Gray bathroom design: pros and cons, combinations of gray with other colors, real photo examples

The gray bathroom is currently experiencing a renaissance, so don't miss the trick with these stylish bathroom ideas.

A person who knows the value of good design and respects people who are capable of creating everyday beauty will never call gray a boring color. There is a lot of nobility in it; gray can be both strict and warm, both neutral and bright. There are 256 shades of gray - that’s how many possibilities a designer actually has. And one of them (or even several) can become the color of your bathroom.

Gray color: design features, characteristics, psychological impact

Each color has its own effect on a person, gray is no exception. It is formed by mixing red, green, blue colors in different proportions. This color is associated with maturity and aging, restraint and justice, strength and spirituality. In a negative sense, it means a reluctance to be noticeable, boredom, dullness, and self-isolation.

• Color in the interior: influence on humans

The effect on humans is to inhibit all physiological processes of the body, reduce the tension of nervous activity, reduce excessive excitation and blood pressure. Gray tones are useful for lovers of deep meditation, with high blood pressure, temperature, and infectious diseases. In sufficient quantities they help to concentrate and solve various problems, but if there are too many of these tones around, depression occurs.

The interior uses unobtrusive gray tones as a background. Combinations with any others are allowed here, and the room looks noble and brings peace. Recommended for decoration of offices, hospitals, offices.

Gray with white

The combination of gray and white colors in the bathroom interior looks as natural and calm as possible. However, when combining them, you need to take into account that shades of gray are chameleons, the tonality of which changes the perception of all neighboring colors. Therefore, shining white is not always the best pair with dark gray - in such company, a noble pure color will look a bit dirty.

Photo by ReRooms

If you like sparkling white, it is better to combine it with light gray shades with a silver tint. Do you want to decorate your bathroom in fashionable graphite or lead gray tones? To pair them, choose shades of sweet white: milky, creamy, creamy are perfect.

Advantages and disadvantages of gray bathroom design

The interior in gray tones has its pros and cons.

easily creates a luxurious, noble design; suitable for various interior styles - high-tech, minimalism, loft, Scandinavian style, baroque, classic; the color does not interfere or strain the eyesight; it goes well with almost any other color scheme.

this color can depress people with mental illness and depression; excessively dark, close to black shades make a small room very cramped.

Beautiful interior examples

To take a peek, to get inspired, to get interesting ideas, to notice some small detail from which an entire design plan can grow - all this can be done by studying beautiful examples of interior design.

Here are 10 interesting bathroom solutions in gray tones.

• Simple, ascetic, without decoration or unnecessary things. Today, things like this bench are in fashion, beautiful in their roughness and attractive negligence. Gray and white, modest decor, simplicity of lines - this will appeal to those who have enough brightness and decorativeness in other areas of life, but want simplicity in everyday life.

• For some, such an interior will seem gloomy, while for others, it will seem noble. And here it’s a matter of taste, but specifically in this example there are more reasons for admiration. There is nothing special at first glance, but everything is in its place.

• Warm, lively, unconventional - this is what you can say about this bathroom, where the color of the finish is at the intersection of gray and brown. Ideal geometry, maximum ergonomics, almost complete absence of decor - this option will appeal to men who cannot tolerate decoration and ask to do away with it, at least in the bathroom.

• An excellent combination of colors that makes the interior lively and modern . The yellow insert is beautiful; the presence of white in large quantities balances the interior elements and harmonizes the space.

• Another option for lovers of a fusion of gray and brown. At the same time, the bathroom does not look gloomy, but here, of course, everything is decided by the presence of a window. However, imitation of a window can also be a way out of the situation.

• Idea for a small bathroom. By the way, if you choose other finishes, furniture and layout, you will find that the bathroom is even smaller. This option visually more advantageously exposed the frankly small footage.

• Another proof that gray is not a cold or dull color. This is the color of self-sufficient, non-flashy luxury. In addition, it can make any decor a little brighter and more meaningful.

• If the bathroom is small, and even not of the most standard shape, this does not mean that only white color will save the situation. The owners are right that they included enough mirror surfaces in this interior.

