36 Gray Bathroom Ideas for a Serene Sanctuary

Turn your bathroom into a spa-inspired oasis with calming and sophisticated shades of gray.

Sophie Flaxman is a home writer at Better Homes & Gardens.

Abby Wolner is a freelance writer trained in journalism through Drake University. She is a former food writer and contributor to Better Homes & Gardens.

John Bessler

Gray is an elegant and versatile shade. It sits between two opposing neutrals—black and white—representing neutrality and balance. Because it's an achromatic color with no hue, decorating with gray creates a calm environment that's fitting for any bathroom design.

The subdued shade is timeless and works with both classic and contemporary bathroom designs. And because it works well with any color scheme, you can accessorize a gray bathroom however you like. Use gray as a neutral base color for a calming backdrop, or use it to set the mood of the space.To help inspire your next bathroom refresh, we're sharing our favorite gray bathroom ideas. Create a spa-like sanctuary or use the shade to create a bold design statement.

David A. Land

Accents of gray subway tiles on the walls of this white bathroom add texture and style to the space. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, these tiles also have a functional purpose. Positioned above the sink and behind the bath, they provide a bathroom backsplash to protect the walls from water damage and humidity. The glazed finish reflects light, maintaining the same sense of brightness, spaciousness, and invigoration that white bathrooms do so well.

Julie Soefer

This quaint vanity uses all muted tones in interesting shapes to make a soothing spot that feels singular and special. The gray stone on the countertop plays a big role, grounding the space and adding a sense of weight. The carved backsplash plays into the decorative feel of this gray farmhouse bathroom design.

Julie Soefer

The gray background of this swan wallpaper pairs perfectly with the marble countertop for a gray bathroom that’s anything but drab. The sweet, feminine theme of the wallpaper plays out among other details, such as the millwork on the cabinets, the antique-style mirror, and the countertop accessories.

Sypsie Designs

Create depth in a gray bathroom design by incorporating multiple shades of gray. A dark gray on the vanity grounds the space while a soft dove gray on the walls offers a light and airy feel. Wood details bring in nature and provide a warm counterpoint to the gray palette.

JULIE SOEFER

An all-over marble look gives this bathroom a grand feel. Glam accessories add to the grandeur, while the gray veining in the stone brings in a natural feel and softens an otherwise starkly white space.

WERNER SEGARRA PHOTOGRAPHY

Gray wall tiles are a striking focal point in this bathroom. Patterned tiles, like these patchwork tiles, are an easy way to create a statement in a small space. In a larger space, you can use tiles to zone the bathroom layout by confining the tiles to one area, such as above the bathroom sink. Keep the rest of the decor pared back to let the accent wall remain the focus of the space.

Edmund Barr

Warm gray tones paired with wood accents make for a soothing, neutral atmosphere. The tile backsplash and the countertop feature warm undertones, which harmoniously blends with the natural wood shelves and cabinetry.

Emily Followill

The wall and floor tiles in this bathroom lend texture and tactility to the space without deviating from the color scheme. Create texture with plain tiles, such as the modern stacked design of the subway tiles on the wall. You can also create designs using different colors or shades of the same tile, like the geometric pattern created with these tonal gray floor tiles.

John Bessler

Have a little fun with a powder room or half bath. Here, this cloudy gray wallpaper adds an unexpected punch of personality to this small bathroom. The gray walls are accentuated by the extravagant chrome and marble vanity, black mosaic floor tiles, and dark gray trim. Before wallpapering a bathroom, check with the supplier to make sure it's can stand up to water damage or humidity.

Stacey Brandford

Large-scale toile tiles in the shower niches are an unexpected layer of charm in this bathroom design. While the rest of the shower is high-contrast black and white, the naturalistic illustrations incorporate shades of gray that soften the overall look and add depth.

Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Marble is synonymous with luxury, and it’s not hard to see why. The floor-to-ceiling marble tile in this walk-in shower oozes contemporary sophistication with its simple, minimalist design. A beautiful natural material like marble often provides a gorgeous neutral tone, which works well in this gray bathroom. Keep the design simple with little visual distraction beyond plain gold hardware.

Julie Soefer

Lean on furniture and decor to infuse character into a simple gray bathroom. A vintage armoire with lots of patina matches the neutral color scheme while bringing texture and visual interest, not to mention plenty of storage.

Kim Cornelison

This bathroom is earthy and luxe at the same time, thanks to the careful blend of rustic wood and handmade, glossy tile that scales to the ceiling. The blue-gray tile speaks of inky night skies, enhancing the naturalistic style of this bathroom design.

Edward Gohlich

Gray is a great neutral and there are many ways to incorporate it into your bathroom design. Here, a glazed tile features shades of white and gray. The tile provides texture and pattern to this wall of shelves, turning it into a focal point.

Robert Brinson

This all gray bathroom doesn’t skimp on glamor. From the oversize chrome knobs to the splashy herringbone floor, this space glitters with unique style despite the very restrained color palette. A wall-to-wall mirror is not only great for getting ready, but it also reflects light from the windows and glossy surfaces for a bright space any time of day.

