Top 60 Best Grey Bathroom Ideas – Interior Design Inspiration
No Fifty Shades references here; grey is a color for the adult who’s done playing games.
With its subtle sophistication that hints of a life of understated luxury and upscale seclusion, it’s no small wonder that gray is the color of choice in the true gentleman’s bathroom.
Whether you long for the stately calm of a seaside New England manse or a touch of the Earl Grey class, these top 60 best grey bathroom ideas are the perfect retreat for the man of elite taste.
Soft slate and oyster stone tiling and deep granite sinks and bathtubs are just a few of the options awaiting the exquisite grey bathroom scheme; for a color so frequently dismissed as drab, grey proves its superiority in the sheer plethora of possibilities. And with the added benefit of emitting a calming, neutral vibe, your grey hued bathroom is sure to provide some much-needed calm after a long day’s storm.
The discerning man never underestimates the personal as well as style appeal of the well-appointed grey bathroom. Here is where a gentleman can cleanse, recline, and purify in the manner to which he was borne. Far from the color of somber skies and dreary dwellings, grey is a tone apart and above its more obvious schemes, making it the ideal choice for the man of similar values.
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1. Tile for Grey Bathroom Ideas
You can add a touch of grey to your bathroom by using grey tile. This can give your bathroom a soft, modern update while also being easy to maintain. Consider using grey tile on the floor, the walls, in the shower, or even as the counter surface. You could even use two different hues of grey tiles to great a subtle contrast and detail.
When choosing your tile, you need to think about proportion. The size and shape of the tile you choose can completely change the look and feel of your bathroom. Choose a tile too small, and it will look like an overwhelming and busy pattern. Choose a tile that’s too big, and it can make your bathroom look small and confined.
Don’t consider tiles that are smaller than four inches square for your shower and bathroom walls. Not only will they look incredibly busy, but they’ll be a huge pain to clean. Instead, look for a larger tile that’s rectangular in length. Then have the tiles run the length of the room. This will give the illusion of the bathroom and shower being bigger than they really are.
If you love the look of small tiles, such as mosaics, then use them on the floor. If you keep the rest of the bathroom simple, then it can support a boldly patterned floor. Plus, the extra cleaning effort required is outweighed by the increased safety you’ll achieve from the traction of the grout.
2. Grey Bathroom Shower Ideas
When creating your grey shower, you need to focus on choosing the right tile. If you choose a plain colored grey tile, you risk your shower looking dull and dark. A better choice is to choose a natural grey stone or a tile that varies in color and shade. This will add depth and detail to your shower in a subtle way.
You’ll then want to showcase this beautiful tile by either skipping the shower curtain or using a glass partition. You could even highlight this area by placing a light in the ceiling that will illuminate your shower and bring out the true depth of your stone or tile.
To give your shower a luxury feel, use two different grey tiles. The first tile should be a subtle pattern and a larger size. This will cover the majority of the shower. Then choose a smaller and lighter accent tile. Use this tile to accent the shower. You could create a border or use it to line a built-in shelf.
3. Accent and Textured Walls for Grey Bathroom Ideas
With grey being a natural color, you can take advantage of natural materials that stick with your chosen color while also adding warmth and texture to your bathroom. The trick to a well-done accent wall is to choose the right accenting material and the right wall.
There needs to be a purpose for choosing your accent wall. In a space as small as a bathroom, choosing the wrong wall can actually break the flow of the eye and make the room feel smaller. You could choose to do the wall behind the sinks and vanity. Or if the toilet or tub are in an alcove, you could do those walls to define the space.
When creating your accent wall, you could choose a natural stone that’s in a shade of grey. This achieves the color you want and also elevates your bathroom, giving it a more spa-like feel. Another option is to use a different grey tile than what you’ve used in other areas of the bathroom. This helps to not break the flow of the eye while also creating interest and detail.
Don’t be afraid to break the tile rules we spoke about earlier. A well-chosen accent wall with a mosaic tile can look beautiful. Doing this on your vanity wall can help reduce the overwhelming feeling of the small tile by visually breaking it up with the sink counter and vanity mirror.
4. Modern Grey Bathroom Ideas
Modern bathrooms embrace minimalism. These bathrooms use fewer materials so that there are clean, straight lines and very little to break up your line of sight. You’ll see one material used throughout the entire bathroom. The vanity is typically a floating counter. The shower will have all glass or no enclosure at all.
You can modernize your bathroom by using larger tiles. Choose a tile that is a large grey rectangle and then use it throughout the entire bathroom. This means that the same tile will extend the length of the wall and seamlessly continue throughout the shower, bathtub, and toilet area.
Another option is to use concrete. This building material used to be covered up. But these days, you can embrace the natural grey tone and use it as the finished material for your bathroom floors and wall.
5. Traditional Grey Bathroom Ideas
Using grey in a traditionally styled bathroom can bring a dated bathroom into modern times. This allows you to breathe new life into your bathroom while not departing too far from the traditional styling of your home. This is important when the rest of your home has a traditional architectural and design approach.
