Black bathroom - Is it practical?

Until recently, white was the base color for the bathroom. White sanitary ware along with chrome fittings are a true classic: timeless and universal. Then, normally, they were surrounded by white or pastel tiles. This choice is not accidental. Bright colors enlarge interiors, which is desirable in many bathrooms. At the same time, they are associated with freshness and cleanliness. Nevertheless, the multitude of available building and finishing materials encourages us to experiment with the decor a little bit more. Looking through the latest trends, we often come across inspirations for bathrooms that are entirely black or for bathrooms whose tiles, fittings or accessories are in this color.

Trends in bathroom design

Black is one of the elemental colors in several design styles that have been particularly popular in recent years. First of all, bathrooms with black fittings and tiles are a great option for interiors in modern glam design. In this case, glossy black will be splendid. Modern glam look is all about chic and sophistication, and there’s no other color as elegant as black. A bathroom with black tiles also works perfectly for contemporary or industrial styles. A marvelous result can be achieved here when we replace gloss with matte elements. Matte looks good on tiles, fittings and accessories.

Why choose a black bathroom?

There are several reasons why bathrooms with black tiles and fittings are so popular. Certainly, an arrangement that’s maintained in this color scheme is original and unique. At the same time, it’s contemporary, luxurious and elegant. Combining it with perfectly planned lighting and mirrors, we can create a unique play of light, which will bring to mind glamorous hotels and spas. Although a bathroom with black floor or walls is an original choice, black is a neutral and universal color, so it can be a good base for all other colors.

Black in interiors is becoming more and more popular, and there are plenty of inspirations on how to apply it in various rooms, including the bathroom. It seems to be the perfect idea for those looking for something original. But there are also doubts and dilemmas, especially when it comes to a small black bathroom. It’s no secret that dark hues optically reduce the space… and the bathroom is often small already. What are the other pros and cons of this solution?

Elegance and sophistication

As mentioned above, black is the quintessence of elegance. Black in any version is gracious and extremely elegant. So if the investors wish their bathroom delighted with sophistication and chic, black will work perfectly. There’s a reason why it’s the core color in modern glam design.

Cleanliness challenge

While the unmistakable elegance is one of the greatest qualities of the modern glam look, what raises the greatest concern is the cleanliness issue. Many people are convinced that black bathroom tiles and fittings get dirty faster than those in other colors. The truth is that they get dirty equally quick, but stains, by their nature, are more visible on black than on white. Streaks and limescale deposits are light in color, so it’s natural that they are more evident here.

A black bathroom can be glamorous and practical at the same time. However, it’s important to opt for a thoughtful design and appropriate finishing materials. What to keep in mind so that the arrangement looks lovely, and cleaning is not a nuisance?

Choosing the right materials

One of the key issues is the choice of materials. It’s best to opt for those that don’t require special care, and from which dirt can be easily removed. Ceramic tiles, gres or well-proofed natural stone would work well. Designs with visible veins, unevenness or abrasions are a common choice as small dirt stains don’t strike the eye as much as it is with materials of a smooth and plain surface. It’s worth knowing that glossy tiles reflect light better, making them appear brighter, while matte tiles will have a deeper hue and seem darker.

Lighting in a dark bathroom

Lighting is important in any interior. It’s not only practical, but significantly improves the appearance and perception of the entire space. In rooms with darker colors, it’s particularly important. The basis is the general ceiling lighting, which evenly illuminates the entire room. Apart from it, there must be additional spot lighting installed, which will provide extra light to the various usable areas. When it comes to the bathroom, the area around the mirror is such a place, where we put on makeup and perform other tasks requiring precision. A black bathroom sconce will be a good choice, and it’s even better if there’s one wall light on each side of the mirror. It’s also worth considering decorative lighting, which will subtly highlight decorative elements. It can be, for example, around shelves and niches.

Combining with other colors

Black is a universal color, which blends well with all other colors. This means that the entire bathroom doesn’t have to be black. It’s easy to brighten it up by adding white or accessories in energetic hues. Wanting to warm up the interior, we can add wood or wood-effect tiles to the arrangement. It’s not necessary for the fittings to be black either. Instead, with modern glam design, they can be gilded, in loft style they can be copper, and in contemporary style they can be silver.

What’s more, black can also be looked at from a different angle - when it complements the arrangement, rather than constitutes the core color. Then black bathroom accessories, and shower enclosures or walk-in enclosures with black profiles will look lovely. Black bathroom accessories are as elegant as decorative wall and floor tiles. They will suit arrangements kept in both light and darker hues.

The bathroom is a place that requires frequent cleaning. This is even more valid when it’s black, because in this case any dirt is visible more quickly. It’s best to think about it already when choosing the materials. Tiles or stone must be proofed against humidity, and their surface must allow quick removal of dirt and deposits. In homes with children, it’s easy to get fingerprints on the tile surface, and they are more noticeable on glossy tiles. To avoid this, it’s better to opt for black matte tiles.

Cleaning must also be thought about when choosing sanitary ware. Often it’s troublesome to clean glass surfaces in shower enclosures, on which streaks are visible. And just for this reason it’s worth considering for example modular cabins or bath screens by SanSwiss, as they are covered with AQUAPERLE water-repellent coating.

Regular cleaning and care

Regardless of the furnishings chosen, regular cleaning is essential. The floor should be vacuumed frequently from dust, sand, and sometimes spilled washing powder. Each time sweeping or vacuuming the floor should precede wiping, which will prevent dirt from sticking in the nooks and crannies and scratching the surface. Water with dishwashing liquid or another mild detergent is enough for washing floors and walls. We shouldn’t use abrasive lotions, rough sponges and brushes, instead a microfiber cloth will be ideal. The same gentle approach ought to be applied when cleaning shower trays. If the shower enclosure glass is covered with a water-repellent coating, it’s best to reach for a specialized product. Products in this category can be found in accessories and parts on SanSwiss website.

Avoiding common mistakes

Among the most common mistakes are infrequent cleaning and using the wrong tools and agents. Thus, it’s recommended to follow what was said before. As a result of cleaning with inadequate products, scratches may appear, and the water-repellent coating will no longer perform its function. In addition to this, it’s necessary to ventilate the bathroom regularly, otherwise humidity and, as a result, mold may appear.

A bathroom with a black toilet, sink, walls and floor certainly looks impressive. This is an interesting option that will appeal to many people. Opting for high-quality furnishings and a black set for the bathroom, while systematically cleaning the interior, gives us a guarantee that the arrangement will look beautiful for a long time.