Crisp, clean and classic. White bathroom ideas are a foolproof way of creating a serene sanctuary in your home. While it may be one of the more traditional ways to outfit a bathroom, it's certainly not old-fashioned.
Using clever combinations of materials, textures and other bathroom colour ideas will add extra dimensions into your white scheme, taking it from standard to standout.
From white bathroom tile ideas to adding in the perfect amount of another colour, there are so many ways to add interest and excitement to your space.
1. Warm with wood
White bathroom ideas are fantastic for creating a serene environment, but it's important to veer away from stark, cool-white undertones if relaxation is your aim.
Adding warmth through wood features is a simple way of making a white bathroom look more interesting without distracting from the pared-back scheme with other colours. A vanity unit is a handy way of achieving this that also creates vital bathroom storage ideas, but you can also get the same effect with smaller accessories.
2. Add colour with terrazzo
A white bathroom doesn't need to be completely white in order for the overall scheme to maintain it's light and bright look. Keeping walls white and instead focussing on a more colourful flooring will maintain a spacious feel.
Terrazzo is the perfect solution for this - bursts of pastel and muted brown tones add to a stylish, Scandi-inspired bathroom while still being primarily white. It's an easy way to incorporate a bathroom trend that will stand the test of time.
3. Contrast with black details
One of the most contemporary ways to add impact to white bathroom ideas is through the use of linear black details. Use this style of black and white bathroom ideas across hardware, external plumbing and accessories like mirrors and lighting
'Matte Black is always a good option to choose to create a monochrome look in a plain white bathroom,' agrees Nicholas Cunild, managing director, Matki and Swadling Brassware. 'This can be achieved with accessories such as Crittall shower screen or taps and also with flooring and wall panelling.'
4. Choose brass hardware
Add a hint of glamour to white bathroom ideas by upgrading your brassware from standard chromes to luxe metallics.
'Warm metallic brassware and shower frames such as brass, gold and copper will catch the light and add glimmers of interest to a white bathroom,' says Nicholas from Matki and Swadling Brassware.
5. Opt for a dark floor
Offer your white bathroom a need dimension by grounding the space with dark floor tiles. A contrasting dark bathroom flooring idea will only highlight how white the rest of the room is, and won't distract the eye.
For cohesion, grout the black tiles with white and vice-versa.
6. Add patterns with shapely tiles
Use white bathroom tile ideas to create subtle pattern and interest in your space. Even plain white tiles, chosen in an interesting geometric shape, will add texture and depth to your walls.
Go a step further by selecting tiles in a material with natural colour variations, like gentle veining on white marble.
7. Embrace natural stone
Just because you want to create a bright white scheme, it doesn't mean it has to be boring. An easy and practical way of opting for white walls without choosing tiles is through panels as bathroom wall ideas.
These large scale waterproof wall panels have a stone-effect surface that looks so much more expensive than they are. Plus, it'll help turn your bathroom into a wet room for added functionality.
8. Soften with pink
Contemporary white bathroom ideas and pretty pinks are a match made in heaven. Introduce a hint of colour by leaving a section of your walls untiled and painting it in a soft, feminine shade of pink.
As a bonus, these pinks marry stylishly with black detailing and fresh foliage.
9. Use coloured tiles in the shower
Zone your white bathroom by using a bold colour in only one space. The inside of the shower is a natural choice as there is an in-built delineation between with this area and the rest of the room.
Not only will this bathroom tile idea be more affordable and easy to include in an existing design, but it will also create an eye-catching design feature.
10. Add colour to the floor
If tiling the whole inside of the shower is a step too far, then take a look down. Tile your shower tray area in a brightly coloured and patterned design.
As this is a small space and not something that will catch your eye from everywhere in the room. This means that you're less likely to get tired of the colours or pattern choice, so go wild!
11. Go for a classic metro look
You can't go wrong with plumping for the metro style of white bathroom tile ideas. A classic for a reason, this design won't date and adds just enough extra interest to your simple space.
FAQs
How do you make a white bathroom interesting?
'White is the perfect canvas for both minimalism and maximalism,' says Patrick from GROHE. With this in mind, it's not hard to add interest to white bathroom ideas.
'A white bathroom is like a blank canvas, you can use texture, patterns and warm wood to make it interesting,' suggests Graeme from UK Bathrooms.
'Mix design styles together, for example combine a roll top bath with contemporary styled floor standing taps or add in some natural elements such as wooden shelving or a bamboo towel rail,' says Colin from Tile Mountain. 'Tiles with a relief pattern will add some textural interest, or if you prefer a plain tile then lay them in a pattern such as herringbone or basketweave, additionally more unusually shaped tiles such as hexagons or scallops will work equally well. Another option worth considering particularly for floors are white marble effect tiles, their veining adds visual interest without dominating the room.'
'Mirrors placed opposite windows in dead spaces and lost corners will bounce the light and create depth and perspectives that will light up smaller white bathrooms,' adds Nicholas from Matki. 'Also, adding a pop of colour to the furnishing and fittings such as vanity area adds an element of interest to the room as well a bringing the whole look together.'
What colours go with a white bathroom?
'As a blank canvas, a bathroom with white decoration matches any colour,' sys Juan from Acquabella. 'We can apply much more creative contrasts or use neutral tones that maintain a relaxed, spa-like look. One of the biggest trends involves playing with soft, earthy, neutral tones like beige, cream and light brown.'
Graeme from UK Bathroom agrees that pretty much any colour can be added to white bathroom ideas. 'But blue and white works perfectly – think of Wedgewood China – for a breezy seaside aesthetic.'
If you really want to make impact with colour then turn your head to the dark side. 'We suggest greys, blues or contrasting darker greens for a statement look,' says Ruth from Victoria Plum.
How do you soften a white bathroom?
Besides colour, there are a number of ways to soften white bathroom ideas.
'Ensure you have a lighting plan,' suggests Graeme from UK Bathrooms. 'Strategically placed lighting will ensure your bathroom space is warm and inviting and a place you want to spend time and relax in.'
'Lighting is a good place to start, especially if you don’t have any that is natural,' agrees Colin from Tile Mountain. 'Dimmable bulbs are a good option, but always ensure that whatever lighting you choose has an appropriate IP rating. Accessories such as big fluffy towels and bath mats are an obvious, but if you have a window consider adding a patterned etched window film, shutters, or a textured blind. Tile finishes can also play a part, a gloss or polished finish will help reflect light whilst a matt finish offers a more subtle effect.'
Additionally, the shapes you use can help soften your white bathrooms. 'In addition to varying finishes, materials and textures, think about using a variety of shapes when choosing vanity units, shower screens and accessories,' advises Nicholas from Matki. 'Curvy furniture and shower panels balance and soften a boxy room. Mixing curves, shapes and organic shapes create a sculptural quality and brings a white bathroom to life.'
