The shower and/or bathtub are often the focal point of a bathroom and given the myriad of opportunities to get creative with patterned tile, vibrant backsplashes, cheeky curtains, and sleek glass doors, it's no surprise. But even the most statement-worthy tub or shower will be lackluster if it's paired with snoozy or mismatched fixtures. One surefire way to make the scene stand out? Black fittings.
While classic polished chrome, brushed nickel, and the ever-so-trendy brass are not without their pros, black fixtures have a certain je ne sais quoi that can't be denied. More than just a pairing primed for a contemporary scheme, the sleek finish can lend itself to a wide array of aesthetics — modern farmhouse and glam included. Naturally, given the dominating power of the hue, it's important to be stylistically aware of the design components that surround it. Everything from the color of the tiles to the finish of the vanity can have an impact on the overall look. Luckily, black goes with everything. The one downside that you should consider is that water spots will be more noticeable, so you might need to wipe them down more often.
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Read on for eight different yet inspired ways to incorporate black bath and shower fixtures into your soon-to-be-stylish sanctuary.
1. Establish contrast.
Create a high-contrast effect by sticking to a stark color palette as designer Emily Henderson did in her mountain house escape. While the light-filled bath is further accentuated by the airy, all-white scheme, it's the striking black wall-mounted showerhead and handheld showerhead, which also happen to extend to the bathroom sink, that invite a bold layer to the space.
Get the look: Kholer Awaken G110 Multifunction Showerhead, $76.80
2. Keep it simple.
Understated elegance can be easily achieved with a veiny marble tub surround and a widespread, wall-mounted faucet, as proven by this serene spot from Mexico-based architectural firm PRODUCTORA. While the custom tub lacks a traditional shower system, the minimalist fixture brings form and function to the scene.
3. Stick to a theme.
When it came to the bathroom remodel of her 1950s home, the creative behind Nesting With Grace was keen on preserving its cozy appeal. A vintage cast iron clawfoot tub went without saying and to complement it, she opted for an oil-rubbed bronze end mount shower faucet set, which came with an on-theme hand shower cradle and matching showerhead.
Get the look: Randolph Morris End Mount Shower Conversion Kit, $425 - $675
4. Modernize your space.
Rainfall showerheads are more or less the epitome of luxury if you ask us and this dreamy spot from Barcelona-based architect Andrea Serbol of Colombo and Serboli Architecture hits all the right notes. The pointed details of the shower — beginning with the matte black shower faucet, sleek lever handles, and textured glass shower screen — all contribute to the modern design of the room, while the terra cotta walls offer an unexpected but warm touch. The only thing that's missing are the body sprays.
Get the look: Homary Contemporary Matte Black Ceiling Mounted Round Rainfall Shower with Hand Shower Wall Mount Shower Combo, $265.99
5. Make it a highlight.
In a bathroom design where cool tones and intricate patterns reign supreme, a hint of black via the fixtures can be an organic way to add a depth-defining element — as opposed to chrome or nickel, which would instantly be overshadowed. Take this Parisian bath from HOCH Studio as an example, where the black handshower, wall-mounted spout, and shower trim kit lend a punchy layer to the soft blue tile.
Get the look: Delta Monitor 14 Series Single Function Pressure Balanced Shower System with Shower Head, and Hand Shower, $710.94
6. Blend styles.
Juxtapose a strictly modern design with old-school fixtures for a finish that exudes pure sophistication. This refined, freestanding tub is surely impactful on its own but the wall-mounted telephone faucet and matching metal cross handles (the porcelain inlays notwithstanding!) elevate the combo.
7. Emulate the spa.
A rain showerhead and some live greens are all you really need to evoke a spa-like feel in your bathroom. The shower in celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak's Silver Lake home takes the concept to the next level with a massive fiddle leaf fig tree and an eye-catching black showerhead that drops in from above.
Get the look: Kohler Awaken Rain Shower Head with MasterClean Spray, $202.80
8. Embrace a less is more approach.
File this under the bathtub of our dreams. Anita Yokota's bathroom includes a minimalist freestanding tub paired with a wall-mounted, matte black tub filler that's pure perfection. The elongated spout and matching levers add a hint of drama to the setting, offering a cleaner and more streamlined alternative to the typical floor-mounted options.
Get the look: Delta Contemporary Wall Mounted Tub Filler, $919.80