• An example of how great greenery enlivens an interior. And how she makes it more stylish and convincing. And the gray background further enhances this effect.

• The interior seems bright. But note, there is no particular brightness in the decoration. Textiles became the decor here. This means you can change your interior according to your mood. Gray colors in the decoration will be an excellent background for these changes.

Good decisions and pleasant repairs!

Sources

_https://robdom.ru/interer/tsvet_v_interere/seraya_vannaya_komnata/ _https://m-strana.ru/design/30-idey-dlya-seroy-plitki-v-vannoy/ _https://mirvannaja.ru/seraya- vannaya/ _https://design-homes.ru/komnaty/vannaya-komnata/dizajn-vannoj-v-serom-tsvete-osobennosti-oformleniya-foto _https://designstil.info/seraya-vannaya/ _https://vannajainfo .ru/seraya-vannaya/ _https://kraska.guru/dizajn/cvet/seraya-vannaya-komnata.html _https://ArtPro100.ru/dizajn-interera/sanuzel/vannaya-komnata-v-seryh-tonah. html _https://vplate.ru/vannaya-komnata/dizajn-i-dekor/seraya/

Choosing materials for finishing the bathroom

The choice of finishing materials depends on the style of the interior, the size of the room, and the financial capabilities of the owners. Modern manufacturers of finishing materials offer many options suitable specifically for rooms with high humidity:

• natural, artificial stone;
• ceramic tile;
• laminate;
• wooden, plastic, glass panels;
• many types of paint;
• washable wallpaper;
• photo wallpaper;
• special decorative plasters.

The ideal floor covering is ceramic tiles. It is much cheaper than stone, available in various colors and textures. It is important to choose a floor - it is stronger than a wall, less slippery, and will last longer. In cramped spaces, it is laid diagonally - this achieves a significant expansion of space.

• Fashionable bathroom tiles 2022

Linoleum is used less often - it is suitable for those who like frequent repairs, since it does not withstand heavy furniture installed on it, and if installed incorrectly, it is damaged by mold and mildew, especially at the joints. Waterproof laminate is also a good solution, but it is equally important to install and seal the joints correctly.

Tiles are also suitable for walls - the most popular options are stylized to resemble natural stone, precious woods, and textile materials. Wall panels are no less common - they are made of transparent or tinted glass, plastic, natural wood, and treated with protective compounds that prevent warping, rotting, and damage by fungus and mold. Sometimes the walls are painted - this can be a gradient transition from light to dark, geometric shapes, stripes, intricate patterns.

The ceilings are suspended or simply painted. For a certain interior style, molded foam elements are mounted on them - ceiling panels, rosettes, cornices, etc.

Gray with orange

Orange is the color of cheerfulness, joy and positivity. Psychologists claim that it encourages action and improves overall tone. What else do you need for a bathroom interior that should not only promote relaxation in the evenings, but also invigorate you in the mornings! Of course, an orange monochrome bathroom will be too hot and stuffy. But if you muffle the obsession of orange with gray, the result will be harmonious, lively, but not provocative.

Photo by ReRooms

Color: various shades of gray

The use of different shades of the described color for the bathroom has its own characteristics. In well-lit, spacious rooms with windows and high ceilings, it is recommended to use dark, cool shades. If there are no windows and the room is cramped, it is advisable to use the lightest, warmest colors.

Photo of a small bathroom

By using a lighter palette, glossy, mirror surfaces and a minimal amount of volumetric decor, it is possible to achieve no less spectacular interior masterpieces.

The photo shows the design of a small bathroom in gray-pearl tones.

For a small bathroom, it is better to choose compact furniture and replace floor cabinets with hanging shelves that preserve usable space. You can enlarge and lighten the space with glass partitions for the bathroom or shower.

Gray bathroom: color combinations

A monochrome gray interior is acceptable, but it seems boring because it requires at least a small amount of contrasting accents. Part of the tiles on the wall or all the plumbing, a rug on the floor or a stained glass window, a curtain over the bathtub or several shelves for bath items, a flower painted on the wall or an intricately shaped heated towel rail.

White and gray bathroom

A win-win classic combination that fills the room with lightness, relaxation and serenity. White should be used in moderation, as it should only emphasize the unique gray color, and not become the main color scheme.

