One of the most controversial interior solutions is the use of white in apartment design. Many people do not like this color in living rooms because of its coldness and soiling, while others prefer it, since it has long been considered a symbol of nobility and sophistication. But in the decoration of bathrooms, it is white that is very popular. Let's try to figure out what exactly makes a white bathroom attractive and how to properly design it. The photos below will help you choose the best option.
Pros and cons of a white bathroom
Using white and its shades in the bathroom interior provides many advantages:
- Visual effect of expanding space. This feature of white color is especially relevant for very small bathrooms, which are most often found in apartment buildings.
- Feeling full of light. Another big plus, since in apartments bathrooms are very rarely equipped with a window. Since many white surfaces are reflective, any lighting will become much brighter.
- Possibility of changing style and color accents. Since white is a base color that can be combined with any other shade, you can easily change the design of your bathroom by choosing any style. For this purpose, you can only change the decor or furniture in the bathroom - the effect will be noticeable immediately.
But those who decide to decorate the interior of their bathroom in white colors should remember that this decision may also have negative sides:
- Markedness. If you have small children or pets living in your apartment, you should be prepared for the fact that any dirt on the white surface will be immediately noticeable. That is why for such interiors it is necessary to select easy-to-clean materials.
- "The Procedural Effect." Due to the fact that treatment rooms, operating rooms, and toilets in hospitals are always decorated with white tiles, its use in residential areas can cause unpleasant associations. Therefore, a white bathroom should always contain additional shades and color accents.
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Based on these facts, it is necessary to carefully consider the design of a white bathroom.
Ideas in different styles
For a classic bathroom, it is appropriate to use natural materials, traditional plumbing fixtures and decorative elements with standard placement. Such an interior is distinguished by elements of luxury, in the form of aged mirrors, expensive curtains on the windows, metal candlesticks, which combine especially well with snow-white colors.
High-tech design is characterized by conciseness and elegant conservatism. This bathroom uses fashionable built-in plumbing, glossy suspended ceilings and furniture elements with clear lines.
The photo shows a bathroom interior in white tones, decorated in Scandinavian style.
In the Provence style, it is possible to use milky, mother-of-pearl, pearl or honey shades, floral prints, vintage wooden furniture and finishes such as decorative stone, which gives the home a special calm and comfort.
The minimalist bathroom interior is characterized by extremely simple geometric shapes, glossy and glass surfaces. This style does not involve massive furniture elements; in the bathroom, lightweight structures made of metal or glass, as well as wall-mounted plumbing fixtures and installations, are most often found.
The photo shows a minimalist bathroom with painted white walls and a shower decorated with tinted glass.
A white loft-style bathroom involves brick walls, aged decor, concrete or wood floors in combination with modern plumbing. A monochromatic interior can be advantageously decorated and diluted with colorful decorative items or textiles with geometric prints.
Modern design welcomes the play of contrasts, sizes and shapes, finishing with glass or engraved tiles and the use of original decor and accessories. This design option is perfect for both large and small spaces.
Combination of white, red and black
One of the boldest decisions is to combine dazzling white, discreet black and bright red colors in the bathroom interior. The best solution would be a black and white finish using red interior elements (towels, bath accessories, rugs, patterns on the walls, etc.).
The more common option is to combine white and black colors in the bathroom. This allows you to use interesting textures and play with visual effects, but the main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the room will either look like a chessboard or too gloomy.
Advantages of planning a bathroom in white colors
White range:
- Adds light to the room.
- Visually increases the space.
- This is an ideal base for other colors. By changing the color of accessories you can significantly transform your bathroom.
Combination of white and warm shades
This option is suitable for those who want to make their bathroom more comfortable and warm. In this case, you can use not pure white, but shades close to it - cream, beige, almond or ivory.
You can dilute them with brighter colors (rich brown, gold, orange, etc.) or, conversely, with pastel colors (pale pink, peach, light brown or lilac).
Warm shades can also be used in lighting. For example, warm yellowish light will brighten up the white surface of the wall in any case. But the best option is to use hidden lighting for plumbing fixtures, mirrors and furniture.
White color from a psychological point of view
White has a beneficial effect on the mental state. It invigorates and gives confidence. And such feelings are the best start to the day.
Usually the color white is associated with something positive: a knight on a white horse is a symbol of salvation, a white dove is a symbol of peace. To a large extent, the perception of this color is influenced by cultural traditions. In Western Europe it is the personification of purity, and in the culture of certain Mediterranean countries and India it is the color of mourning.
White has a large number of warm and cold tones and halftones. Therefore, if the crystal white palette makes you feel uncomfortable, the solution would be softer shades such as biscuit, milky, cream.
Combination of white and cool shades
Cool colors can also be present in a white bathroom interior. The most common option is blue and deep blue colors. They are often used due to the association of the bathroom with a marine theme and are present in various thematic patterns, images, etc.
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Another option is green. It will look most successful in combination with warm shades of white. It can be:
- Patterns and inserts on the walls.
