As part of our series of “Bathroom Trends” articles, we focus on black accents, showing you how to introduce these seamlessly into your space.
As we mentioned in our latest bathroom trends update, black accents are set to be big in 2021 and beyond. Thin black frames around shower screens, black brassware such as taps and showers, and not to mention black accessories, all look set to play their part in contemporary bathrooms across the UK.
No doubt inspired by the popular industrial style of interior design, these black accents are especially suited to today’s modern living, bringing urban influence to city centre dwellings, like flats and townhouses.
In this trend-focused article, we’ll show you just some of the different ways you can introduce black accents into your bathroom design, whilst taking a look at some of the wonderfully creative methods our customers have used. We hope it’ll inspire you to achieve an on-trend bathroom of your own.
Black framed shower screens and enclosures
Out of all the big bathroom trends over the past few years, black framed shower screens have seen a huge rise in popularity, being used in a variety of styles and settings. Riding the coat-tails of the industrial look, there are many ways to use black framed shower screens from quick and easy additions to full makeovers.
Left: Go all out with a stunning black framed walk in shower enclosure. Right: Check out @freshstart_living on Instagram for this understated design
Whilst we love the look of individual glass panes separated by thin black frames, for a more subtle look, opt for an enclosure with just a simple black border around the outer edges of the glass.
Of course, if you wish to add black accents sparingly, you could simply update your current shower bath screen with a black framed design. It’s that easy!
Black taps and showers inspiration
Over the years, many homeowners have turned away from classic chrome, choosing brassware that is both bold and beautiful. Whilst gold, brass and rose gold remain popular new metallic finishes, black taps and showers are also designed to turn heads in contemporary bathrooms.
With a wide range of smart black tap ideas to choose from, you can easily add black accents to your existing bathroom suite. Or, for a sleek, minimalist appearance, why not opt for wall mounted taps?
Left: Black taps and accessories bring accent to this beautiful bathroom by @a.monochromeproject. Right: Matching black bath and basin taps really pop in this monochrome interior by @_ourfirsthome4
Black taps needn’t be exclusive to contemporary style bathrooms. There are plenty of traditional black tap designs on the market. It is worth pointing out that black taps may not be suitable for busy family bathrooms, as the finish can get chipped if not carefully maintained. Look out for superior finishes, like the PVD plating of our Spencer collection, where you can choose between square and round-shaped designs to complement your suite and furniture.
Left: Looking good! The Wye black shower system as selected by @myhomereno_. Right: The Spencer round black shower brings sophisticated style to this bathroom by @andy_graham_smartproperty
Keep those black accents flowing throughout your bathroom design by fitting a black shower. From fully exposed shower systems and electric showers, which are easy to fit, to sleek, concealed valves and shower heads, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.
Black bath ideas
One of the very obvious things that gets all-too-often overlooked is the centrepiece of your bathroom itself: your bathtub. And why go for plain old white, when you can lie back and relax in your very own black beauty.
Left: The traditional Dulwich double ended black roll top bath from The Bath Co.: a real bathing beauty. Right: The contemporary Tate freestanding black bath gracing the bathroom of Victoria Plum customer @making15ahome
Whether you’re looking to achieve a classic Art Deco style bathroom or a stylish, on-trend, up-to-date setting, there’s a black accents bath out there for you.
Black bathroom furniture
Whilst fully black furniture isn’t hugely popular (white and grey tend to be the colour of choice) you could opt for black units, like those from the Wye range by Orchard Bathrooms (see below).
Black bathroom furniture? "Wye" not?
If that is a little too much for your tastes, why not inject some black accent into your design by choosing items with black frames instead? The chic and highly contemporary vanity unit from the Bergne range by Mode Bathrooms (pictured below) captures this to perfection, complementing any industrial style space. Or, simply choose one item in dark grey, like the wall hung vanity unit from the Meier range (also pictured below) and complement with a black tap.
Left: Subtle black accents make the Bergne washstand from Mode Bathrooms a great choice. Right: The gorgeous Tate black wall mounted basin mixer tap from Mode Bathrooms
Black basins
Whilst many choose to add black accents to their basin by fitting a black tap, you could flip-reverse the whole process by opting for a dark charcoal grey countertop basin with a chrome tap. Or, if you prefer your basin to be lighter in colour, why not place it on a black shelf?
Left: Deliciously dark: the Orion charcoal grey countertop basin from Mode Bathrooms. Right: For a result that’s anything but negative, complement with a Tate wall mounted black tap, also from Mode Bathrooms
Bring in those black accessories
When it comes to adding black accents to your bathroom, accessories are your greatest friends and allies! Aside from the usual suspects, like towel rings, soap dispensers and toilet roll holders, black framed mirrors, shelving, or a black countertop basin shelf can all accentuate your design theme. And while we're thinking a little outside the box, have you considered black plumbing accessories, like a waste or bottle trap?
Even your choice of heating can include a touch of black, with heated towel rails and radiators available in this shade. Instead of a regular white enamel finish, why not pick a black option instead, like the Santa Fe traditional radiator (pictured below)?
Left: A cosy monochrome design featuring the Santa Fe traditional black radiator by @home_life_46. Right: I simply adore these black accessories from the 1805 accessory range by Accents
If you’re looking to achieve an on-trend modern vintage style (an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary), black toilet seats work really well with traditional toilets. Meanwhile, another big bathroom trend is the use of bold block colours, so why not tile or paint a single wall black for a theatrical backdrop?
Left: The Winchester close coupled toilet with black seat from Orchard Bathrooms. Right: A dramatic “black-drop” to this bathroom by @abbyrosehomes
And whilst we’re talking about walls and floors, tiles can also be used to add black accents to your bathroom design. Monochrome patterns and motifs are the obvious way to create black and white floors and walls, yet white tiles with black grout can be just as effective. And, if you want to bring in yet another bathroom trend that’s on the rise, why not pick out a full length wall graphic shower wall panel and create your very own work of art!
Left: Tropical plants? Tick. Black accents? Tick. This bathroom by Victoria Plum customer @house.of.pasha hits all the latest trends! Right: There Are No Rules shower wall panel by Louise Dear
Love the look?
If you love a deliciously dark bathroom design, check out how to get the look with our Dark Domain style guide or discover how to be bold with 3 different black and white themes. Also, keep an eye out for more of my Bathroom Trends blog posts throughout the year.
