8 White Bathroom Ideas That Are Simple and Sophisticated

There’s a reason the all-white bathroom is considered a classic. White is sleek, elegant, and timeless. It looks just as good today as it did a few decades ago. If you want to craft a bathroom that stands the test of time, going all in on white is a great way to do it—and experts agree.

“The goal of an all-white bathroom is to achieve a feeling of cleanliness, simplicity, and timelessness,” Barbara Sallick, co-founder and senior vice president of design at Waterworks, says. “Your bathroom is the ultimate retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation—it needs to feel just right for you.”

If you don’t have the budget for a designer or architect, don’t worry. We rounded up 8 stunning white bathrooms worth taking cues from—and cited a white bathroom design idea worth stealing from each of them.

01 Set the Scene With Crisp White Walls

The first step in crafting a dreamy white bathroom? Paint your walls white. The crisp walls will set the scene in your space, especially if you paint other accents in your bathroom—like your doors, windows, and trim—to match.

02 Mix and Match Different Tiles

Pairing different tiles can be tough, but when you’re working within a streamlined palette, it becomes a whole lot easier. Simply snag a bunch of white tiles in different textures and shapes, and put them next to each other. Since the tiles are the same color, they’ll look good together, no matter how you arrange them.

03 Line Your Walls With Glass Shelves

One way to add storage space without disrupting your all-white palette? Mount glass shelves on your walls. Since the shelves are see-through, they’ll blend right in with your color scheme, giving your favorite bathroom accessories a sleek place to live.

04 Pick a Single Accent Color

Rustic Geometric Design Double Tube Wall Sconce - Damp Rated Hand-Cut Glass Fixture for Bathroom, Bedroom Wall Sconces, and Wall Lamps

Color doesn’t have to be off-limits in your all-white bathroom, but if you want to keep the space looking mostly white, pick a single accent color and stick with it. Subtle colors, like beige or gray, are ideal.

“If you decide to add color, I suggest light or medium tones, which will avoid an abrupt contrast,” Sallick says.

05 Splurge on a Statement Tub

When designing a bathroom, snagging a bold tub is always a good idea. But it’s an especially good idea in an all-white bathroom. Why? When your palette is so pared-down, every piece gets a chance to shine. So that pretty tub you’re eyeing will stand out even more than it otherwise would.

06 Soften Your Floors With a White Rug

Bathroom floors can get cold and slick, so look for ways to soften yours up. By lining your floors with a cozy white bath mat or a textured white rug, you can make your bathroom cozier, while cementing your all-white palette.

07 Paint Your Vanity White

Globe Shade Matte Finish with Brass Accents Double Light Sconce - Elegant Blown Glass and Steel Frame, Bathroom Sconce

Your walls may not be the only part of your bathroom that needs a paint job. If your vanity doesn’t fit within your crisp white palette, whip out your paintbrush and get to work. The DIY project may require some elbow grease, but it’s a budget-friendly alternative to replacing your vanity.

08 Let in Lots of Light

Bring out the best in your bathroom by letting in lots of natural light. “Windows are important in bathrooms, as the flow of natural light into a space infuses it with warmth,” Sallick says. 

Of course, adding a new window is no simple feat, so focus on making the most of the windows you already have: Keep your curtains pulled back, your blinds rolled up, and your windowpanes squeaky clean.