A gray and white bathroom design is a timeless, elegant, and refreshing choice that never goes out of style. The cool shades of gray paired with crisp white create a soothing ambiance while allowing you to decorate with pops of color through accessories and accents. Gray and white bathrooms feel both classic and contemporary, blending seamlessly into vintage homes as well as modern spaces.
Whether you’re doing a full remodel or just looking to update your existing bathroom’s look, integrating shades of gray and white is an easy way to give the space a stylish facelift. Unlike stark black and white, soft gray provides a nuanced, sophisticated look. Different hues of gray can completely change the feel of the space – charcoal gray evokes drama while lighter grays feel airy and bright.
In this article, we’ll explore stunning gray and white bathroom ideas to inspire your next redesign. From tile choices to storage solutions, we’ll cover how to incorporate this versatile color scheme into any size or style of bathroom. Read on for cool gray and white bathroom inspiration!
Choosing Your Gray and White Color Palette
The first step in designing your gray and white bathroom is choosing the right tones and shades to set the aesthetic. Cool grays work perfectly with bright whites to open up smaller spaces and create an airy, relaxing vibe. Here are some popular paint color combinations to consider:
Cool Gray and Crisp White
Pair a light to medium slate gray on the walls with clean white trim and ceilings. This creates a calming, spa-like feel. Benjamin Moore’s Coventry Gray is a great slate hue. Complete the look with matte white fixtures and accents.
Charcoal Gray and White
For drama, go for a dark charcoal gray on one wall paired with white on the rest. The deep gray makes a bold statement while the white keeps things airy. Try Benjamin Moore’s Raccoon Fur for the dark gray wall. Add fun white tile in natural stone patterns.
Soft Gray and Antique White
Choose a very light gray, like Farrow & Ball’s Shadow White, for the walls along with an antique white for the trim and details. This creates a warm, relaxed look. Vintage touches like beadboard paneling, distressed wood, and aged bronze hardware complete this cottage-inspired style.
High-Contrast Gray and White
Maximize the contrast with bright white walls and a dark charcoal gray on the cabinets, tiles, or details. Stark white subway tile paired with rich gray grout lines makes a modern statement. Consider Benjamin Moore’s Peppercorn for the deep gray accents. Crisp white molding adds definition.
Fabulous Flooring Options in Gray and White
The flooring sets the foundation for any bathroom design. For gray and white bathrooms, flooring choices like tile, vinyl, and stone look gorgeous. Here are some of the best flooring options for achieving this color scheme:
Gray Wood-Look Tile and Plank
For serious wow-factor, gray wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile is a home run. The realistic wood visual paired with grays creates a calm, organic look. Mix 6”x24” gray plank tiles with classic white subway tiles on the walls. Or, do an alternating gray and white tile pattern.
White Marble or Travertine Tile
For a glamorous yet beachy bathroom, white Carrara or Calacatta marble tile floors can’t be beat. Use large format tiles and minimal grout lines for a seamless look. Travertine is a natural stone that comes in white and gray variations, bringing texture and depth.
Herringbone Pattern Vinyl Flooring
Herringbone pattern sheet vinyl or tile flooring provides pattern and visual interest. Choose a gray and white tile design to complement your color scheme. The gray adds dimension while white keeps things light. Vinyl is also budget-friendly and waterproof.
Gray Concrete-Look Tile
For an urban loft aesthetic, gray concrete-look tiles or slabs are stylish and practical. The realistic look of weathered concrete pairs nicely with white walls and trim. Concrete tile can even be used on shower walls and backsplashes.
Chevron Pattern Wood Flooring
Reclaimed gray-stained oak or ash wood planks in a chevron pattern make a bold statement. Pair with white beadboard, trim details, and ceilings to play up the dynamic pattern and textures. It brings warmth and richness to contemporary gray and white bathrooms.
