Cleanliness and freshness – we tell you and show you how to decorate a bathroom in white tones to make it cozy and beautiful.
White is a versatile base for any palette. But what if we made it not just a neutral background, but the basis of the entire color scheme of the interior? If you are ready to experiment, then you can start with the bathroom: light colors will visually enlarge the room, as well as create a feeling of cleanliness and freshness. In this article, we will tell you how to create a stylish design for a white bathroom so that you do not end up with a sterile box.
Color Features
Despite the universally recognized versatility, white in the interior always causes a lot of controversy. Let’s consider all the pros and cons of using it in the design of the bathroom.
Pros
- Light colors make the space look more spacious. Most bathrooms, especially in city apartments, are small in size. In this case, white finishes and plumbing fixtures are the best solution for a few square meters on which you need to place everything you need.
- The bathroom rarely has a window. The lack of natural light is the main problem of such a room, and white, coupled with mirror and glossy surfaces, will make the bathroom several times brighter, reflecting and multiplying artificial light.
- It’s a one-stop backdrop for everything. You can safely combine a snow-white base with any colors and textures, whether it is a practical scandi or a luxurious classic. The textures of wood, concrete, and marble go equally well with light shades.
- A light base is easy to transform with the help of décor. Hang a ceiling and a bathrobe of a different color, put beautiful decorative candles, and replace the framed poster with an eco-accessory — and the bathroom will immediately sparkle with new colors.
- Dirt and defects are less noticeable on the light one. Irregularities in tiling, chips, and scuffs will not be striking. Especially if the finish is not monochromatic, but with a small pattern.
- White plumbing costs less than colored plumbing and even more so black. And the assortment in stores is much wider.
Cons
Compared to the advantages, the disadvantages of the color solution in question are much fewer.
- A sense of sterility. This is the traditional argument of opponents of white interiors. It is easy to avoid such a side effect: use diluted warm tones (for example, milky, pearlescent, or jasmine), add shades of beige or brown to the palette, and dilute the whiteness with cozy natural textures.
- Flat and boring interior. Yes, an all-white bathroom without a single splash of other colors will delight only lovers of exaggerated minimalism. But a bright bathroom doesn’t have to be a hospital room. Focus on the shape of objects, noble textures, and interesting combinations. For example, even total white can be diluted with a wooden cabinet or a spectacular décor. For lovers of monochrome, black details (plumbing, fittings, accessories) work perfectly, as in the photo below.
- Loss of gloss. It is believed that snow-white details will turn yellow over time, lose their former freshness, and they will be visible with a coating of water. Sooner or later, time will leave traces on furniture and plumbing of any color, and regular cleaning will help solve the problem of yellowing.
Choosing a Style
A light color scheme is suitable for absolutely every style – all you have to do is choose the right texture, furniture, and supporting palette.
Up to date
In a broad sense, modern style is everything that is not classic. The definition is rather vague but understandable. Modern interiors do not have clear canons, but there are general principles: comfort, functionality, and practicality. A modern bathroom should be ergonomic and comfortable, high-quality natural materials and a calm neutral palette are welcome.
White can serve as a base here, and be used both in decoration and plumbing. You can dilute it with complex shades of gray, black details, or a couple of accent colors. To soften the pure whiteness, cream, beige, sand tones, and precious metal fittings are added.
You can experiment with different textures: for example, combine marble-effect finishes with wooden elements or trendy fluted surfaces.
Minimalism
Minimalism, being a part and even the basis of modern style, preaches all the same values. The main principle is: that less is more. A minimum of furniture and décor, storage systems are hidden, it is advisable to hide the washing machine and household utensils.
Matte details look spectacular: door handles, facades, shower screens. To make the interior look voluminous and expensive, you can add one or two accent elements. And it doesn’t have to be something bright: for example, a sink with the texture of natural marble, a free-standing bathtub of an unusual shape, or terrazzo tiles with a beautiful pattern can act as a focal point.
In the Scandinavian direction, practicality is still at the forefront, but a variety of colors and patterns appear. Light colors are used as a base (wall and ceiling decoration, plumbing, door), but they are sometimes diluted with brown, blue, green, and berry shades. The floor and accent wall can be tiled with ornaments – among the options are patchwork, simple geometry, or variations on a plant theme.
Be sure to add the texture of the wood: it can be a sink cabinet, a stool, a mirror frame, or tiles with an imitation of wood. Textiles made of natural fabrics and minimal décor will create additional coziness.
Eco & Boho
These two directions are visually similar, especially in the context of the bathroom, so we combined them into one point. The main principles are closeness to nature and natural coziness. These styles are characterized by the use of natural materials: wood, stone, cotton, rattan, bamboo, etc.
In the bathroom, you can make light finishes and plumbing, and dilute them with wooden furniture and wicker elements. Tiles with ethnic ornaments, as well as a couple of unpretentious indoor plants, will complete the picture.
Classical
The classic style needs scope, but that doesn’t mean it’s only used in spacious bathrooms. Even if you have a few square meters at your disposal, you can decorate them in a classic way – but it is better to choose a stylization. For example, add moldings to the walls, use marble-effect porcelain stoneware, be sure to use gilded or brass fittings. If space allows, it is worth installing a free-standing bathtub on curved legs.
Shades of white must be noble: we avoid sterility that fades into blue. Powdery, pearl, and creamy shades, as well as ivory, are suitable. They are perfectly combined with deep brown, noble gray, and elegant beige.
Bathroom Design Ideas in White
Trimming
Due to the high humidity, the choice of finishing materials for the bathroom is small. The most popular option is tiles or porcelain tiles. You can also use decorative plaster, moisture-resistant paint, or waterproof wallpaper – the latter is best used in a dry area.
The design of a bathroom with white marble looks stylish and noble – it is best imitated by porcelain stoneware, which is used on the floor, on the walls, or locally: for example, to decorate a shower or bathtub. You can complement the marble finish with gilded fittings and figured lamps. This design is suitable for classical, neoclassical, Art Deco, and modern styles.
For Scandi, eco, boho, and ethnic, wood is a must-have. Many manufacturers offer wood-effect tiles, and for a dry area, you can use wooden or MDF panels with a protective coating.
Furniture & Plumbing
Plumbing can be white to match the color of the main design or, on the contrary, an accent element. If you stick to a monochrome palette, a black or gray sink (especially made of artificial stone) and a matching toilet will look spectacular. Matte surfaces will enhance this effect. If you still choose classic white plumbing, it can be complemented with bright fittings and accessories.
The furniture in the bathroom is mainly storage systems: cabinets, racks, and cabinets. If space allows, you can place a stool or a miniature armchair indoors, thus organizing a small relaxation area – you will get a real home spa.
To prevent the interior from feeling too cold (especially if there is a lot of artificial light, mirrors, and glossy surfaces), combine a white bathtub with wood. It can be used to make a rack or, for example, a cabinet for a sink. Since wood is afraid of water, it is better to use facades with imitation material in the bathroom or choose models made of moisture-resistant species with an additional protective coating.
Decor
For the design of the bathroom in white tones not to be too sterile, it should be diluted with decorative elements that will create a cozy atmosphere in the room. Let’s take a look at the possible options.
- Scented candles
- Mirror
- Dried flowers in a beautiful vase
- Textiles: bathrobes, bath towels, rug
- Beautiful laundry basket
- Plants
- Posters or paintings
Accessories can also become a stylish decoration. For interiors in modern or minimalist styles, black or bright matte details are suitable, for classics and neoclassics – accessories for gold, silver, copper, or brass. High-quality fittings set accents and instantly make the interior more expensive and noble, even if budget materials are used in the design.