Gray with yellow

The combination of gray and yellow in the bathroom interior is disgusting. Yes, not all gray and yellow bathrooms can be called attractive, that's a fact. Much depends on the contrast: the sharper it is, the more fashionable and stylish the interior looks.

You can achieve an expressive contrasting effect by using both rich and calm shades of the gray-yellow palette: combine lime or lemon tones with shades of wet asphalt, apricot and sand tones will go well with silver-gray, ash and pearl shades of gray.

Gray-pink bathroom interior

In a dark gray bathroom, delicate pastel pink tones will look especially advantageous. No less harmonious is the combination of an ashy shade with a powdery or fuchsia color, in any proportions. The gray-pink duet simultaneously gives the design calm, unusualness and brings bright touches to the room.

Taupe bathroom interior

The combination is ambiguous, but interesting. On the one hand, brown balances the coolness of the gray palette, on the other hand, the already dull gray shades against its background become invisible. To achieve a successful combination, you can play on contrast: combine dark brown with light gray and vice versa to create an expressive and gloomy bathroom interior that will be in trend for a long time.

Brown shades warm up a monochrome room and add more coziness and harmony to it. The gray interior of the bathroom in combination with wood looks very stylish.

Gray with beige

If we talk about the combination of gray and beige in the interior of the bathroom, then you should take into account: in such a color combination it does not matter which shade you give priority to. When mixed, they will in any case dissolve into each other and create a neutral-colored cocktail. To prevent the interior from turning out flat, use a variety of textures, patterns, and introduce black, white and brown shades. This way you will get the desired dynamic and enlivening contrast, but without garish contradictions.

Black and gray bathroom

The gray and black tandem is associated with elegance and luxury. Such colors do not make the atmosphere gloomy, but, on the contrary, make it more refined and perfect.

Gray and gold bathroom

A respectable color combination for a beautiful bathroom interior is a combination of gray and gold. In these tones, your bathroom will look no worse than in an elite hotel, especially if you place black elements on a gray background and use gold in the form of textured, aged and embossed tile surfaces, mirror frames and faucets.

Combination of blue and gray in the bathroom

Smoky tones with blue or turquoise tones create a rather cool, yet sophisticated and elegant combination. Midnight blue and sapphire shades add solemnity to the interior, while pale cornflower blue, sky or blue colors promote relaxation and tranquility. Due to its low contrast, light blue forms a very pleasant and harmonious duet with gray.

Gray with turquoise

When you mention turquoise shades, the imagination draws a sea breeze, so it is logical to use them in the interior of the bathroom. And in combination with gray-silver tones, turquoise creates a truly magical effect: in such a color palette, even a small gray bathroom will seem weightless, and exotic notes will rustle in its atmosphere, without any additional decor.

Gray with green

Great for small bathrooms. Gray shades in such an interior will visually expand the room, blur its visual boundaries, and green accents will add a feeling of spaciousness without drawing attention to themselves. Just try to avoid contrasting combinations. Avoid using a lot of rich, fresh grass and charcoal tones. In the bathroom, soft combinations would be more appropriate: for example, light green or olive shades with mother-of-pearl pearls will envelop the room in an atmosphere of freshness, with which it is imbued even without the use of living plants in the decor.

Gray with red

Tonal red with gray is an excellent solution for the interior of a modern bathroom, despite the fact that the combination is sharp, pulsating and a little difficult to perceive. To achieve harmony between them, make gray dominant, and add shades of red as an accent. However, if you add black and white colors to the bathroom decoration, then even a large amount of red will not be too flashy.

How to choose the right shade

There are many shades of gray. But for each interior you can choose your own suitable tone. Let's consider which option is better to choose depending on the type of space and its location in the house.