Captivating Gray and White Wall Tile Ideas
From shower surrounds to tub backsplashes, wall tile is ideal for incorporating gray and white in bathrooms. Mix and match materials, patterns, sizes and textures for lots of interest. Here are some eye-catching ways to use wall tile:
Vertical Gray Subway Tile
Running vertically, gray subway tiles elongate the space and feel fresh. Outline with slim white grout lines for definition. Pair with white marble mosaic floor tile. Use larger format gray tiles on the shower walls.
Gray and White Hexagon Tile
Covering a wall or shower surround in gray and white hexagon tiles creates movement and geometry. Keep the layout contemporary with skinny grout lines. Hexagons reflect light beautifully. Mix gloss and matte tiles for added dimension.
Stacked Gray and White Tile
The stacked tile look is on-trend. Use glossy white tiles stacked closely together and outline random sections in dark gray grout. The graphic pattern and contrast are mesmerizing. Keep other surfaces clean and minimal.
Gray Scalloped Subway Tile
For a cute cottage or vintage bathroom, install scalloped edge gray subway tiles on the tub backsplash. Pair with classic white tiles on the floor and vintage accents like a clawfoot tub and distressed wood mirrors. The soft gray adds charm.
Moroccan Fish Scale Tile
Intricate Moroccan fish scale tiles in gray and white create visual impact and dimension on a backsplash. Use matte tiles and a white grout hue that complements both shades of gray. Keep the rest of the decor simple to highlight the tile pattern.
Geometric Mosaic Tiles
Cover a wall with a gray and white mosaic tile with geometric shapes and lines. The intricate mosaic pattern catches the eye. Use glossy tiles and thin grout lines to emphasize the pattern. Perfect for the shower or behind freestanding clawfoot bathtubs.
Soothing Gray and White Countertops
Bathroom countertops take a lot of wear and tear. Gray and white countertop materials like quartz, marble, and solid surface not only withstand the demands of bathroom use, but they complement the color scheme beautifully.
White Quartz Countertops
White quartz countertops are practically indestructible, making them ideal for bathrooms. Crisp white quartz looks elegant against cool gray painted walls. White quartz also comes in designs that mimic natural stone with gray veining for extra visual interest.
Carrara Marble Countertops
Glamorous white Carrara marble countertops have gray veining that provides depth and dimension. Carrara marble creates a seamless look, as the white stone coordinates perfectly with gray and white tile. Opt for matte or honed finishes to minimize staining and etching.
Concrete Countertops
Custom concrete countertops come in stunning gray and white blends with a naturally variegated look. The mottled gray and white concrete pairs wonderfully with gray walls, white cabinets, or a combination. Concrete is durable, anti-microbial, and easy to clean.
Gray Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is a metamorphic rock that comes in dark charcoal grays with white veining. Each slab has a unique pattern. Soapstone is naturally antibacterial too. The gray stone adds rich contrast and complements white marble tile floors.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface like Corian provides a budget-friendly option for gray and white bathrooms. Solid surface comes in white and gray color options. Gray surfaces pair nicely with white sinks and fixtures while white works with gray walls and tile. The seamless look is easy to clean.
Stylish Gray and White Bathroom Cabinets
Strategically placed gray and white bathroom cabinets, vanities, and built-ins help keep clutter out of sight and bring sophisticated storage to the space. Consider these ways to work gray cabinets into your white bathroom:
Light Gray Stained Wood Cabinets
Warm up a contemporary bathroom with custom light gray-stained wood cabinets. The gray wood finish pairs nicely with marble tile floors and quartz countertops. Glass front cabinet doors maintain the light and open feeling.
Gray Shaker Style Cabinets
Simple gray shaker style cabinets complement any bath aesthetic. The clean lines provide a versatile backdrop for displaying white subway tile, marble countertops, vintage mirrors or modern chrome fixtures. Gray shakers feel current, yet classic.
Gray Storage Cabinets and Drawers
Incorporate functional closed storage cabinets and drawers in various gray wood stains and paints. Use shades like fog gray, mist gray, or charcoal to complement your color scheme. Rollout drawers maximize every inch of space.
