Moody, opulent, and richly dramatic, the gothic aesthetic is always a classic choice for those inclined to the darker things in life. Characterized by dark colors, luxurious textures, and a hit of the macabre, examples of gothic bedrooms and living spaces abound.
However, balancing comfort and practicality can prove a challenge when bringing this aesthetic into the bathroom. Dark colors can easily make small spaces look smaller, and decor needs to be able to withstand both the omnipresent water in bathrooms and obligatory cleaning that bathrooms demand.
But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to bring the gothic aesthetic into your bathroom. To best incorporate this style, look to combine the functional with the darkly pleasing; black shelving, dramatic mirrors, stylish light sources, and other smaller touches can all work together to create a beautiful gothic bathroom.
So before you bust out the black paint, here are 11 of our favorite gothic bathroom ideas to help inspire you to relax like a royal!
1. Dramatic Draping
This lovely bathroom features a patterned floor that contrasts beautifully with the straight lines that make up most of this room’s design, but the true star of the show is the lovely drape above the tub! It adds a touch of elegance and softness to the otherwise clean styling of this bathroom.
We love how the wide windows add a nice touch of light and openness to counteract the black as well.
2. It’s all in how you accessorize
A lesson on the importance of accessories! A full bathroom renovation proves unneeded with the addition of some well-chosen decorations—the filigree mirror and hooks are perhaps more subtle than skulls but are both functional and beautiful.
All of this looks to have been done over a plain white room, showing renters, in particular, how to embrace the aesthetic without losing your security deposit!
Get the look quickly and easily by clicking here to see the Skulls Shower Curtain on Amazon.
3. Black and White
In contrast to the above, this stunning, black and white bathroom uses tile wonderfully. The tiling negates the need for any decoration and is beautiful in its simple and clean lines, and is subdued by the furnishing’s simplicity.
The enchanting arched mirror frame evokes a panel of stained glass and brings the whole room together.
Enjoy this styling yourself by clicking here to see this Howard Elliot Designer Mirror on Amazon.
4. Color me red
In a departure from the black and white of previous images, this bold red bathroom still gives off that luxurious gothic feel. The draping behind the toilet and antique-looking mirror are elegant touches that add to the gothic styling.
Deep red and black harmonize together to create this richly opulent bathroom fit for a vampire.
5. Decadent Damask
A crystalline overhead light adds a shimmering touch to this bathroom, but the real show stopper is the beautiful damask patterned wallpaper! The pattern immediately brings this bathroom to a new level of sophistication and style and is an excellent use of texture that breaks up a black wall.
This simple touch immediately elevates the room. We adore the grey floor and ceiling as well for the openness it adds without being too stark of a contrast.
There are countless examples of damask wallpapers out there, but check out this Amazon page for York Wallcoverings Tres Chic Damask Wallpaper to help you get the look!
6. Modern color blocking
A black-tiled shower and white bathroom would seem plain at first glance, but the pops of red throughout the room add a touch of gothic styling with a clean-cut and modern flare.
The accessories are practical and minimal, yet together create an undeniably gothic aesthetic with red splashes. This look is amazing for its cleanliness and careful use of space, and excellent for those trying to balance modern and gothic.
7. Calming candelabra
This simple bathroom with its white marble floor is given a touch of gothic opulence with the chandelier, candelabra, and dark furnishings. A bath by these soft lights would be the ultimate in elegant relaxation.
The walls have a certain plush look to them, and the full wall mirror adds a touch of dramatic style.
Add some of this elegance to your living space, and enjoy a bath by candlelight with this Tidelence 5-Candle Metal Candelabra found on Amazon!
8. Simplicity and space
White marble floors and a freestanding white tub are undeniably attractive elements of this bathroom and contrast elegantly with the unusually hued purple-brown walls.
Matching bold frames surround the shelving and the painting gives a striking effect, while the teardrop-shaped chair softens the whole room’s look. We love the color of the walls used here; the purple shade is beautifully unique and really makes this bathroom stand out from the crowd.
To add a touch of this to your bathroom, check out this Christopher Knight Teardrop Wicker Chair on Amazon!
9. Malachite waves
The brilliantly hued walls of this bathroom speak for themselves – the soothing blue-green dominates the room, leaving the furnishings simple and stark in contrast.
The chandelier adds a touch of gothic elegance without detracting from the absolutely decadent teal walls. Proof that color can be made gothic!
10. Mirror wall
Black drapes and a dark tub give this bathroom a distinctly melancholy air, but the star of the show is the mirror panels across the entire wall.
The mirrored walls give the illusion of extra space—keeping the room from feeling closed in by the dark draperies, tub, and floor. Imagine soaking in the tub with candlelight reflecting off of the many mirrored panels—utterly divine!
Want to add a little bit of this look to your bathroom? Click here to check out these Square Mirror Tiles on Amazon!
11. Accent wall
Limiting the dark colors to a black accent wall keeps the room from feeling too dark. You can go for a curving vinelike pattern across all four walls to tie the bathroom together beautifully for a sense of timeless elegance. The patterning gives the room a sense of gothic styling while still being clean and modern.
Click here to see this tiles for accent walls on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, eleven of our favorite gothic bathrooms chosen with practicality and comfort in mind. We hope you’ve found something to inspire you, whether or not you’re looking for your next big remodeling project or just a few ways to incorporate your style into your room.
Remember always to keep lighting and cleanliness in mind while you think about decorating your bathroom, and look for ways to incorporate the gothic look that embrace functionality!