Bathed in Color: How to Get White Right in the Bath

There are plenty of gorgeous, colorful bathrooms on Houzz, but let's focus on white bathrooms this week. White is a popular choice for bathrooms because we associate the color with cleanliness and purity. But many find all-white spaces stark, boring and cold. The key to working with white is to pay attention to the materials used — specifically to their texture and sheen. You also have opportunities to play up interesting accessories in a white space, since the hue is a terrific blank canvas. I recommend injecting some wood elements or warm neutral tones to counteract coolness, too.

Continue on for more tips to creating a light and inviting white bathroom, and examples of white done right.

A minimalist white bathroom can easily veer toward cold and institutional. Take a tip from this stunning bathroom by adding plenty of warm wood via the lavatory cabinet or the flooring. It will ground the space and give it a homey and inviting feel.

If you have concerns about installing wood floors in a wet room, check out some of the wood-like floor tiles now available.

Try this white: Snowbound SW7004, Sherwin-Williams


The countertop and tile in this lovely modern bathroom have nice patterns that add visual interest in a space with a very limited color palette. Because warm whites were used, the bathroom doesn't feel cold or austere, despite all of the white.

Try this white: Warm Welcome OW-4-3, Mythic Paint


If you go for an all-white bathroom, pay attention to the details, since they can make the difference between stark and sublime.

This hip bathroom is appealing, thanks in part to interesting touches like the suspended mirror, floating marble sink and cool hardware and accessories.

Try this white: Distant Gray 2124-70, Benjamin Moore


If you are blessed with large bathroom windows and a killer view, like in this splendid bath, keep things clean and simple so the view can be the star of the show.

Try this white: Angel Touch 7004-24, Valspar


Bright, bold color is an easy way to add drama. But you can also add oomph through rich materials and textures. I like the interplay of the handsome wood-clad wall and the elegant wall and floor tiles in this bathroom. The combination is very chic.

Try this white: White Fur W-F-610, Behr


This bathroom's pure white walls and interesting ceiling design have an elegant art gallery vibe. If you have unusual architectural elements that you want to take center stage, a palette of white and light neutrals can help play them up for maximum impact.

Try this white: Designer White 33-1, Pratt & Lambert


If you love white bathrooms but want something less minimalist and contemporary, inject vintage elements into the space. This delightful bathroom may have a simple color palette, but its claw-foot tub, pedestal sinks, oversize framed mirror and retro fixtures ooze charm.

Try this white: Silver City DE6337, Dunn-Edwards Paints

Tell us: Is white all right, or do you prefer more color in a bath?

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