Dark bathrooms feel warm, intimate and inviting – like being wrapped inside a comforting cocoon – which is exactly what you'd want from a space designed for restorative relaxation.
This scheme has a bad reputation for feeling dingy and closed-in, but the ideas below have proved to me that, when executed well, a dark bathroom design creates a beautiful, moody atmosphere that's nothing to be afraid of.
If you're tempted by the idea of a dark bathroom and are in need of some inspiration, we've selected 12 of our favourite designs below, along with expert tips on how to pull them off.
1. Flood your bathroom in dark luxurious marble
Nothing says luxury like a high-quality marble finish, so if your budget allows, consider this elegant material for both your walls and floors in a dark, sophisticated colour, as shown in the bathroom above by Tile Mountain.
However, before you splash your cash, it's worth noting that marble is highly porous, and to prevent staining from soap and water, it will need to be sealed every six to 12 months and cleaned often with a pH-neutral cleanser.
If you don’t fancy a second full-time job looking after it, the good news is that there are plenty of marble-effect options that come at a fraction of the cost (and aftercare commitment!).
Crafted from durable porcelain and suitable for both walls and floors, these gorgeous tiles feature soft white veining.
2. Choose stone sanitaryware for an elegant finish
Whether it’s a striking onyx basin as a statement piece or a handcrafted granite tub, add depth and texture to a luxury bathroom by incorporating stone sanitaryware, as seen in the photo above.
Its strong, durable nature can withstand scratches, scuffs and cracks, making it the perfect choice for busy bathrooms – without having to walk on eggshells every time someone has a shower.
Not only is stone easy to maintain and clean, but it also scores top points for heat retention, keeping your bath warmer for longer in comparison to traditional acrylic tubs.
Shop our stone sanitaryware picks
We can't stop thinking about this beautiful green onyx sink, with amber-honey veining, handcrafted from a single block of stone.
This gorgeous bathtub is made from unique (and highly durable) tiger skin granite, with a soft, curved oval shape.
Made from hand-carved Carrara marble, this wall-mounted basin has a contemporary fluted front design.
3. Use dark panelling behind your bathtub
To prevent your dark bathroom from looking flat and dull, consider installing panelling behind the bathtub to add textural variation. In the photo above, vertical fluted panels have been used on the lower half and flat framed panels on the upper half, which helps the wall feel taller.
Choose panelling that is waterproof or at least water-resistant, such as PVC, treated MDF, or WPC, so it can withstand hot, humid conditions – otherwise, your panels may soon warp, discolour, or form mould or mildew.
If you plan to do a DIY paneling job, Summa Costandi, co-founder of Panels by Sofia, stresses the importance of working on a clean, smooth and dry surface to ensure the panels sit flush against the wall.
Summa Costandi is the co-founder of North Yorkshire-based decorative wall panelling company, Panels by Sofia. As well as heading up all marketing activity and helping to grow the brand, Summa provides practical advice on product installation and styling, enabling DIY enthusiasts to create their dream homes.
4. Create a colourful cocoon using microcement
There’s a reason why microcement bathrooms have become increasingly popular in recent years: it can be used on walls, floors and ceilings to create an immersive atmosphere, and it is highly durable and easy to install.
"One of microcement’s greatest strengths is its seamless nature. Applied without joints or grout lines, it allows surfaces to flow uninterrupted from wall to floor. In darker bathrooms, this continuity is especially powerful," says Mark Tones, Founder of Aquaroc.
"From a practical perspective, microcement performs well in wet environments when installed and sealed correctly. Its water-resistant properties make it suitable for showers, wet rooms and vanity areas, while its minimal joins reduce areas where dirt or limescale can accumulate. This contributes to both longevity and ease of maintenance."
Mark Tones is the Founder & CEO of Aquaroc. He brings together thoughtful design, innovation, and sustainability to create luxury bathroom products. With a hands-on, design-led approach, he’s passionate about building high quality products that effortlessly elevate design, work seamlessly, and become a real centrepiece in bathrooms.
5. Make your dark bathroom pop with a metallic centrepiece
One way to prevent dark walls from feeling too heavy is by adding a metallic focal point, like the silver bath above, to brighten the space.
While cast-iron tubs are a bit more expensive than standard options, they are a worthwhile investment, lasting around 70 years and highly resistant to scratches, cracks and chips. However, you'll need to check if your floor can withstand their heavy weight first.
Miriam Prada, Founder of Miriam Prada Interiors, says, "A silver or chrome bath becomes a focal point when it’s isolated. Let it sit against a dark, plain backdrop so the reflective surface does the talking. The important thing here is that no competition is needed."
Miriam Prada, is the founder of Miriam Prada Interiors, and has over 15 years’ experience delivering bespoke residential interiors across the UK and internationally. From multi-million-pound projects to personalised online consultancy, every service offered is tailored and bespoke.
6. Set the mood with layered lighting
The right bathroom lighting is key to achieving an intimate, dusky environment that feels like a luxury spa hotel. Instead of using harsh spotlights that beam into your face, carefully layer lamps and smaller fixtures to create a soft, dreamy glow.
"In a dark bathroom, good lighting comes down to balancing function and form. Wall lights either side of the mirror, using softly diffused ribbed or opal glass, give flattering, shadow-free light where it matters most," says Emily Butterill, Founder and Creative Director of Glow Lighting.
"Recessed ceiling downlights have their place, but should be used sparingly and always on dimmers, so they gently lift the space rather than dominate it. If the room allows, a simple pendant adds depth and balance."
