Although grey as the colour of choice may no longer be as popular in some rooms around your home, grey bathroom ideas are actually becoming rather popular. But, when adopting this trend, how do you make it work without your bathroom feeling a little on the cold or dull side?
It seems the trick is in getting the shade and placement of grey right, so that your bathroom design is still bursting with personality, depth, and even warmth. But how do you achieve that when there are so many different shades of grey?
From using it to cover walls to pairing it with the right fixtures and fittings, it seems there are plenty of opportunities to bring grey into your bathroom, so we've selected 17 of the best to help you get your grey bathroom ideas bursting with style.
Article continues below1. Turn your wet room walls into feature walls
If your new bathroom will be a wet room, it can be tempting to use one finish across your walls to enhance the look. And, while modern bathroom ideas may be best-suited to this approach, for a little more character, why not consider using a grey patterned tile instead?
As well as injecting a healthy dose of personality into the space, it can also help define zones, which in small bathrooms can give the illusion of more space – rather than less.
Just be sure to avoid making these wet room mistakes when it comes to installation and design – they're more common than you might think.
2. Pair with dark wood for a traditional yet elegant finish
One way of adding warmth to your grey bathroom ideas is to pair it with other materials or colours that will change your perception of grey.
Here, a dark wood vanity unit and window frame combine with large format grey bathroom tiles to create a dark bathroom idea that's rich and opulent. Not sure which grey would work best in your bathroom? Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca'Pietra says choosing the right shade is often down to the type and amount of natural light you have.
"When selecting a grey, it is important to consider the quality of light in the room. Blue-based greys can feel crisp and contemporary in bright, south-facing spaces, whereas greys with a warmer undertone, perhaps with a hint of lilac or taupe, sit more comfortably alongside timber, brassware and natural stone.
"In smaller bathrooms, mid-tones are often more forgiving than very dark charcoal, which can be effective but tends to work best as a feature rather than across every surface," she adds.
Grazzie Wilson is head of creative at tile company Ca'Pietra and is known for her creative and stylish approach. Offering consistently stylish and innovative solutions to tile and bathroom design has made her one of the most well-known and admired names in the industry.
3. Or, for a more modern look use wood effect tiles
If on the other hand your style is more modern, but you still want to benefit from the warmth of wood in your grey bathroom ideas, you also have options for pairing both.
Wood effect narrow tiles, laid horizontally are one way of adding a touch of Scandi-style to your walk-in shower. Or, if you love the look of slatted bathroom wall panelling, then these Slatwall Waterproof Natural Oak Panels from Naturewall, will give you the look you desire.
Helping you to recreate a spa-like environment using wood and grey also ensures there's a natural connection within the space, one of the key pillars of biophilic design.
Shop for grey bathroom tiles
Cover your walls and floors with this realistic onyx marble effect bathroom tile
Choose this patterned grey and white tile for a more rustic grey bathroom idea
Use popular terrazzo for adding texture to your bathroom flooring
4. Use grey and white marble for a luxurious feel
If an all grey bathroom doesn't appeal, don't dismiss the value of it as an accent feature instead, says Mike Whitfield, luxury interior expert at Lusso.
“Grey doesn’t have to be used only in block colours," Mike says. "Opting for materials or finishes that incorporate grey shades can be a subtle, natural way to bring it in a way that feels considered and intentional.
"Marble or stone with grey veining, for example, is a striking way to use the colour, seamlessly complementing and accenting a bathroom's design.” It's used here to maximum effect in an already luxurious walk-in shower that's elevated to new levels with the heavily veined white and grey marble surround and interior.
Mike Whitfield is an interiors expert at Lusso. With over 10 years of experience in the luxury homeware sector, and nearly 20 years of experience in e-commerce and online sales, Mike possesses a great eye for interior design and stays up-to-date with the latest trends.
5. Grey and pink are a winning bathroom combination
Another factor when choosing your grey bathroom ideas is if you add another colour into the mix. The good news is, there's a whole host of colours that work well with grey – as demonstrated by this pink bathroom idea that has a practical grey vanity unit.
Using grey for the bathroom furniture also helps pave the way for the easier introduction of additional darker accessories such as taps and bathroom mirrors. It equally suits this modern home where the grey powder coated aluminium window frames become connected to the bathroom, as opposed to standing out in the wrong way.