Gray Bathroom Vanities
Make a statement with a bold gray vanity contrasting crisp white walls, tile and trim. Gray vanities look especially modern and stylish in contemporary bathrooms with polished nickel or chrome fixtures. Opt for a wall-mount vanity for a sleek look.
Floating Gray Bathroom Shelves
Floating shelves in light to charcoal grays provide pretty open storage for folded towels, soap dishes, plants and decor. Work floating shelves into your color scheme by choosing a gray that coordinates with cabinets, tile or walls.
Chic Gray and White Bathroom Accessories
Don’t overlook the power of accessories when designing your dream gray and white bathroom. Artful combinations of towels, rugs, shower curtains and decor in light and dark gray hues can take the look up a notch. Consider these on-trend gray and white bathroom accessory ideas:
Gray and White Striped Shower Curtain
Make a graphic statement with a gray and white striped shower curtain. Thick horizontal stripes work well in spacious bathrooms while thin stripes help small spaces feel larger. Choose cloth shower curtains with white liner for a polished look.
Light Gray Bath Rugs and Mats
Soothing light gray bath rugs blend seamlessly into gray and white color schemes. Use plush cotton rugs at vanities and room-size jute or sisal mats on the floors. Gray towels folded on open shelves or ladders complete the spa vibe.
Gray and White Bathroom Art
Abstract art prints featuring blocks of light gray, dark gray, black and white make bold focal points. Choose artwork with pops of color like green or blue for an invigorating ambiance. Floating wood frames keep the look light.
Metallic Candles and Accessories
Metallic accents like silver candle holders, tissue boxes, trays and soap dispensers add shine and luxury. Place candles and accessories in gray and white marble, concrete, or natural wood for contemporary contrast.
Gray Ceramic Bathroom Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks in white, charcoal gray, silver, or concrete elevate any vanity with artful style. Gray vessel sinks pair perfectly with white marble countertops and modern chrome faucets. Choose sustainable materials like recycled glass or concrete.
Soothing Gray and White Bathroom Paint Colors
Paint may seem simple, but choosing the perfect, complementary gray and white bathroom paint colors can really take your design to the next level. Use this expert advice on paint finishes, sheens, and hues:
Matte Finish Bathroom Paint
For a soothing, spa-like feel, choose matte finish paints in light to medium grays with bright white trim and ceilings. The low-sheen matte paint minimizes shine and glare from natural light. Cool grays like Coventry Gray or Classic Gray work well.
High-Gloss Bathroom Paint
Make small bathrooms feel bigger by painting the walls, trim and ceiling bright white in the same high-gloss finish. Use the same white semi-gloss paint on cabinets and built-ins for a cohesive look. The reflective paint will bounce light around.
Satin or Eggshell Finish Bathroom Paint
For a soft, elegant look, use satin or eggshell finish paints in pale gray or greige hues. Pair with bright white molding and antique-inspired bronze fixtures. The subtle sheen adds depth without glare. Keep the look light by avoiding overhead lighting.
Paint Bathroom Ceiling Bright White
Even if you use gray paint on the walls, paint the ceiling bright white. This keeps the space feeling open and airy. Apply two coats of white flat ceiling paint for full coverage. Add white crown molding for a polished touch.
Paint Bathroom Trim Bright White
Using the same bright white semi-gloss paint on all the trim unifies gray walls with white built-ins, tile, accents and ceilings. Crisp white door trim, casings, baseboards and crown molding frames the space beautifully.
Lighting Choices for Gray and White Bathrooms
Proper lighting is crucial for gray and white bathrooms. The right mix of lighting keeps the space feeling bright and inviting while highlighting the cool and warm gray tones. Here are lighting tips:
Install Overhead and Sconces
For smooth, even lighting, install overhead lighting on the ceiling plus stylish wall sconces flanking the sink or mirror. Sleek chrome or nickel fixtures work for contemporary spaces, or classic bronzed sconces for traditional.
Use Natural Light
Maximize natural light with a window, skylight or solar tube. North or south-facing windows prevent direct sun glare. Supplement with recessed can lights, transom windows or frosted glass partitions if needed.