You can successfully mix this modern color with your traditional bathroom by making your cabinets grey and then accenting them with traditionally styled drawer and cabinet pulls. Shaker and raised panel cabinet styles will provide a traditional look to your vanity.
You can add an elegant traditional feel to your bathroom by using a grey marble or granite for your countertops.
6. Grey Bathroom Paint Ideas
Keep in mind traditional paint rules when painting your bathroom grey, but don’t get hung up on them. The beauty of the color grey is that you can choose from a wide variety of shades and still achieve a sleek and sophisticated look.
Lighter shades of grey will help reflect the light and keep your bathroom feeling light and fresh. This is a smart choice in a bathroom that lacks natural light coming in through a window. The light grey paint and white fixtures might be too light and wash your bathroom out.
When this happens, consider choosing a darker grey. This will balance the white beautifully and create a sophisticated contrast. Don’t go too dark with the grey, though. You want to keep the softness of the grey and not shift into black, where the contrast can look cold and harsh.
If you love the look of darker grey, but don’t have a lot of natural light, you can balance this by installing lighting fixtures. Try to include ambient lighting that will create a wash of light over the entire space. This will brighten the entire room and keep the dark grey from looking gloomy.
7. Paneling for Grey Bathroom Ideas
If you live in a more traditional home, then grey on its own might look too sleek and modern. You can combat this by pairing the color with traditional building materials. Paneling is a smart choice because it breathes new life into a traditional room decor idea. We’re all used to seeing paneling in white or wood grain, but how often do you see it in grey?
If you only apply the paneling to the bottom half of the bathroom walls, you can create the effect that your bathroom is taller than it really is. To achieve this effect, you’ll want to stick with a darker grey for the paneling and either white or a lighter color on the upper half of the walls.
Another option is to panel the entire wall. Keep in mind that this is an imposing wall treatment, and you need a bathroom that can support this type of finish.
8. Two-Tone Grey Bathroom Ideas
You love the look of grey but you’re afraid it will be too much to use throughout your entire bathroom. This is when the two-tone trend becomes a smart idea. The most popular choice is to pair a darker shade of grey with either a lighter grey shade or white. The two colors are then used evenly throughout the bathroom to create a two-toned look.
The simplest way of implementing this idea is to use the darker grey on the bottom half of your bathroom walls and the lighter shade on the top half. This will give your bathroom the impression of being larger and taller than it really is. It will also balance the two colors, so one isn’t overwhelming in the space.
Another option is to use the two shades when choosing your tile. Then use the two different tiles to define the space and how it’s used. You could use the darker shade as a backsplash behind your sink. Then the lighter tile for the rest of the room and shower.
You might also use the darker shade to line the floor of your shower and create a splash wall for your tub. Then use the lighter shade on the rest of the walls. This idea looks exceptional when you combine it with the accent wall idea mentioned earlier. Choose a white tile that is large and square or rectangle for the shower and bathroom walls. Then your darker tile can be smaller to create the high traction shower floor and mosaic statement accent wall.
9. Lighting Ideas for Grey Bathrooms
No matter what color you choose for your bathroom, you want it to have plenty of light. There should be ambient lighting that illuminates the entire bathroom. Then there should be task lighting around the vanity for when you’re at the sink or using the mirror. For a luxury feel, add a third type: Accent lighting. This is the perfect set of lights to turn on when you have guests. It will highlight the most interesting or beautiful parts of the bathroom.
When creating the lighting in your bathroom, think about how people use the space. You’ll want to create bright, even light around the vanity mirror. Try placing sconces at face level on either side of the mirror. This will eliminate shadows and make it easier to apply makeup.
If you have a central ambient light, you can use a fixture that stays close to the ceiling. Or you could make a statement in the bathroom and hang a chandelier. You could choose one that’s glamourous with crystals or one that’s more rustic to match the feel of the bathroom.
Another smart choice is to install recessed lighting throughout the ceiling. This will provide additional lighting while not distracting from your other statement lighting fixtures.
Grey Bathroom FAQs
How do I keep my bathroom from looking gloomy and depressing?
Don’t make everything in the bathroom grey. This monochromatic look will be too much grey. Balance the grey with lighter colors. White is always a safe choice. You can also add colorful accents to the bathroom that bring a bit of cheer into the room. Add fresh flowers or place colorful towels on the towel rack.
What finish should I choose for the fixtures?
Any shade of fixture will look beautiful with your grey themed bathroom. Gold will add a stunning contrast to darker shades of grey. Silver will keep things sleek and can look nice with both dark and light shades. Black will look perfect in a country or retro-inspired bathroom, which gives you the freedom of pairing it with either dark or light shades of grey. Copper balances well with grey darker shades.
What color grout do I use with grey tile?
White grout will give your tile a classic and more traditional look. It will also provide a bright highlight if your tile is darker. A grey or black grout can give your tile a more seamless look as it blends into the tile and almost becomes invisible to the eye. White tile will require more work to keep bright white, but it will also stand out more when it’s clean.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
