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This post is all about designing the perfect moody bathroom!
Do you love both a timeless look and the unique charm of a dark color? If that sounds like you, then a moody bathroom is an absolute must-have for your own home! This aesthetic has seen an incredible increase in popularity over the last few years – and for good reason. It moves away from the impersonal and minimalist approach of modern design, favoring instead dramatic spaces filled with impactful decor and personality.
Whether you are looking to complete a full master bathroom renovation or simply need some ideas for a small bathroom refresh, moody design is the perfect way to add a touch of sophistication to your space. Think of deep shades, a tasteful mix of organic and vintage pieces, and glamorous metallic accents. So many stunning features!
In this post, we’ll explore 22 moody bathroom ideas to give you all the inspiration you need to transform your home. From bigger investments to affordable additions, I promise there are plenty of options for you to embrace this style no matter your time or budget availability. Get ready to dive into the dark side! 😉
An Introduction to The Moody Look: The Basics
If you’re looking to bring moody vibes to your bathroom, it’s helpful to start by understanding where this style comes from and what makes it so unique. Having a clear understanding of what you’r trying to recreate will save you a ton of time and money as you’re decorating.
Moody interiors are all about blending the old and the new in a way that feels timeless. They pull inspiration from a mix of styles like Gothic, Organic Modern, Art Deco, and Dark Academia—the last one being a major driver in making this look so popular lately (Pinterest and TikTok just love a good academia aesthetic post!).
What makes this style stand out is its ability to convey a sense of drama and a touch of elegance without shying away from a bold statement. It leans on rich, dark tones and layers of texture to create depth. Think velvet or silk fabrics, soft lighting, and accent walls that draw the eye and highlight the room’s best features.
At first, this style might seem tricky to pull off, but it’s actually a fun and creative way to give your space a sophisticated upgrade. Once you start experimenting, you’ll find it’s easier than you think to create a moody, inviting retreat you’ll love coming home to.
22 Moody Bathroom Ideas To Inspire You
1. Select A Color Palette with Dark Hues
Dark colors are a great way to turn larger bathrooms into a more intimate space. They visually shrink down the room and help bring intensity to your design. They are a non-negotiable to create the dramatic effect that is to typical of moody interiors.
Think of paint colors like deep navy, deep purples, dark blue, forest green, and burgundy. You can also use these shades in more upscale finishes like black tiles or wooden slats. This will add some texture and elevate your bathroom.
2. Opt for Gold Fixtures
Upgrading your bathroom fixtures with metal finishes, especially gold or brass accents, will immediately add a touch of modern sophistication. Metals help create a feel of glamour and vintage luxury. At the same time, they can enhance the dark, jewel tones you have included in your color palette, as well as textured features like dark marble countertops or solid wood pieces.
Forget about basic hardware and modern, matte black finishes – this is your chance to go the extra mile with your decor choices!
3. Be Bold With Dark Bathroom Wallpaper
Dark floral wallpaper is almost a must-have for the perfect moody powder room. This interior style does not shine away from bold patterns, often using vintage prints and botanical designs to add character and depth to the room.
If you’re working with a very small space, you can install wallpaper only on the upper end of your walls, keeping the lower half in plain paint colors. This will help make your ceilings feel taller and prevent the busy visuals from overwhelming the room.
4. Hang A Large Mirror Over Your Vanity Area
A large mirror is an important feature in any moody bathroom. Opt for an oversized piece with a high-impact frame. Vintage gold frames or dark wood are fantastic options that will pair well with a dark color palette. A mirror will also help you give the impression of a larger space – perfect if you’re decorating a very small powder room.
5. Upgrade Your Cabinet Knobs for A Touch of Luxury
If you’re working with a small budget, upgrading your cabinet knobs can be an affordable way to start your moody bathroom refresh. Opt for vintage-inspired designs or pieces with intricate details. No matter the material, invest in cabinet knobs and pulls that lean into the dramatic vibes of this style. For instance, I love how classy pendant pulls look – they are just as functional as they are beautiful.
6. Get The Right Ambient Lighting
The perfect moody bathroom needs to have multiple lighting options, combining practical and functional fixtures with more subtle and diffused ambient lighting. This is why I would recommend investing both in smaller wall sconces, as well as a bigger chandelier or central light fixture.
Especially in the evening, warm and soft light from vanity fixtures will give the whole bathroom a more mysterious and dramatic effect! Also don’t be afraid to add a few candles for an extra touch.
7. Go For Organic Modern Decor
While moody interiors often incorporate vintage pieces, organic modern decor can also work well with this style. Its focus on harmonious balance and the inclusion of natural materials and references provide a more modern take on this theme. Instead of leaning into the light neutrals typical of organic designs, take inspiration from the dark and intense colors of winter, forests, and gloomy landscapes.
8. Add Some Dark Wood Accents
When it comes to dark interior design, it’s always a good idea to include at least one wood tone in the room. This helps bring an organic touch into the space, counterbalancing how harsh and cold a fully dark color scheme can appear.
The easiest way to achieve this in your bathroom is by placing wooden vanities against black walls or dark wallpaper. Alternatively, you can invest in a wooden bathroom cabinet or a small stool/chair if you want something that’s less of a focal point in the area.