However, there's still an art to picking the right shade of grey for the right colour pairing. We suggest looking at the undertones of the grey you choose to suit the accent colour. A colour on the warmer side of the spectrum, such as pink, yellow or orange, for example will look best with a grey with warm undertones, while blues and greens will suit cooler greys.
6. Try a monochromatic scheme but add interest with colour or features
If an all-grey bathroom appeals more just accents of grey, it can make for a really impactful and cohesive look, but consider how your choices slot together to create the overall scheme.
In this grey bathroom idea, grey bathroom furniture and wall tiles appear to take centre stage and are supported by a patterned tiled floor and off-white painted walls. The design is detailed enough to not feel bland, but when you look closer, you see that there are additional elements that enhance it even more.
To stage right, a terracotta coloured arch adds a whole new dimension with a freestanding bath idea seen just out of sight. It's a grey bathroom idea, but with more than one twist.
7. Colour drenching in shades of grey can work well in small spaces
While paint trends may come and go, one that shows no signs of diminishing is colour drenching, where one colour is used on walls and ceilings. In this small downstairs toilet idea, the grey walls and woodwork are paired with light grey bathroom furniture and white sanitaryware.
The result? A warm cocooning space that draws your eye inwards helping the room feel bigger than it is. An additional feature that creates this successful design? The right bathroom lighting and warm lighting temperature.
Make sure there's plenty in your scheme to ensure the room doesn't feel too cold, and bear in mind that some colours will change the light in your scheme, affecting how you look in the mirror.
8. Make a splash with a statement grey bath
Prefer your grey to be an accent rather than the main colour? “Grey is exceptionally effective in bathrooms when it is used to frame or elevate a focal point rather than dominate every surface," shares Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs.
"It has a natural depth that allows stronger elements to stand forward, which makes it ideal for showcasing a statement piece such as a coloured solid surface bath," she suggests. "A mid-to-deep grey bath, for example, carries more presence than white, but remains restrained enough to feel architectural rather than decorative. Against crisp panelling, marble-effect flooring or patterned bathroom wallpaper, it works amazingly well."
But, as a such a dominant feature in your bathroom, how do you make sure it's aesthetic rather than an eyesore?
"When specifying a grey bath, tone is critical," advises Keeley. "Cooler graphite shades feel sharp and contemporary, particularly when paired with brushed brass or polished nickel brassware, while warmer greys soften the overall look and sit comfortably alongside timber or warmer wall colours.
"The key is contrast," she continues. "Placing a darker grey bath against lighter walls or floor tiles ensures it becomes the anchor of the room, rather than blending away. Equally, layering different greys within the same scheme, perhaps a paler wall tile with a deeper bath finish, introduces hierarchy and prevents the space from feeling flat."
Keeley Sutcliffe is Brand Manager for award-winning British bathroom designers, BC Designs. Since 1999 the award winning company has been leading the way with its thoughtful, innovative and considered bathroom designs.
9. Use tiling patterns to add interest in a grey bathroom
Tile trends come and go, but opting for grey means you've got a timeless option that's also unlikely to put off any future buyers, if that's something you're concerned with.
And, grey tiles don't have to be boring. In fact experimenting with different tiling patterns in grey bathroom ideas is a clever way of adding tone, texture and depth when designing your bathroom.
Here, a dark grey herringbone laid shower enclosure is contrasted with a paler grey floor tile, adding a pleasing visual contrast to this loft conversion bathroom.
10. Match microcement with stone in grey bathrooms
Microcement is a process where fine layers of a cement-based coating is applied to a surface, whether that's in microcement bathrooms or for kitchen flooring. While it is available with added pigments to create almost any colour, it's often cement grey in its natural form.
It's a good option for bathroom surfaces as it withstands water well, and means that there's no grouting that needs cleaning. It creates an interesting textured look but can be enhanced further with certain shades.
“If you do want to use grey prominently, avoid relying on traditional colour palettes, such as cool-toned shades or black," recommends Mike Whitfield. "Grey can be an intriguing colour that adds warmth to a space. Incorporating complementary sand, beige, and camel shades in a minimalist bathroom, for example, can create a mature and luxurious feel when done correctly. This effect can be achieved with a warm-toned vanity unit or even a bathtub.”