- Decor elements.
- Living plants.
The white and green interior is perfect for eco-style apartments.
Finish options
A wide variety of materials are used in bathroom cladding. For example, as decoration for walls, they mainly use white tiles, mosaics, sheet or slatted PVC panels; plaster and wallpaper are much less common in decoration.
For the floor, the best solution would be porcelain tiles with a relief or matte texture, characterized by anti-slip properties. Since white flooring is impractical and easily soiled, it is lined with materials with the addition of light gray or gray-beige shades.
The photo shows a bathroom interior with a wooden floor in white tones.
Plastic PVC panels that imitate the desired texture will be an excellent budget option for a combined bathroom; it is better to tile the area near the bathtub, since it is very practical, durable and easy to maintain. You can diversify the white design of the room by combining materials, in the form of various small inserts or panels.
The photo shows a combined wall cladding with plastic panels and wallpaper in a bathroom decorated in white shades.
The use of high-quality painting for the ceiling and walls provides the opportunity to apply artistic painting, various ornaments and geometric patterns. This finish is considered practical, since the painted surface can always be updated or repainted at any time.
The photo shows a small bathroom with white hog tiles and a door framed with black trim.
Tree
A wall divided into two parts by white coating and wood panels can be an excellent solution for a country-style bathroom. In this case, you can also add wooden shelves, cabinets or other furniture elements and textile elements with a floral pattern.
Carved wooden elements (for example, a mirror frame or a dressing table near the bathroom) will fit perfectly into styles such as Empire or Rococo.
Wooden floors or decorative beams under the ceiling will also add a little coziness and a feeling of warmth to the bathroom interior. But you need to remember that the material must be processed in a special way and waterproofed, otherwise it will quickly deteriorate due to the high humidity of the room.
Furniture selection
If the size of the room allows, you can use various furniture for design: chaise lounges, easy chairs, stools, tables, shelves, small chests of drawers and shelving. Although the choice of furniture items is small due to their functional features, they will help to decorate a personal SPA area, give a residential look, and create a feeling of comfort.
The color of the furniture depends on your preferences, but this is the most convenient case for creating bright accents in the design, so it is not necessary to choose only light colors. A red, blue or green chaise lounge, a brown rattan chair, a stool with black legs will emphasize the individuality and unique look of your home.
Beautiful bathroom mirror lighting looks amazing
You can additionally decorate your bathroom with flowers.
The entire bathroom is white
Decorative stone or brick
Using decorative stone is a great way to add a natural touch to your bathroom interior. Moreover, the huge shade palette of this material allows you to choose the most suitable option for any design.
Imitation brickwork is most often used in the loft style. So, red brick will be an excellent contrast to the white walls and plumbing in the bathroom. White brick will also give the bathroom a feeling of warmth due to its texture.
How to make a bathroom warm?
You like the color white, but you don't want the interior to be too cold. How to add warmth to a colorless space? In bathroom design, the window is an important feature.
- The flow of natural light into the room fills it with warmth. The lamps provide light for makeup or shaving. Choosing the right bulb for warmth is essential.
- Decorative items, storage baskets, wall sconces, family photos and the right accessories soften the space and, more importantly, create personal style and taste.
Don't forget the towel bar, covered with fresh white cotton terry towels. Think about the pleasant feeling of white fluffy towels. Add a soft white shower curtain for a touch of soft luxury.
Mosaic tiles
This material is an excellent alternative to white ceramic tiles. Especially if the mosaic combines several different shades with mother-of-pearl tints. With the use of such finishing in modern styles, the bathroom will not look like a hospital ward, and its design will not seem monotonous and boring.
Mosaic with shimmer, bringing life to the bathroom
Mosaic of different shades from snow-white to gray
White mosaic with marble pattern
Glossy mosaic tiles
Golden mosaic in a white bathroom
White mosaic with black grout
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Take care of warm light
To prevent a white bathroom from looking too cold, it is better to use lamps with warm light. Candles are also great.
Photo: Fotolia.com
Photo: Fotolia.com
Photo: DepositPhotos/Fotodom.ru
Don’t stop at one lamp - it’s better to place many spots and sconces in the room, or even think through several lighting scenarios.
Walls
Playing with texture and texture on vertical surfaces will create interesting effects.
Small white bathrooms can be diluted with inserts of a different shade. There are tiles on sale with monochromatic motifs that can imitate different textures.
Patterns are combined to get the desired result. You can add color to the interior if you use several mosaic inserts.
Tips and ideas
Those who want to make a lot of light can decorate the interior with many mirrors, lighting and glass.
Many people perceive a white bathroom as an operating room, but you can turn it into a room for SPA treatments. To do this, bring live plants into the bathroom.
Bottom line
The bathroom is an important part of a person’s life, so it should be as comfortable and cozy as possible so that you can get a dose of relaxation here in the evening. The most important thing is to choose the right color.
If you haven’t found the one for yourself, take the white one, it’s impeccable, and besides, it’s been at the peak of popularity for a long time.
