right medium to dark gray color on the wall can add instant elegance. If you go for a dark gray, make sure the bathroom gets an abundance of natural light to break up and serve as a contrast to the dark walls. Using plenty of white materials and finishes will also help lighten and brighten up the space, and they partner well with dark grays.
See more on picking out the right gray
See more on picking out the right gray
7. Patina. This bathroom has a fantastic vintage vibe that is played up by the interesting wall treatment. With so many appealing elements to catch the eye, I like that color was used with restraint.
8. Backdrop for patterns and textures. Go ahead and incorporate a fun material or tile pattern, but then allow it to be the star of the space by keeping the wall color a supportive neutral, like this medium-dark gray.
See more creative ways with tile floors in the bathroom
Your turn: How have you used gray in your bathroom?
See more creative ways with tile floors in the bathroom
Your turn: How have you used gray in your bathroom?
Related Stories
Colors of the Year
Pantone Picks an Uplifting Combo for Its Color of the Year 2021
By Jennifer Ott
Hello, yellow! Good day, gray! See how to use the two colors predicted to be both hot and cool in the coming year
Full Story
Color
Designers Share Their Favorite Light Gray Paints
By Becky Harris
These versatile neutrals can help create a range of moods in any room
Full Story
Color
7 Ways to Use a Gray Carpet in Your Bedroom
See how designers play with this versatile flooring choice to make a space cool and elegant or warm and cozy
Full Story
Color Palettes
7 Ideas for Using a Gray Carpet in Your Living Room
Soothing and often practical, gray carpeting can look elegant too, especially if you consider these ways to work with it
Full Story
Decorating Guides
How to Combine Blue and Gray in Your Living Room
By Kate Burt
Let these 10 versions of the versatile color combination inspire you
Full Story
Room of the Day
Room of the Day: Soothing Gray Cabinets Update a Modern Kitchen
By Jenn Cox
Custom storage, light woods and a cool palette create an easygoing space for a California family
Full Story
Kitchen Design
New This Week: The Stylish Kitchen Trend Showing Up Everywhere
Brass hardware paired with dark cabinets and a neutral backdrop is hot in kitchens. Here’s how designers make it work
Full Story
Kitchen Design
8 Gray Kitchens That Nail Warmth and Balance
Look to subtle undertones and the right mix of cool and warm tones in your color choices
Full Story
Kitchen of the Week
Kitchen of the Week: White and Gray and Storage-Packed
Open space, natural light and a palette of neutrals create a bright contemporary kitchen for a growing family
Full Story
Color
10 Off-Grays for When You Want a Richer Neutral Hue
By tidgboutique
Look to these undertones to give your space the subtle color you crave
Full Story
Wow Zemptron - these are really beautifully designed bathrooms - I love them - the rug and wooden cabinet add a lovely warmth. Congrats.
Nice but needs plenty of white to break it up...
We went blue-stone grey ...