Is your bathroom looking lackluster? Are you yearning for a soothing, spa-like space to start and end your days? Going gray with your bathroom decor can help you achieve that, and so much more.
Gray makes an elegant neutral backdrop that allows other colors and textures to shine without visually shrinking the space. It comes in a variety of cool and warm undertones, meaning you can customize the look and feel based on your tastes. Gray also pairs beautifully with other popular bathroom colors like white, black, and wood tones.
Why Choose Gray for Your Bathroom Remodel?
Here are some of the top reasons to use shades of gray when renovating your bathroom:
- Gray is versatile and complements all design styles from traditional to modern
- Available in so many gorgeous shades from soft, pale gray to dramatic charcoal gray
- Pairs beautifully with other colors like crisp white, black, and wood tones
- Creates an elegant, soothing, and relaxing environment
- Visually expands smaller bathrooms
- Easy to keep looking clean compared to brighter white
Getting Started: Determine Your Decorating Style
Gray may be a neutral, but it can still have a dramatic impact on the overall style of your bathroom. Before choosing your specific gray tones and textures, decide what look you’re going for.
Traditional Style
For a classic traditional bathroom with gray accents, look for elements like:
- Wainscoting panels
- Floral patterns on wallpaper or shower curtains
- Antique-inspired plumbing fixtures and mirrors
- Lighter gray tones to complement traditional features
Contemporary Style
If you lean toward a more modern, contemporary look, consider:
- Clean, straight lines on vanities and fixtures
- Lots of gorgeous textures from natural stone tiles to concrete
- Dark charcoal gray on walls or cabinetry for dramatic contrast
Eclectic Style
For a playful, eclectic bathroom with gray as your base, have fun by:
- Mixing modern and traditional elements
- Using an unexpected color combination like gray with a vibrant teal
- Playing around with light and dark gray tones on different surfaces
Selecting Your Shades of Gray
Once you’ve settled on a general style direction, now comes the fun part – deciding exactly which gray tones and textures suit your vision!
Light or Dark Gray?
Do you want an airy, relaxed look or moody elegance?
- Light gray has a soft, gentle effect great for a breezy, spa-like bathroom
- Charcoal or dark gray makes a sophisticated style statement
Cool vs. Warm Undertones
Gray can take on subtle color undertones that impact the overall feeling of the space.
- Blue undertones have an icy, tranquil vibe
- Greige or taupe-gray has cozy, natural earthiness
Matte, Glossy, and Metallic Finishes
The sheen of your gray paint, tile, or textiles also affects the mood.
- Matte = soft, subtle, almost creamy
- Glossy = sleek, wet look
- Metallic = glamorous touch of shine
Incorporating Texture & Patterns with Gray
While gray makes a gorgeous neutral backdrop, texture and patterns add visual interest that keeps the eye moving around your bathroom.
Textured Tiles
Naturally textured tile options to consider:
- Stone mosaic tiles
- Concrete tiles
- Classic rectangular subway tiles with subtle surface indentations
- Beadboard
Textile Accents
Incorporate texture through plush bathroom accessories:
- Shag bath mats
- Waffle weave bath towels
- Shower curtain with subtle pattern
Creative Ways to Use Gray in Key Areas
Ready to start planning how to implement heavenly gray hues in your bathroom? Here are some ideas for key spaces.
Walls
Painting your walls or using gray wallpaper makes a huge impact. Have fun with:
- All over light or dark gray paint
- Two-tone look with lighter gray on top, charcoal wainscoting on bottom half
- Just gray on lower half for a simple wainscoting effect
Floors
Underfoot options:
- Gray wood-look porcelain or vinyl plank flooring
- Classic white subway tile with dark gray grout
- Slate tile
- Polished concrete floor stained a gray tone
Fixtures & Furnishings
Essential bathroom elements to soak in grayscale:
- Gray wood or stone vessel vanity sink and gray medicine cabinet
- Stone vessel sink atop a traditional vanity
- Modern brushed nickel, chrome or oil-rubbed bronze bath fixtures
- Pendant lights, sconces and mirrors with gray metal or smoked glass
Enhance Your Gray Bathroom With Pops of Color
The key to a stunning gray bathroom is taking that versatile neutral backdrop and accenting it with color and texture to add visual interest and WOW factor.
Timeless Black & White
The classic color combo always looks sharp with gray. Make a statement with:
- Graphic black and white geometric floor tile underfoot
- Crisp white tub, sink and toilet contrasting dark gray walls
- Bold black metal fixtures and accessories
Natural Wood Tones
Beautiful woods add warmth and texture to cool grays with:
- Dark wood shelving atop a gray painted vanity
- Gray wood-look tile paired with lighter wood cabinets
- Rustic tree stump stool next to a sleek gray tub
Metallic Accents
Polished metals and metallic textures make gray lean glamorous. Ideas:
- Oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel pivoting mirror mounted above gray vanity
- Glam up pale gray walls with silver penny tile inside the shower
- Rose gold tub, sink and shower fixtures sparkling against charcoal cabinetry
Pull your gorgeous new gray bathroom together with fabulous finishing accessories like:
- Plush gray bath towels and shag bath mat
- Floating wood shelves mounted horizontally on the wall for a modern twist
- Green leafy potted plants for a welcome natural contrast
- Sculptural pendant lighting over the soaking tub as the focal point
As you can see, going gray allows you to create almost any bathroom style you desire – from airy and relaxed to sophisticated elegance. And gray pairs beautifully with texture and colors like crisp white, natural wood tones, and metallic accents.
We hope these decorating ideas have inspired you to refresh your bathroom with on-trend, versatile gray! The soothing possibilities are endless.