• Light shades of gray: smoky, light gray, silver. These tones are suitable for rooms with no access to natural light. Also in bathrooms where there are no windows, it is recommended to combine gray with white, cream, and beige.
• Mouse and graphite tones look great in combination with patterned tiles or patchwork. These tones are suitable for organizing an ethnic interior design.
• Slate or lead are more suitable for modern interior solutions. Therefore, the following details can be organized in these colors: faucets, shower heads, bathroom furniture fittings.
• Dark gray shades are more suitable for rooms with excess free space. They add depth and elegance to the room and are successfully combined with other tones. Attention is focused on the walls with the help of prominent tile seams.
• Warm gray colors are best used for cramped rooms with an area of ​​less than seven square meters. They can be used not only in facing materials: tiles, paint, glass and ceramics, but also in the facade of the set.

A good option is to correctly combine several shades of gray. Remember that even a cramped room with high ceilings requires a moderate amount of gray. Solid gray color without accents or noticeable details depresses the mood and puts pressure on the psyche.

Gray walls in the bathroom without decoration Gray bathroom in a modern interior style

Subtleties of choosing colors

As you can see in the photo of the gray bathroom, this color may well be the base color. However, a bathroom decorated exclusively in gray tones will look gloomy and boring. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to add splashes of other colors to the interior.

Gray is a neutral tone. It is “friendly” with almost all colors, which opens up wide possibilities for flights of fancy.

In addition, this color has the ability to visually expand space. And if you use its gradient, you can hide planning defects.

The gray palette is distinguished by its practicality. Dust and dirt are hardly noticeable on this finish. This tone is also not subject to fading.

The interior of a gray bathroom can be supplemented with metal decorative elements. These could be toothbrush holders, soap dishes, toilet paper holders, etc.

Metallic goes very well with gray trim, adding style and elegance to the whole environment.

Features of lighting a gray bathroom

The number of lighting fixtures and the brightness of the light depend on the size of the room and the saturation of the colors used in the design. It is advisable to use not only a central chandelier, but also a local lamp above each plumbing fixture - bath, shower, toilet, mirror, etc. It is important that all lamps, sockets, switches are protected from accidental moisture. If possible, they are placed as far as possible from water sources, and electrical wiring is allowed inside special sealed boxes made of plastic or rubber.

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Decorative lighting on the top of cabinets, mirrors and other items will create a romantic atmosphere; an LED strip placed on the bottom of furniture or baseboards will add lightness and weightlessness to the space. Subdued lighting will make the room cozy, creating a soft play of shadows. But if there are small children or visually impaired people in the family, the main lighting should provide enough light.

Depending on the chosen style of the room, the role of lighting fixtures is played by branched or multi-arm chandeliers, asymmetrical or stylized as sconces, flat ceiling or spotlights, light boxes or false windows. The presence of mirrors and shiny surfaces will make the room brighter by reflecting the light of the lamps.

For rooms without windows, experts recommend using white fluorescent lamps that simulate daylight well.

Gray with pink

The combination of gray and pink has long gone beyond the design of children's rooms for girls. Today, the gray-pink duo has become an interior trend and is widely used both in the design of living rooms and in the interiors of bathrooms, toilets and hallways. Gray gets along perfectly with both extravagant fuchsia and delicate powdery pink tones, and in any proportion. When you want at the same time something ordinary, and calm, and some kind of bright touch, and some zest in the bathroom interior, stop at the combination of gray and pink.

Photo by ReRooms

Choosing furniture and fixtures for a gray bathroom

A standard set of furniture and plumbing looks like this:

• toilet;
• bath;
• bidet;
• shower;
• dressing table with chair;
• hanging shelves or cabinets;
• storage sections under the bathroom;
• mirror with or without shelves;
• towel racks.

Of course, in a small room such a set looks more modest - not everywhere can fit a full-fledged bathtub, which is replaced by a shortened or compact shower stall. Instead of a dressing table and many cabinets, several narrow shelves for cosmetics are often made, and a mirror is placed above them.

Plumbing fixtures and furniture can match the background decoration, which allows you to expand the space, or sharply contrast with it. The furniture is made of wood with a water-repellent coating, MDF, chipboard, plastic, chromed metal, glass.

Gray with black

In modern interiors, stylish and fashionable combinations of gray and black are often found. But be careful with such a color combination: to prevent the bathroom from turning out cramped and gloomy, add shine to the interior with the help of reflective surfaces.

