Black and white bathroom ideas for a modern, monochrome look

We've found 19 striking black and white bathroom ideas for a modern, monochrome bathroom scheme.

Black taps and brassware, and black framed shower panels are both a popular choice when paired with white tiles – but there are other, more unusual looks to get inspiration from too.

There's a reason black & white is one of the most popular bathroom colour ideas.

Black absorbs light and white reflects it – uniting the two is one of the most effective ways to create a bathroom that punches above its weight. In pattern terms, the options are virtually endless and can be as simple as black and white tiles laid in a chequered formation.

Tiles of the same colour stand out when teamed with contrasting grout, such as black tiles with white grout or vice versa.

Laying rectangular tiles in different patterns creates a multitude of looks, from brick or linear layouts to herringbone and basketweave – again this will create far more impact with contrasting grout.

If understated luxe is your thing, beautiful Carrara marble is hard to beat. At the other end of the scale, a fabulous black wallpaper will lend a dash of decadence.

Monochrome needn’t be moody and dark, if that's not the style you're going for. Balancing the black-to-white ratios in favour of the latter will create a far lighter, brighter space.

If you're just updating a plain, white bathroom, rather than renovating the room, the simplest way to monochrome magic is to replace the taps and shower fittings with some smart matt black brassware.

Alternatively, for an instant style upgrade, fit a cool Crittal-style shower screen and your bathroom will be fully on-trend.

If colours could be soul mates, then black and white would make the perfect pair. Team them in a bathroom and they'll create a striking scheme with lasting impact.

1. All-over black tiles

This smart, small bathroom space is covered head to toe in tiny black chevron wall tiles, giving it a cool hotel bathroom look.

(Image credit: Matthew Millman)

2. White tiles with dark grout

The wall tiles in this shower room are actually enamel medallions found in a warehouse in Providence. Dark grout makes the circular patterns stand out. 

(Image credit: Matthew Williams)

3. A black-framed shower panel

Interior designer Amelie von Celsing used marble-effect porcelain as it looks so indulgent, but it’s practical and hard wearing too. The black framed shower panel adds a crisp contrast and accentuates the height of this small bathroom space.

(Image credit: Rei Moon)

4. White scheme, black taps

The Carrara marble mixed with the black taps and brassware gives a slice of drama to this classic and beautiful design. 

(Image credit: Future)

5. Crittall-style bathroom doors

Dramatic, full height Crittall doors beautifully frame and complement this white black and white bathroom.

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

6. Black painted alcoves

Black painted alcoves for bathroom storage tie in with the large black framed mirror, cutting through this all-white bathroom scheme.

(Image credit: Future)

7. White tiles, black bath

A wet room finish makes the most of this space. The black freestanding bath makes a style statement, and subtly ties in with the dark grouting between the metro tiles.

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

The same effect was achieved in the family bathroom below, but with white grouting, and a black window frame to tie in with the bathtub.

(Image credit: Ben Anders)

8. Chequerboard floor

This home was once an Indian restaurant. Once the men’s loo, the basins were the only things that were salvaged. The room was painted in black gloss for a dramatic look, and the chequerboard floor was preserved.

(Image credit: Future)

9. Tiled feature wall

Tactile tadelakt and lava stone tiles wrap around this small bathroom that’s both efficient and indulgent. The black floor tiles continue up the walls as a feature wall. Black radiators complement the colour scheme.

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

10. Black taps and shower screen to break up a white scheme

Two Crittal-style shower screens create a smart walk-in shower enclosure. Black taps and fittings complete the look.

(Image credit: Future)

Trends in shower screens have moved on from the pared-back, can-barely-see-it’s-there look. Outlining is one way to breathe new life into bathroom minimalism and with their elegant clean profiles, Alternative Bathrooms’ Metal Craft screens feel both modern and timeless.

(Image credit: Future)

Beautiful bathroom tiles and vanity units tend to turn our heads, but it’s not often a shower door has the same effect.

(Image credit: Mona Shield Payne)

11. Add further black details through bathroom lighting

The black and white bathroom scheme below is finished off with some black bathroom lighting, black brassware and black and white bathroom floor tiles.

(Image credit: Future)

12. Break up a white scheme with black taps and wall lights

Sleek, smooth tiling and curved modern basins combined with the simplified, minimal lines of the matte black bathroom wall lights, bathroom mirror and black taps creates a simple and textural space. 

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

13. Break up white metro tiles with a strip of black

Floor-to-ceiling metro tiles and a Victorian-style floor put a period spin on this modern wet room. 

(Image credit: Future)

14. Brave a more industrial look

The concrete wall and floor panels are bespoke and designed to create a gritty backdrop to the sculpturally shaped white basins. 

(Image credit: Future)

15. Use dark grouting to make a tile pattern pop

The white metro tiles together with the dark grouting and black taps give this bathroom an industrial edge. To smarten it up a bit, extra-large tiles have been used in a herringbone pattern.

(Image credit: Future)

16. Experiment with panelling and wallpaper

Taking a more traditional approach, this monochrome bathroom features bathroom wallpaper and painted black panelling. 

(Image credit: Future)

17. Contrast a white scheme with a black floor

Plain white walls and a black floor keeps this bathroom fresh and simple. 

(Image credit: Moon Ray Studio)

18. Choose unexpected tile pattern

Monochrome tile risers draw the eye into this small, pure white bathroom, adding a sense of space. 

(Image credit: Ester Sorri)

19. Go bold with an all-black scheme

Dive into the deep end with a bold dark shade. Here, black gloss tiles and black painted walls are set against verdigris brassware.

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)