How to Decorate a Bathroom in Dark Tones Without Overdoing It: 8 Ideas from Professionals

Bathrooms decorated in dark tones look striking and bold. However, you still want to create a comfortable space that doesn't resemble a basement. Designer Nikolai Myshlanov explains how to maintain this balance and avoid overusing dark tones in bathroom decoration.

Nikolai Myshlanov — Interior Designer and Architect

Choose Warm Tones of Black

There are many different shades of black. For a more cozy interior, prefer its warm variants. These colors are based on red and yellow, giving them a warmer undertone.

Design: Anastasia Tempinская, Yuri and Sergey Lau

Explore Dark Tones Beyond Black and Grey

Dark color is not only black. Emerald, graphite, chocolate, deep blue, and eggplant tones can help create a similarly rich interior. Combining them with neutral monochrome colors helps avoid overloading the space and prevents it from feeling heavy.

Design: Daria Tsimbriko

Use Glossy and Reflective Surfaces

To prevent a bathroom from feeling too dark, incorporate glossy surfaces into the design. This can be achieved with glossy tiles, sinks, and mixers. Don't forget mirrors! Light reflected from such surfaces will scatter throughout the room and create an illusion of a larger space.

Design: Nikolai Myshlanov

Mix Different Shades of the Same Color

Currently, it's trendy to decorate a space in one color. However, to avoid the effect of a 'box,' combine finishes in several tones of the same color. For example, mix a deep gray tone with a lighter shade and a gray-beige color.

Design: Natalia Zavorotishcheva

Balance Dark Tones with White

If you're afraid of overdoing dark colors in the bathroom, simply add some white. This color combination is always in trend and looks stylish. The simplest option is to choose a white bathtub, sink, and toilet. For more impact, add light accessories and textiles to the interior.

Design: Irina Shevchenko

Add a Bright Color or Unusual Detail

To prevent a dark interior from looking too gloomy, experiment more. You can creatively decorate one wall—lay a mosaic pattern with different tiles or introduce a bright color using details like colored plumbing fixtures, hangers, and textiles. Unusual mirrors, side tables, baskets, posters—all belong here.

Design: David Aksenov

Choose Glass Shower Doors

When designing a small dark bathroom, I recommend completely avoiding curtains. Instead, choose glass shower doors that help visually expand the space and make it feel lighter.

Design: Julia Volkova

Add Wooden Elements

Wood has a unique quality: it makes any interior cozier and warmer. That's exactly what you need for a dark bathroom. You can use natural wood elements—shelves, countertops, stools—or choose items with a wood texture—cabinet doors, tiles, and accessories.

Design: Nina Abaseeva and Sergey Shepovalin

Photo on cover: Design project by Nikolai Myshlanov.