21 White Bathroom Ideas for a Sparkling Space

Bypass bold hues and embrace crisp, polished simplicity with these white bathroom ideas.

white and light wood bathroom with small plant
Photo: David Tsay

Sure, bold colors pack a visual punch, but there's something about the crisp, polished simplicity of white. Use these white bathroom ideas to create a clean look and a calming atmosphere. The bright neutral is anything but basic and makes for a sparkling space when paired with other neutral hues.

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White Subway Tile Bathroom

bathroom with white subway tile
Werner Straube

Subway tile provides a sleek, timeless look for white bathrooms. Instead of limiting the treatment inside the shower, extend white subway tiles across bathroom walls for a striking effect. This space also introduces black metal accents and slate floor tiles for added dimension.

02 of 21

Black-and-White Bathroom

master bathroom vanity dual sink tile pattern flooring
Dana Gallagher

White bathrooms don't have to be boring. To make yours bold, go for contrasting colors to complete your palette. Here, black and white bathroom floor tiles provide all the interest this bathroom needs to be stylish. Brass hardware adds to the contemporary look.

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Small White Bathroom Ideas

white and light wood bathroom with small plant
David Tsay

White is an ideal paint color choice for small bathrooms because it reflects light and makes the space appear larger. In this bathroom, white coats every surface—except the wood vanity—to maximize the bright, expansive effect. A large mirror and glass shower doors also contribute to this visual trick.

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White Bathroom with Wood Tones

neutral tones two-sink bathroom
Paul Dyer

Wood tones can introduce depth and interest to white bathrooms without adding color. A whitewashed wood vanity paired with white walls and countertops lends timeless character to this elegant bath. Also, the wood's light finish doesn't hinder the room's bright, airy feel.

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White Bathroom Accent Colors

white and green bathroom
John Bessler

Accentuate white bathroom designs with a soft accent color that adds dimension to the space. In this bathroom, the upper portions of the walls are painted a muted sage-green color, which reads as a neutral and doesn't overpower the color scheme. White otherwise dominates on the floor, shower tiles, vanity, and beaded-board wainscoting.

06 of 21

All-White Primary Bathroom

symmetrical double vanity bathroom marble counters
John Bessler

Symmetry rules in this classic white primary bathroom. The double vanity features traditional inset cabinet doors and lucite handles for extra glamour. A mixture of marble (on the countertops, floor, and tub surround) adds visual interest to the all-white bathroom.

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Relaxing Gray and White Bathroom

white bathroom built-in shelves bathtub
John Bessler

Gray is a natural complement to white bathroom designs. Pulled from the marble that appears throughout the space, soft grays and crisp whites make this neutral bathroom a relaxing retreat. Above the built-in tub, recessed open shelves are lined with white and metallic accents, keeping the color palette front and center.

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Warm White Bathroom

white bathroom double vanity striped rug
Tria Giovan

Contrasting textures play up this bathroom's white walls and accessories to create a simple and clean look. The delicate tile floor and marble countertop add interest, while cream and white paint harmonize on the walls. For a refreshing touch of color that isn't too permanent, place a vase of flowers or greenery on the vanity.

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Contrasting White Bathroom Designs

huge white bathroom dark cabinets window over bath
Edmund Barr

Contrast is the key to this stunning white bathroom idea. Dark cabinets and floors provide the perfect backdrop for standout white countertops and trim. Large multipane windows allow natural light to illuminate the high ceiling and subtle wallpaper detail.

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White Bathroom Vanity

white vanity marble counter ceramic flooring bathroom
Beth Singer

A transitional vanity combines classic, contemporary, and cottage style in this small bath. The marble countertop coordinates with the marble-look ceramic floor tile for a high-end feel that didn't cost a fortune. Polished nickel hardware and fixtures contribute to this white bathroom's refined style.

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Vintage-Inspired White Bathroom

elegant vintage tub yellow bathroom
Laurie Black

White-tiled wainscoting and an elegant vintage tub signal classic style in this cozy white bathroom idea. A neutral color palette keeps the focus on the room's charming accessories. Framed prints, a stone side table, and a feminine chair tie this soft, timeless space to its vintage roots.

