How to Design a Timeless Matte Black Bathroom

matte black bathroom with the 72" Lena Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub in Black, Hibiscus Widespread Bathroom Faucet in Matte Black

Longing for a bathroom update that wows guests yet feels utterly timeless? Look no further than matte black. It may be non-traditional, but this special light-absorbing finish is a true style chameleon, adapting to spaces from ultra-modern to the ornate classics—not to mention, it comes with unmatched practicality.

Follow along to learn the many ways you can transform your bathroom with matte black.

Benefits of Matte Black Fixtures in Bathrooms

Why a matte black bathroom? Here are just a few reasons this finish has become so highly favored in this room:

Timeless: Though matte black is becoming more readily available than ever, this bold yet neutral finish lends a timeless look that transcends any style or trend.

Versatile: Matte black can be used to achieve a wide variety of design goals. Need contrast in a bright, airy primary bath? Creating depth in a dark, moody powder room? Matte black enhances bathrooms of all styles, plus it plays well with practically any other finish.

Unexpected: In a world of polished, reflective surfaces and white bathrooms, matte black absorbs surrounding light and reflections, drawing in the eye unlike any other finish.

Bathroom with the 59" Catino Solid Surface Freestanding Tub with Matte Black Exterior and other matte black bathroom fixtures

Expansive: Move over, white bathrooms. Contrary to popular belief, matte black doesn’t make rooms appear smaller. Receding visually, matte black creates the illusion of infinite space—which can make even the smallest bathrooms feel larger.

Practical: Perfect for the wet environment of a bathroom, matte black fixtures hide smudges, fingerprints, and water spots much better than shiny alternatives—a smart choice for high traffic bathrooms.

Low Maintenance: Matte black is one of the easiest finishes to keep clean. Since it doesn’t show smudges, caring for matte black is straightforward with no polishing necessary. All you need to keep matte black clean is a degreasing dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge, avoiding anything abrasive.

Lexia Widespread Bathroom Faucet, Towel Bar in Matte Black and other matte black bathroom accessories

Creating Your Matte Black Bathroom

From impactful statement pieces to the quiet details, there are endless ways to customize your matte black bathroom design to your comfort level and desired look. Whether you’re going bold with a moody aesthetic or seeking a classic black-and-white look, the following fixtures will help make your matte black bathroom dreams a reality.

Start with Your Sink Setup

As the most visited zone in bathrooms, your sink setup is a great place to start incorporating matte black.

Make an impactful first impression with this finish by selecting a stunning matte black bathroom faucet. The faucet presents an excellent opportunity to show off your style, flaunting unique details that feel personal to the space, making the finish you choose just as important.

If a matte black faucet isn’t for you, you can also incorporate this finish with a unique vessel sink. Vessel sinks are a modern alternative to traditional undermount sinks, with matte black the perfect finish for emboldening this creative choice.

Lentz Single-Hole Bathroom Faucet in Matte Black for matte black bathroom ideas

Shower with It

Matte black can easily be carried into your shower through fixtures from showerheads to shower valves to hand showers.

Select a matte black shower system to keep these related components cohesive, ensuring your matte black statement effortlessly comes across. For the full effect all the way to the floor, don’t forget the matching shower drain.

Seeking a less invasive option? Try a retrofit exposed shower set in this finish, which is simply installed over your existing plumbing for a quick yet highly effective update. Even more simple, a shower curtain rod in matte black makes for an excellent pop of this intriguing finish.

Lentz Pressure Balance Shower System With Hand Shower in Matte Black for matte black bathroom

Swap Out Those Small Accents

For those looking to dip their toe into the matte black look or simply prefer a more subtle nod, try replacing your smaller accents like hardware.

From cabinet knobs to pulls, swapping out the hardware on your vanity with a matte black option is one of the most transformative DIY-friendly upgrades.

Include your bath accessories here as well; think towel bars, robe rooks, and towel paper holders. Opting for matte black bathroom accessories creates an understated, unified look all throughout your bathroom, without any major construction required. Plus, since they’re easily replaceable, the stakes are lower if you decide to switch them up.

Lexia Towel Bar in Matte Black for matte black bathroom ideas

Make Your Bathtub the Centerpiece

Now for the ultimate matte black showstopper: the bathtub. If you are transforming a full bathroom, a matte black freestanding tub makes the perfect addition, serving as the centerpiece of a luxurious space.

Considering tubs are most often white and glossy, this opposing color and sheen will impart a lasting impression.

If you’re looking to elevate your tub setup with matte black outside of the tub itself, consider your tub filler. These striking vertical fixtures are the perfect vessel for bringing dimensional matte black to this area while complementing practically any tub style. Or, if you’re working with an alcove tub, a matte black tub faucet will certainly do the trick.

59" Catino Solid Surface Freestanding Tub in Matte Black for matte black bathroom

Reflect Your Favorite Finish

One of our favorite ways to bring a matte black look together is with the vanity mirror. We love how mirrors can add a surprising final touch of matte black to any bathroom, with its striking contrast between the reflective mirror and mattified frame always an effective choice.

Faysel Oval Lighted Mirror in Matte Black Powder Coat for matte black bathroom accessories

Browse Bathroom Collections in Matte Black

The Lexia Collection

The Lentz Collection

The Hibiscus Collection

Completing the Look

Even the moodiest bathrooms won’t—and shouldn’t—be entirely matte black. To complement your matte black surfaces, here are some of our favorite matte black bathroom ideas to help bring your full vision to life.

Choose the Perfect Vanity

While the perfect vanity for your bathroom will likely depend on your style, here are a few paths to consider to effortlessly complement your matte black fixtures:

Go monochromatic while introducing new textures with a black wood vanity
Keep the space open and play with additional metallic surfaces with a console sink
Amp up the contrast while staying neutral with a white vanity
Warm up the space with a light wood vanity made from teak, oak, or Mindi
Add vibrance and striking contrast with a brightly colored vanity

24" Bivins Teak Bathroom Vanity for Rectangular Undermount Sink in Java/Black for matte black bathroom ideas

Create Contrast with Varying Materials

In addition to vanities, there are a variety of materials that can be used to create eye-catching, textural contrast against your matte black bathroom fixtures:

Marble

Wood

Stone

Glass

Finish with Complementary Metals

Using additional finishes with matte black is not only welcomed, but strongly encouraged. Creating a lived-in look while building up dimension, mixing metals is easier than ever with matte black thanks to its incredible versatility. Though no strict rules apply when pairing matte black with other metals, here are some of our favorite supporting finishes:

Chrome

Copper

Brushed Gold

Brushed Nickel

Antique Brass

Oil-Rubbed Bronze

Styles Meant for Matte Black

Matte black emits such a timeless and versatile quality that it suits practically any style. Here are a few styles in particular that truly take off with this finish:

Art deco style bathroom for matte black bathroom ideas

Art Deco: Characterized by high contrast and drama, Art Deco style commonly features black-and-white details. Matte black is a natural choice in spaces of this style, creating a sophisticated yet dynamic effect.