Monochrome often refers to a colour scheme of black and white, or a colour scheme that includes two varying tones of the same colour. For example, a charcoal grey and light grey scheme would also be referred to as monochrome.

Black and white are two colours that have been used alongside each other for years. Going back to Edwardian times, they’ve been associated with elegance in both home décor and fashion. In our ultimate guide to bathroom colour schemes, we talked about how the contrast of a black and white bathroom works well with most people’s preference of white bathroom fixtures and fittings.

However, there’s much more to a black and white bathroom than that. Read on to find out 4 of our top tips for creating a modern monochrome bathroom you can be proud of.

Incorporating pattern

While most people imagine large blocks of black and white when they think of a monochrome bathroom, a great way to incorporate black and white into your bathroom with a little more style is to use elements of pattern.

A loud or decadent patterned wallpaper can add a luxurious touch to the bathroom, as long as it’s only used sparingly as part of a feature wall. It’s also now possible to get waterproof wallpaper, so you don’t have to worry about it pulling away from the wall after being exposed to steam.

Flooring can also be used effectively to flesh out the design of your monochrome bathroom. Create a mosaic-style pattern with floor tiles or choose dark waterproof flooring panels to contrast with light walls.

Monochrome colour palettes can even be introduced through marble-effect bathroom wall panels with their subtle and elegant pattern of grey against a white background.

Black and white bathroom walls

A great reason to have a monochrome bathroom is that it’s possible to balance the brightness of your space by choosing the ratio of black to white you use for your walls, flooring, and ceiling.

For something more luxurious, choose darker walls with white elements in panels around the bath and shower, as well as a white toilet and bath. Dark walls can make a space look smaller, so maybe stay clear if you’re working in a small bathroom, but if the space is right, they can create a dramatic effect.

If you prefer a fresher, more modern look that’s suitable for every type of home, white walls are a great place to start. Use subway tile wall panels or grey mosaic bathroom cladding for the walls. It’s then possible to introduce black elements in the fittings and fixtures. Black taps in particular have been popular in recent years.

A monochrome update

Even if now isn’t the right time for a full bathroom overhaul, it’s possible to easily incorporate the monochrome trend into the bathroom without having to rip it out and start again. As long as you have neutral coloured walls and simple white fittings, you’re able to experiment with monochrome easily through accessories.

Simply purchase black or dark grey accessories to go with your white bathroom suite – bathmats, soap dishes, toiletries, and towels, for example. Choose a black or dark coloured bathroom cabinet to finish the look. What’s more, accessories are easily replaceable in a few years’ time when you feel the need for an update, or you can keep hold of them and fit them into a larger renovation.

Industrial monochrome

Monochrome doesn’t have to be for period properties or minimalist inspired bathrooms. By using concrete-style wall panels as wall coverings around your bath or shower, you can create a masculine monochrome look that’s perfect for inner-city apartments or conversion properties.

Combine these industrial style panels with sleek white walls in other parts of the bathroom and a black wooden floor for the perfect industrial black and white bathroom.