Dimmer Switches
Install dimmer light switches so you can control the ambiance. Dim lighting lowers at night for mood lighting. For day, increase brightness to energize and illuminate the gray and white palette.
Swing Arm Wall Lamp
Add flexible lighting at the sink/mirror area with a swing arm wall lamp. Point the light where you need it or move out of the way. Choose a sleek chrome lamp for modern bathrooms or vintage brass style for traditional decors.
Sink and Vanity Lighting
Illuminate vanities and sinks with built-in lighting on the mirror’s frame or wall sconces flanking the sink. Look for LED lights to save energy. Go for sleek chrome fixtures or vintage filament bulbs.
Heated Flooring For Year-Round Comfort
Heated floors provide luxurious comfort underfoot throughout the year. They feel great on gray and white bathroom floors made of tile, stone and concrete which can feel chilly. Here are ways to add cozy warmth:
Radiant Floor Heating Systems
Professionally installed, electric radiant floor heating adds customizable comfort. Controls allow adjusting the temperature zone by zone. Use under tile, vinyl, and concrete flooring. The floor warms from the subfloor up.
Infrared Heated Floor Mats
Infrared heated floor mats easily install under floating wood and laminate bathroom floors. The lightweight mats roll out and plug into a thermostat controlled power source. Low voltage makes them safe for wet areas.
Tile Floor Heating Mats
Install electric heating mats below your tile and stone floor during renovations. The thin, mesh material mounts underneath and wires into a programmable thermostat. Warmth radiates up for toasty tile floors.
Freestanding Space Heaters
Small space heaters tuck neatly into unused floor space and provide customizable spot heating. Look for bathroom safe, ceramic space heaters with automatic shut-off features. Position away from sinks and bathtubs.
Underfloor Bathroom Heaters
Hardwired or plug-in underfloor bathroom heaters mount below vanities, sinks, and toilets. The compact units provide targeted warmth right where you need it. Newer models have energy efficient options.
Innovative Gray and White Bathroom Storage Solutions
Lack of bathroom storage space is a common headache. These clever storage solutions help organize towels, toiletries and clutter while showcasing your beautiful gray and white design.
Wicker Baskets Under Sink
Use storage baskets in white and light gray wicker under the bathroom vanity to corral items like extra towels or toilet paper. The natural texture makes a nice contrast to tile and stone floors.
Wall-Mount Grey Bath Caddy
Mount wall shelves or wire caddies near showers and tubs to store shampoo, soap and bath accessories. Choose versions in matte gray metal, wood or plastic to coordinate with your decor. Keep necessities at arm’s reach.
Recessed Bathroom Shelves
Recessed shelves built seamlessly into the wall provide discrete storage without clutter. Stash toiletries, rolled towels, candles or decor in the nooks. Paint the shelves the wall color for them to blend right in.
Sleek Glass Shelving
Floating glass bathroom shelves make ideal display space in gray and white bathrooms. Glass maintains the light and airy look. Use tempered glass cut to size and install with minimalist brackets. Style with gray and white decor.
Mirrored Bathroom Cabinets
Mirrored medicine cabinets serve double duty providing concealed storage and stylish mirrors. Look for shallow depth versions to fit over sinks or toilets. Store toiletries and medicines behind the reflective mirrored fronts.
Easy DIY Gray and White Bathroom Ideas
You don’t have to gut and remodel to get a gorgeous gray and white bathroom design. Small DIY updates like new towels, paint, and decor make a noticeable impact. Here are thrifty ideas to try:
Paint the Walls Gray
An easy DIY upgrade is painting the walls a cool gray hue like Benjamin Moore Silver Fox. Leave the trim and ceiling white. The contrast looks clean and contemporary with hardly any work.
Update Floor Mat and Shower Curtain
Replace your bath mat and shower curtain with versions in light gray and white patterns. This quick change gives the whole room a fresh new palette. Hang the curtain higher for a feeling of height.