Adam Albright

Tiles with gray veining soften the look of an all-white bathroom. The veins are a natural pattern with timeless appeal. This bathroom blends marble tile with brass and wood fixtures, which is an easy-to-recreate combination at any budget.

Adam Albright

Gray can be warm or cool depending on the undertones. Here, cabinets painted a warm gray complement the sunny, organic wallpaper for a cozy but sophisticated bathroom design. Black plumbing fixtures and light gray floor tile balance the warm colors, creating cohesion.

Jay Wilde

A warm-toned blue gray on the cabinets plays double duty in this gray bathroom design. It complements the more modern elements, such as the lighting and mirrors, and the traditional-style rug and stool for a complete transitional look.

KIM CORNELISON

The high ceilings and contrasting black and white fixtures in this bathroom make a big impact. A subtle gray tile on the wall softens the look and adds movement and texture in an otherwise stark space.

James Nathan Schroder

Tile with a sweet circle design enhances the delicacy of this small bathroom. The cool gray tiles complement the pastel pink vanity, and the circle pattern is echoed in the globe light fixture.

Dana Gallagher

Choose a muddier gray color if your bathroom style is traditional. A warmer gray is less stark than cooler tones and looks more correct among other historic-inspired details.

John Granen

In a farmhouse bathroom, marble tiles and countertops work alongside the more rustic elements for a timeless look. Pairing gray tile with white and black fixtures looks harmonious and is easy to put together. Bring in wood pieces like the vanities and wall covering to give the space a country feel.

Edmund Barr

Shades of gray, white, orange, and brass mingle together in this transitional bathroom design. Transitional style mixes modern and traditional elements together, such as the modern art and simple crown molding paired with beaded shaker cabinets and subway tile.

Nicole LaMotte

A pale gray bathroom vanity makes an elegant addition to this bathroom. In this space, the gray vanity unit balances out the playful wallpaper, anchoring the room with a calming focal point. Gray takes on a smart and sophisticated quality here, especially when paired with dark blue and white accents.

Erica Van Slyke

One of the reasons gray is such a popular shade for the home is its extreme versatility. Gray provides the perfect neutral backdrop ready to be stamped with your individual touch, so it can work for any decor style. Here, the gray floor tiles provide texture and pattern to the otherwise all-white farmhouse bathroom.

EDMUND BARR

Even though gray is a neutral, every shade can have undertones that gives it a warm or cool feel. When you're curating an all-gray bathroom scheme, be sure to keep the undertones consistent throughout the space. The gray fish scale wallpaper and vanity unit harmonize with their matching warm base notes, further accentuated by the gleaming brass accents and wooden floor.

Kim Cornelison

Gray can be the perfect base for a funky bathroom design. While the more permanent elements of this bathroom (the floor and vanity) are simple in design, the wallpaper and shower curtain have bold personality. However, they can easily be swapped for more neutral items later on. When applying wallpaper in the bathroom, be sure you have an effective ventilation system to keep moisture to a minimum.

Julie Soefer

Gray accessories and countertop offer a cool, contemporary feel to this modern bathroom design. Pair gray with bright colors for a fun, fresh look.

Emily Minton-Redfield

The natural gray tones of concrete are the ultimate urban design feature. Durable, practical, and stylish, the smooth surface of poured concrete gives it a sleek, modern edge, while the uneven grain contributes texture and interest. This bathroom epitomizes urban style by combining industrial materials, such as the concrete walk-in shower, exposed brick walls, and Crittall-style windows.

Anthony Masterson Photograph

Get inspired by this built-in vanity to design the bathroom cabinetry of your dreams. Details like beaded cabinet doors and lucite handles bring glam to the traditional gray cabinets, creating a beautiful and timeless place to get ready.

James Nathan Schroder

This uniquely minimalist bathroom design uses gray subway tiles to moderate the clean, geometric lines. The gray tile echoes the color of the polished nickel fixtures, and wood tones balance this cool color scheme.

Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Stone hex tile lines this shower creating an almost cave-like feel that’s perfect for escaping and relaxing. The varied shades of gray in the tile make an organic pattern that’s interesting without being overwhelming.

Brian McWeeney

Gray-green paint creates the perfect vintagey shade for this beadboard-clad bathroom. A wooden vanity, stained glass in the window, and vintage-style plumbing fixtures complete the timeless look.

Laurie Black

This bathroom shows how playful and charming gray can be, from the ruffled shower curtain to the glitzy feet on the tub. A casual cafe curtain in an organic pattern provides contrast to the stripes used elsewhere.

Annie Schlechter

Pick a naturally gray stone as the starting point for your bathroom scheme. The marble tile wainscoting and dual vanities set the tone for this bathroom design. The charcoal gray wall paint highlights the natural pattern of dark gray marble veins and creates depth and drama, while the brass fixtures, mirrors, and wall sconces bring warmth and elegance to the space.

EDMUND BARR PHOTOGRAPHY

Dark gray walls bring depth and drama to any bathroom. The deep shade is one of the easiest shades to decorate around because its almost-black appearance means you can easily change up the color scheme of the space as often as you like by swapping out accessories. The painted wood paneled accent wall adds a moody touch to this farmhouse-style bathroom.