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White Bathroom Design

white bathroom dramatic beaded-board ceiling
Michael Partenio

Use a white palette to showcase architectural gems like this bathroom's beaded-board slanted ceiling. Here, white cabinetry, trim, and ceiling paint carry light throughout the space while a darker gray accent wall accentuates the interesting ceiling. Brass fixtures and a mosaic stone tile floor add charm to the white bathroom.

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White Bathroom Tile Ideas

subway-tiled bathroom walnut vanity
John Granen

Create dimension and texture in a white space by mixing tiles. Here, walls wrapped in white subway tiles mingle with marble tile floors. A rich brown wall color and handsome walnut vanity balance the white backdrop and make the room feel cozy. The floor mimics the delicate line of brown tile on the upper walls with a band of dark marble.

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Architecture in White Bathrooms

built-in cabinets bathroom dramatic architectural details
Michael Luppino

There's no need for bold colors in a bath with gorgeous architectural details. Although this room is entirely white, the intricate hexagonal tiling, built-in cabinets, and arched ceiling provide enough interest to satisfy the eye. Wood paneling visually reduces the height of this cavernous room and draws focus to a beautiful bathtub.

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White Bathroom with Colorful Accents

white bathroom colorful details rustic towel rack

​​Crisp white walls along with a white tub and pedestal sink provide the perfect setting for experimenting with other hues. Small bursts of color, such as a bright shower curtain, rugs, and towels, become instant focal points in an otherwise all-white bathroom. These accessories are also easy to swap out, making it a snap to change the color scheme.

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Modern White Bathroom

marble shower modern free-standing tub bathroom
Werner Straube

A gorgeous marble walk-in shower and an eye-catching tile design underfoot add texture and dimension to this predominantly white bathroom. A small wooden bench brings a natural touch to the modern freestanding tub and faucet. Even the flat-screen TV, positioned above the bathtub faucet, contributes to the white color palette.

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Ivory and White Bathroom

large arched mirror freestanding tub bathroom
Edmund Barr

Ivory and white tile floors coordinate with creamy walls to create a space that's lovely in its simplicity. A large arched mirror crowned with white trim adds architectural value to this bathroom while helping to expand the space visually. The stately freestanding tub and vintage faucet complete the elegant look.

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Traditional White Primary Bath

white bathroom black accents leaded glass armoire
Stacey Brandford

Traditional materials in soft hues are punctuated by white and black accents in this restful white bathroom. Richly veined marble tile, dark picture frames, and a claw-foot tub contribute to the room's regal appeal. Armoire doors crafted from old leaded-glass windows blend storage and antique style.

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Mirrored White Bathroom Accents

small bathroom multiple mirrors bowl sink
Michael Partenio

Update a small white bathroom with multiple mirrors to make the space look larger. Mirror-front cabinets conceal cramped quarters, resulting in a more open-feeling bathroom. Even a few colorful accessories, such as the rosy pink hand towels shown here, pack a big punch against the creamy backdrop when they are reflected.

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Beige and White Bathroom

dormer bathroom claw-foot tub
James R. Salomon

A claw-foot tub takes center stage in this dormer bathroom. The backdrop of beige walls and rosy accessories warm up the space. A white ceiling maximizes the open feeling by reflecting natural light. The marble tile underfoot ties the color scheme together.

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White Bathroom Wallpaper

small bathroom tree wallpaper square sink
Emily Followill

Whimsical wallpaper transforms this white bathroom into a woodsy-themed retreat. At the same time, the dark natural wood flooring makes a statement against the white-and-gray palette. A compact console sink provides ample storage and a farmhouse feel. The thick crown molding adds prominence to the small space with a substantial feel.

With crisp, white walls, stunning tiled floors, and well-placed accents, white bathrooms never go out of style. What’s more, the neutral palette can adapt to almost any design including traditional, rustic, vintage, nautical, or even modern. To keep it fresh and interesting, play with textures. Mix up your tiles. Break up the space with wood paneling, beaded board, or wainscoting. Look for durable materials that will be easy to keep clean and—when you are ready to switch things up—add greenery, flowers (real or faux), or accessories for a splash of color.

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