Photo by ReRooms

Use chrome-plated plumbing fixtures, transparent glass, glossy furniture facades and mirrors - they will become traps for rays of light, thanks to which the strict gray-black combination will sparkle with shimmering highlights and will not visually hide the area of ​​the room.

Accessories and decor for a gray bathroom

Decorative design is selected depending on the availability of free space and a specific interior style. In the Baroque, Empire, and Rococo styles, gilded metal legs of the bathtub, intricate brass taps, thin mosaics on the walls in combination with half-columns and other foam stucco work perfectly. In country, ethnic, village interiors, live plants in pots, carpets look great, as if woven from wicker. In high-tech, loft, and minimalist styles, an abundance of mirrors, chrome heated towel rails and towel hooks, and simple built-in lamps look great.

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If there is a window, it is draped with a curtain that matches the tone of the rug on the floor or the curtain over the bathtub.

A true gray bathroom interior is a great solution for any modern bathroom. It can be two or three gray colors or a full varied palette, with individual bright accents. The bathroom space is designed in the same style as the rest of the rooms in the apartment, or is very different from them. With certain skills, such a design can be easily implemented independently or with the participation of professional artists involved in bathroom interior design.

Examples in various styles

Ash tones fit perfectly into many modern stylistic solutions. For example, a light gray finish in combination with crisp white sanitary ware will be a worthy design for a minimalist interior.

Iron-gray and graphite colors will add expressiveness to a bathroom in the urban loft direction. Nickel-plated and chrome-plated surfaces against the background of concrete walls will look very original.

The photo shows gray concrete wall decoration in a minimalist style bathroom.

Expensive marble cladding in gray shades in combination with beautiful half-columns and a large bathtub on gilded legs will perfectly complement the luxurious Baroque style.

For classic and neoclassical designs, white-aluminum, agate or pebble colors are suitable, which will highlight the elegant environment.

Gray bathroom: design tips

When it comes to bathroom color ideas, gray is a classic shade, which means it's a good investment for a hard-to-change space like the bathroom. From charcoal gray to taupe, the versatility of this shade allows you to go as dark and bold or as light as you desire.

Whether you already have gray fixtures in your bathroom or are looking to renovate or remodel, we've put together some easy decorating ideas to add an extra touch of personality to your powder room space.

Add color with accessories

Do you think gray is cold and painful? Think again. This cozy bathroom scheme proves that gray is anything but. This taupe color enhances the feeling of warmth, making it an ideal choice for cozy, bright spaces. Warm pale gray shades add sophistication and can be very versatile. Use candles and colorful accessories to add interest and comfort.

Use gray tiles in a damp room

Floor-to-ceiling tiles can transform a functional bathroom space into something much more attractive. Choose a color that will stand the test of time and that the whole family can live with. Make it all grey: apply it to all four walls, but don't let the color look uniform by placing white fittings and fixtures next to it and some shiny chrome accessories for a striking contrast.

Give it a rustic look

Give your bathroom a fresh look with gray paint. The color is extremely evocative. Discover how paint is the key to creating style, mood and personality in your decorating scheme. Choose a dramatic gray shade for the wall and decorate it with pale and interesting accessories. The trendy gray matte paint used here creates a soft contrast to the white roll top bathtub.

Stay calm, clean and serene

Gray is a shortcut to sophistication, so enhance the ethereal allure by pairing it with high-gloss white details and classic fittings and fixtures. Add subtle patterns, as shown here on the polka dot lampshade. To add some rustic warmth, add some colorful accessories, such as fall tones.

Paint with pale gray

Who said gray can't work equally well in a suburban scheme? The calm and elegant atmosphere in this bathroom was achieved through the use of soothing shades of gray and white. One of the hottest trends in home design is the use of natural wood accents and textures. Paired with gray walls, this striking combination really comes to life. Don't be discouraged when searching for reclaimed wood - even damaged wood can often be restored to its former glory, with any marks becoming part of the patina of age.

Choose a gray slate wall

This charcoal gray slate adds elegance and interest to a minimalist room. Available in a wide range of styles, durable tiles are a proven material for bathroom walls and floors. If you're looking for timeless beauty and individual character, look no further than stone. All natural stone is porous, so it must be sealed and may require additional treatment on a regular basis, but with proper installation and care, the stone surface should last a lifetime. Plus, a simple tablet is great if you're on a budget.