11. Keep it simple in small grey bathroom ideas
Intrigued by grey but prefer a 'less is more' approach? Try using a grey bathroom splashback idea instead in spaces such as a small ensuite.
"To keep a grey bathroom feeling stylish rather than dull, texture and contrast are essential," notes Grazzie Wilson. "Gloss finishes help to reflect natural light, particularly in shower areas or behind basins, while pairing grey tiles with plaster walls, pale flooring or warm metallic fittings introduces balance and visual interest."
Try these Verini Matt Grey Encaustic Effect Wall and Floor Tiles from Victorian Plumbing, and this Countertop Washbasin Rea Sami Green Ceramic Sink from B&Q to recreate a similar look in your home.
12. Choose gold or brass taps and fittings for a timeless look
“When decorating with grey tones, a common pairing to achieve a sleek modern look is the choice of silver, polished, and chrome metallic finishes," says Mike Whitfield, "but this can often create a space that lacks character and warmth.
"You may not think of grey and gold together, but opting for warm gold or bronze finishes, such as shower sets or bathroom taps, can add a lot of richness and depth,” he advises.
Head to Bathroom Mountain for a whole range of sink and bath gold and brass taps.
13. Use glossy grey tiles for family bathrooms
While some grey tiles feature patterns or texture, choosing the right bathroom tiles will also be a case of weighing up how the room will be used. Where light is an issue, or in spaces with heavy traffic, such as in family bathroom ideas, a glossy finish may give you a more practical and pleasing solution.
“Grey is often misunderstood in bathrooms," notes Grazzie Wilson. "People worry that it will feel flat or cold, when in reality it is one of the most nuanced and architectural colours you can use, provided you pay close attention to tone and surface.
"A soft, mid-grey such as Maroc Porcelain Glicine works particularly well because it carries subtle tonal variation within each tile, which immediately prevents the wall from reading as a single block of colour. Inspired by traditional Moroccan Zellige, the gently undulated surface and deep gloss finish catch the light differently across the wall, so even in a restrained palette there is movement and depth."
14. Partner with green to uplift your shade of grey
Green is another firm favourite when it comes to the best bathroom colours to use with grey. Some shades of green already have grey undertones in them, meaning it's easy to find a shade that works with your preferred grey bathroom features.
Here, this green bathroom idea has green painted walls which complement a grey and white geometric half-tiled wall, while darker wooden flooring helps grounds the scheme. It's nature-inspired while still feeling practical enough for a busy bathroom environment.
15. Paint your bathroom in the perfect grey paint
The easiest grey bathroom idea is of course reaching for a paintbrush. As we already said, grey is a popular colour for the bathroom, so you'll find that the best bathroom paints all include grey in their range.
But when it comes to paint, how do you choose the best shade of grey for bathrooms, where you often get ready before leaving the house?
"Pick a paint colour that does not recast light in an artificial or unflattering way and cause problems when applying make-up or grooming," says Helen Shaw, Director of paint brand Benjamin Moore. "It's helpful to know which colours will alter the light: Strong blues, greens and yellows have the most impact; creamy whites and soft greys are safe choices."
16. Use shower panels for a budget-friendly alternative to grey marble
Another way to include grey marble in your bathroom, but at a more wallet-friendly price point is to use shower panels to line your walls – rather than marble tiles. Design options like grey marble and terrazzo can give the effect of luxurious products on a shoestring budget.
When it comes to the shower panel vs tiles debate, both have their pros and cons, but it can't be denied that shower panels are easy to fit, easy to keep clean and easy on your bathroom renovation costs.
17. Use a grey basin to make a smaller statement
On a smaller scale, a grey basin offers some of the same wow-factor as a grey bath, but without such a large commitment to a bold piece. Grey basins are largely, again, made from coloured ceramics, however, there's a growing trend for basins made from poured concrete, allowing for interesting and tactile designs.
These types of basins can be particularly effective in small bathrooms, such as cloakrooms or ensuite bathrooms, where you only have a small amount of space to make a big impact.
Whatever you choose, make sure you consider how it ties in with the bath and WC as part of the larger scheme.
Preparation is everything when it comes to executing your grey bathroom ideas, so before you delve into shopping for paint, tiles or sanitaryware, make sure you know the main bathroom renovation mistakes to avoid. And, if your grey bathroom ideas are for a small space, try these tricks for making a small bathroom feel luxurious.