9. Make it a Priority To Incorporate Texture
Texture is a fantastic way to spice up your moody design, introducing depth, richness, and an element of tactile interest. Think for instance of how luxurious and warm materials like plush velvet feel, especially as they play with the room’s light. On the other hand, exposed brick or rougher fibers like jute create a more grounded, organic look.
Take some design risks and layer a variety of different textures to make your dark bathroom come to life.
10. Invest in Some Vintage-Inspired Art
Something that I absolutely love to see in a moody bathroom is vintage art. Colorful, antique prints are an amazing way to bring some eclectic beauty into your space. Personally, I like to style them right above the toilet, but I think they also look great by the sink or to frame a window.
11. Include Natural Elements
Natural elements used in pieces like stone sinks, exposed brick, or wooden accents are a great way to lean into a more modern, organic approach without compromising on other vintage touches. You can also take direct inspiration from nature from a color standpoint. Features like forest dark green subway tiles or botanical patterns will help bring some of the outside world into your moody bathroom.
12. Choose Towels in Darker Colors
New towels are another budget-friendly upgrade for your bathroom design. Look into pieces that go well with whatever dark color is dominant in your palette. Make sure to also choose tones that are a good match for your towel bars and hooks. For example, mustard towels will not work well with gold; going for something high-contrast will give you a better result.
13. Add A Small Area Rug for Warmth
Higher-end bathrooms often not only have a bath mat, but also a small rug by the vanity area. This element brings warmth, pops of color, and a welcoming feel to any dark room.
Given the location, make sure to choose a piece that you can easily throw in the washing machine and dryer. A delicate rug that requires dry cleaning or you can’t clean frequently is not a hygienic choice for this space, unless you are ready to commit to the maintenance.
14. Upgrade Your Toilet
While the toilet may not be the most stylish piece in a bathroom, it’s important to choose a piece that works well with your decor of choice. Unfortunately, a simple white toilet is a bit of a stand-out element in a traditionally moody space. That’s why it can be worth it to invest in black toilet or, for something more budget-friendly, replace your toilet seat with a vintage wooden option.
15. Invest in Beautiful Accent Lighting
Sometimes, moody bathrooms can be a bit too dark. After all, there is such a thing as a gloomy space where very little natural light is more inconvenient than dramatic. Investing in a beautiful set of pendant lights or accent sconces will make your space more functional, as well as adding a fun design statement.
Bonus tip: for more unique pieces, scour your local vintage or antique market. You never know if there are hidden gems waiting for you. On top of that, buying second-hand can save you a lot of money!
16. Add Shelves for Storage & Decor
Open shelves are a fantastic way to add some storage in your bathroom. At the same time, they also provide great surface areas to display some of your decorative items.
In a moody bathroom, you’ll often find small decor objects placed right next a new set of towels or back-up toilet paper. This mix of elegance and practicality, new and old, is exactly what makes this style so unique and customizable.
17. Include Paneling
Paneling is a beautiful feature that can replace wall tiles but still make for very impactful accent walls. I also think it helps to add depth to a wall, making your dark rich tones stand out even more. While you can go for something very intricate and retro, even something as simple as straight wooden panels can already elevate your design.
If you choose straight panelling, you’ll also make your walls appear taller. They will vertically extend your room and build on the dramatic effect.
18. Invest in Vintage Pieces
Vintage accents are a popular choice when it comes to moody interiors. They often take center stage in the deign of a room and help set the tone for the rest of the decor. They are not mandatory to include, especially if you love a more modern look, but they are an easy way to make your bathroom feel more authentic and unique.
For example, I love an antique pedal sink or an old-fashioned towel stand. So chic!
19. Upgrade Your Shower Curtain With A Beautiful Pattern
Your shower curtain does not need to be boring. Being such a large item, it’s often a piece that grabs your attention as soon as you enter the room. Opt for a bold, dark pattern and watch your bathroom transform. Of course, choose a design that fits within your moody color scheme.
20. Don’t Be Afraid of Incorporating Light Tones in Your Palette
If you love a small moody bathroom but using only dark colors in small spaces intimidates you, don’t be afraid to include some lighter shades. While adding some white walls or softer neutrals will curb a bit the dramatic effect, this can be a great option to open up your space and better reflect natural light.
If done correctly, the lighter shades can also create a very interesting visual contrast that will make your dark colors stand out even more.
21. Include Greenery in Your Design
Regardless of whether we are talking about a lush plant, a beautiful bouquet, or gorgeous dried flowers, plants and greenery are key features in most moody interiors. They are perfect too add some vitality to your design, contrast dark colors, introduce depth and texture, and complement natural materials already present in the room.
22. Add Texture with Organic Materials
Natural materials like stone and marble can bring rich textures into your design. In turn, this can help add depth and make your space feel more curated and interesting. For instance, green or purple marble can give you luxurious textures and a gorgeous moody vibe. A rope or distressed wood can make the space feel more vintage and organic instead.
To Conclude
This post was all about the best moody dark bathroom ideas!
Whether you are in the process of renovating your primary bathroom or are simply looking for small decor updates, a dramatic bathroom is a beautiful way to add sophistication and personality to your home. As you create your very own luxurious retreat, focus on incorporating deep hues, metallic accents, and vintage pieces. Overall, make sure to prioritize creating an elegant and intimate atmosphere.
Happy decorating, and don’t forget to share in the comments your favorite moody bathroom ideas. I have just been loving this style lately and can’t get enough of it! 😊