Bathroom lighting we love
This handcrafted bathroom light combines alabaster stone with solid brass for a high-end finish.
Authentic to 1950s mid-century design, this vintage light adds charm and character to your dark bathroom.
This vanity sconce features beautiful scalloped shades in a brushed-brass finish.
7. Dip your toe into colour drenching
While it probably isn't the best idea to paint absolutely everything dark in your bathroom, you can certainly dip your toe into the colour drenching trend by painting half-walls, windows, and doors in a deep, rich shade.
In the photo above, Calypso Bathrooms has broken up the dark navy with the flooring, splashback, and curtains in a crisp white shade, which is a beautiful contrast against the intense blue.
Miriam Prada says, "The colour drenching paint trend works in dark bathrooms when natural (or artificial) light and texture do the lifting. Wrap walls, ceilings, and joinery in one deep tone, then layer in soft lighting and tactile finishes to avoid a boxed-in feel."
8. Break up paint colour with half-wall tiling
Another way to make a feature of your bathtub is by tiling half of the wall behind it. In the photo above, Ca’ Pietra has created a gradient effect by painting the upper wall in a milk chocolate shade, which deepens as it meets the tiles and wooden flooring.
Not only does this add visual interest to an otherwise dull brown wall, but the tiles are also a practical choice for this splash zone, as they are easier to wipe down in comparison to paint.
“In addition to creating a sense of luxury, tiling around a bath defines the area. It offers water protection in splash zones and creates contrast with the rest of the wall," says Carly Allison, Head of Brand and Product at Fired Earth. "We recommend using larger format tiles to minimise grout lines and maintain aesthetic appeal."
Carly Allison is the head of Brand and Product at Fired Earth, leading the creative direction and product strategy for the iconic interiors brand. With a passion for timeless design and craftsmanship, she champions innovation while honouring tradition, curating collections that bring beauty, authenticity and character into homes across the UK and beyond.
9. Bring a dark bathroom to life with gold accents
As you can see in the photo above, gold accents can do wonders for brightening up a dark blue bathroom and adding a luxurious touch. However, Francesca Leat of Francesca Leat Interiors warns that if they’re done cheaply, they can actually detract from the space and make it feel dated.
“I would always recommend prioritising your budget for accent pieces such as taps, mirrors, knobs and wall lights, and considering the style of the house in which they are installed,” she says.
"Mirrors in particular make a huge impact in dark spaces too, so looking into well-made and genuine pieces really pays off. Websites such as eBay and Etsy always have great vintage and antique options for mirrors that add originality without having to break the bank".
Francesca Leat is the Owner, Director and Head Designer of Francesca Leat Interiors, a boutique studio renowned for crafting timeless, elegant residential spaces that balance beauty, comfort and functionality. With over a decade of experience, Francesca has developed a distinctive design approach rooted in thoughtful detail, rich colour palettes and bespoke finishes that reflect each client’s personality and lifestyle.
10. Brighten dark bathroom walls with complementary flooring
If you're worried about your dark bathroom feeling small and closed-in (particularly if you've chosen a rich wall colour, like in the photo above), make sure your flooring is a lighter shade to lift the space.
“Light coloured flooring, like our Cathedral limestone tiles, offer a contrasting and durable way to introduce brightness, texture, and personality into a dark bathroom, " says Carly Allison. "Particularly in smaller spaces that lack natural light, simple layouts and patterns add a timeless charm while brightening the space and maintaining a luxurious look.“
As demonstrated in the photo above, the chequerboard flooring bathroom trend is a great way to break up heavy walls, acting as a focal point while picking up the darker shade in every other tile.
11. Lift dark walls with vibrant wallpaper
Can you use wallpaper in a bathroom? Yes, but you won’t be able to use just any old sheet – it will need to be non-breathable to prevent shrinking or warping caused by moisture and steam.
Steve Jenkins, Homebuilding’s DIY expert, recommends choosing a vinyl option, which will repel moisture, like this pretty floral wallpaper with a textured finish from WallpaperDirect.
The bathroom above has been colour-drenched in a deep grey-blue and is completely transformed and lifted with a tropical wallpaper that features similar shades in the print to tie it all together.
Steve Jenkins is a keen DIYer with over 20 years of experience in transforming and renovating the many homes he has lived in. He specialises in painting and decorating, but has a wide range of skills gleaned from working in the building trade for around 10 years and spending time at night school learning how to plaster and plumb.
12. Use crisp white details to cut through your dark bathroom
If you’re in doubt about your dark bathroom design, you can’t go wrong with a monochrome look – it’s one of the easiest schemes to pull together. It’s timeless, modern, and feels ultra-clean and fresh (perfect for this space in the house).
"White works best when it’s architectural. Think crisp white marble or a sculptural basin cut through black, without softening the drama. The key here is that contrast should feel intentional, not random," says Miriam Prada.
Pops of white can work particularly well in a small bathroom idea, helping to create the illusion of more space when used correctly and intentionally. For example, you could use it on the ceiling to make the room feel higher, or create vertical lines to add height.
From interesting wallpaper to metallic centrepieces, there are plenty of ways to experiment with a dark bathroom and prevent it from feeling dim and claustrophobic – even if you’re working with a smaller space.
For more inspiration, browse our collection of bathroom window ideas to achieve a naturally bright and open feel, or explore these modern bathroom ideas for a contemporary look.