Create a city atmosphere

Break up areas of gray with a matching pattern or color. The pale gray subway tile in this bathroom is calming, gender neutral, and naturally complements the wood cabinetry. When tiling an entire wall, stick to a light-colored grout to prevent the space from becoming too narrow.

Completely gray color

As a rule, if a tile is suitable for the floor, it is suitable for the walls, but not vice versa. A type of ceramic, porcelain is generally the best flooring option. Because it is fired at a much higher temperature than ceramic, it is ultra-hard, almost completely non-porous, and scratch and stain resistant, making it a good choice for a low-maintenance bathroom. Here, large-format gray tiles give the space a hotel-chic feel.

Make gray glamorous

Pigment-rich paint will make this heavy gray color even more intense. Choose a finish with a subtle shimmer and pair with seafoam greens and metallic accents for an ethereal, luxurious look. Avoid harsh color contrasts and stick to tone-on-tone and harmonious patterns that are just barely there. Don't be afraid to use deeper and more intense shades of gray. Beauty and balance here are achieved directly through the judicious use of color and accessories.

Do it your way

Gray doesn't have to be boring. Work classic subway tiles to half height (you can repaint tiles on top of tiles as often as you like), then add a pop of color or some personal design to liven up the scheme.

Change your bathroom fixtures to make them look stylish

If you're looking for ideas for a gray bathroom, a new toilet or sink may not be at the top of your shopping list, but it could be a worthwhile investment. A chic alternative to an all-white suite, this modern bathroom idea can be a practical solution for one of the dirtiest rooms in your home.

Add a dramatic gray bath design

If there was ever a gray bathroom design that proved that the color isn't boring, this is definitely the bathroom idea! Pairing pastel pink with a light gray deck takes bath time to the next level. Combined with a cute design, this bathroom storage idea means your bubble bath and candles are in close proximity for pouring and lighting.

Use gray wallpaper with a print

Designing bathroom wallpaper is a relatively quick and easy job that can be done by both homeowners and renters. While you might think that wallpapering this room in gray might make it feel gloomy and claustrophobic, placement should be a key part of your consideration.

While not a green bathroom idea, this motif fits the biophilic trend as it includes a charming combination of unique birds, large leaves, and an extra-large print to add drama.

Choose eye-catching gray tiles

An easy way to bring stylish patterns and gray tones into your bathroom is with tiles. The great thing about a gray color scheme is that you can be bold with your tile choices without overwhelming the space with pattern.

Hang a gray mural

Wallpaper in the bathroom? Is that really a good idea? YES! We're all for decorating your walls with a gorgeous print or mural, you just need to do the prep work to make sure it stays in place. This can be as simple as adding a layer of decorative varnish after you've hung the wallpaper.

Add Interest with Textured Gray Tile

How gorgeous are these mottled gray tiles? The hexagonal pattern is subdued but creates a sharp contrast with the sleek pink shell. Resembling natural stone, they will attract attention with their texture and varying shades of grey, keeping the rest of the scheme simple to become the focal point of your bathroom.

Stay on trend with terrazzo

Terrazzo has come back and done away with the 70's hospital flooring to become a trendy material that is ideal for use in bathrooms. You can go all out, like in this bathroom, and cover every surface with gray terrazzo, but you'll also find plenty of cute accessories if you're looking for ways to get the look on a budget.

Accessories

Gray towel racks or chrome hangers and fittings will also be important design elements in any bathroom. These seemingly trivial additions can be used to add atmosphere or completely change the interior. The gray color provides a soft finish that is pleasant to rest and relaxes the senses.

Gray with blue

Another option for decorating a marine bathroom interior is to use a gray-blue color scheme. For example, sapphire and cobalt blue tones harmonize perfectly with small silver surfaces of bathroom fixtures, shelves or ceramic decor. However, contrasting color harmony is also possible when combining azure with charcoal gray tones - you just need to set off this combination with glossy white surfaces.

Photo by ReRooms