TREND ALERT // Black moves into the bathroom

As we enter the shorter months, we’re embracing dark tones and welcoming them into the wash space as we mirror the early nights and moody skies on the horizon.

“Black is a wonderful shade to meditate to and allows overtaxed minds a moment of tranquillity.” – Graeme Borchard, Managing Director at UK Bathrooms.

Why black?

One of the biggest changes in bathroom design in recent years has been its evolution from a functional space, designed with efficiency rather than aesthetics in mind, into a room for enjoyment and wellbeing. The surge in time spent in the bathroom in 2020 especially, saw the bathroom become a place to unwind and enjoy moments of peace in; as other areas of the home became spaces to work, teach and multitask, the bathroom took on the role of a sanctuary. “Black has moved into the bathroom as homeowners are seeking a space for privacy and relaxation as busy lives get busier,’ explains Graeme Borchard, Managing Director at UK Bathrooms. “Black is a wonderful shade to meditate to and allows overtaxed minds a moment of tranquillity, which is what today’s bathroom is all about.”

How to style a black bathroom

This trend is all about maximum darkness – for the greatest effect, opt for black across as many surfaces and objects in the space as possible to create a calming, cave-like cocoon that’s impactful without overstimulating the senses. Pay attention to textures; mix in different black finishes and materials, from glossy glazes to matt and brushed metals, to create a space which is indulgent and immersive while maintaining the feeling of shelter and protection.

Black fixtures and fittings

The newest launches from a host of luxury brands have been doused in darkness. Shower heads, taps, mixers, screens, panels and all of the fittings in-between, it’s clear that the finish of the moment is deepest black. Be it Matt Black, hansgrohe’s biggest finish of the year which covers the Metropol mixer range, and 53-piece Talis E collection, or the extensive range of Matt Black brassware and bathroom accessories of Crosswater’s MPRO range. Most of Abacus’s range can be covered in black via its Colour My Bathroom offering, and Saneux and Roper Rhodes both have extensive dark collections.

Large black bathroom pieces

Chunkier bathroom objects of all styles are also being coated in rich black. Victoria and Albert’s freestanding baths take on an edgy yet sensuous feel when their soft curves are realised in black. Along with its brassware, much of VitrA’s ceramicware and storage pieces comes in a slick black finish which transforms them into giant sculptural objects. Villeroy and Boch’s ultra-modern Avento vanity units are finished in glossy Crystal Black, the brand’s Antheus unit brings natural texture in black ash, and UK Bathroom’s Essentials Black Square Edge Bath Screen is a whimsical take on the trend, a semi-transparent slice of shadow hovering over the shower. In the traditional sphere, the Sarah Georgian basin and washstand by Burlington is composed of decorative black aluminium and black marble.

“Black is incredibly versatile, contemporary and chic,” says Borchard. “Black elements in the bathroom create an edge, making a statement while remaining timeless and enduring.” Finish the look with as much black flooring, tiling and paint as you dare, or try a black feature zone around either the sink, bath or shower to add more subtle wow factor.

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Main image credit: UK Bathrooms