The challenge of designing smaller spaces is a well-known paradox in the field of interior design: the more compact the room, the greater the difficulty in achieving an aesthetically pleasing result. This challenge is exacerbated in windowless bathrooms, which are common in many residences and often present unique obstacles in terms of decoration. However, with our curated design ideas for windowless bathrooms, you will discover numerous strategies to enhance even the dimmest of spaces. A lack of windows is not an insurmountable issue.
Consider Paneling
Incorporating paneling is an effective method to introduce texture into any room. By selecting light, vibrant, or plain white paint colors, as exemplified by Rita Konig in her Manhattan residence, one can instantly infuse a windowless bathroom with renewed vitality. To mitigate the darkness of the space, it is advisable to choose paint colors devoid of grey tones, as recommended by the design duo Salvesen Graham.
Be Creative with Tiles
Tiles are an excellent choice for enhancing the decor of any bathroom. For windowless bathrooms, Salvesen Graham emphasizes the importance of creativity in tile design: “Even with an inexpensive tile,” states Mary, “you can create remarkable patterns.” For those who prefer a more subdued aesthetic, opting for colorful tiles can still add vibrancy to the space, providing visual interest despite the absence of a view. Furthermore, tiles are particularly suitable for darker, poorly ventilated bathrooms, as they inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria and are easier to maintain. For those with a more substantial budget, consider using dramatic marble styles to impart a sense of luxury, thereby diverting attention from the limitations of a windowless environment.
Embrace a Multi-Toned Palette
Utilizing lighter colors to paint dark rooms can significantly brighten the space. However, in windowless bathrooms, one should not hesitate to explore more adventurous painting techniques. Consider adding trim around the room or adopting a multi-toned approach, as suggested by the Salvesen Graham duo. “It’s all about interesting details,” remarks Nicole.
Enhance Light with Mirrors
Incorporating one or more large mirrors, as demonstrated by Zoë Zimmer in her London flat, can effectively capture and amplify any available light in a dark or windowless room. Additionally, mirrors create an optical illusion of increased space, providing a sense of openness in the bathroom.
Illuminate Your Shower
Regardless of the quality of the interior design, effective lighting is crucial for any room. In windowless bathrooms, strategically placed lighting can revitalize the space. For instance, by implementing an impressive lighting scheme in the shower, as Georgina Cave has done in her London residence, the room can feel significantly fresher and more inviting.
Windowless Bathroom Inspirations from the House & Garden Archive
Once the main bathroom, this compact space adjacent to the hallway in Rita Konig’s London home has been transformed into a powder room, featuring walls adorned with Antoinette Poisson’s ‘Torrent – PP Rouleau’. Rita even had the ventilation fan covered with wallpaper, stating, “I had a brilliant wallpaperer, and you can barely spot it now.” An antique Venetian mirror, acquired from Camden Passage over 25 years ago for her first flat, is positioned above the sink, complemented by an antique unit that has been seamlessly integrated into the wall. “It now sits completely flush, and I quite like how it’s a sort of vitrine,” she notes. A charming lantern from Max Rollitt hangs above.
The bathroom in Evelina Mamedovaite’s Hackney coach house benefits from an interior window that allows light to flow in from the landing. While not entirely windowless, this clever design feature facilitates the influx of light from more open areas.
In a Chelsea townhouse restored by Steph Hill Designs and Devereux Designs, the ensuite bathroom boasts a fresh and appealing color scheme that counteracts the lack of natural light. The vanity unit is painted in Edward Bulmer’s ‘Invisible Green’, while the zellige tiles are sourced from Ann Sacks.
The bathrooms in a Notting Hill flat designed by Sarah Vanrenen were once described as “basement dungeons.” They have since been transformed into vibrant, cheerful spaces. The walls, painted in Edward Bulmer’s Milk White, provide a pleasing contrast to Vanrenen’s custom-designed pink-and-black encaustic floor tiles and raspberry Aspa curtains. The arch of antique plates reflects the circular panels of the bathtub and floor tiles.
The shower room in the same flat is a celebration of pinks and greens, featuring diamond-tile flooring, a mirror, and painted woodwork.
Expanses of intricate Calacatta Vagli marble add depth and luxury to the bathroom in Emma Burns’ compact London flat. “It distracts me from the fact that there isn’t a window,” Emma remarks. The basin is sourced from The Water Monopoly.
Deep blue paneling enlivens a small bathroom in a Georgian house revitalized by Salvesen Graham. Adding paneling up to a dado rail is an effective way to introduce decorative character to a windowless bathroom.
Georgina Cave of Cave Interiors selected reclaimed patterned tiles to cover the floor and back wall of her London bathroom. The lighting in the shower is strategically placed, enhancing the lighter colors of the tiles and drawing more light into the space.
In Joanna Plant’s upstairs bathroom, the cupboards are painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Arsenic’. The lamps are by Hector Finch, the tiles are from Bert & May, and the brass-edged mirror is one of Joanna and Nick’s own designs. The color palette, tile patterns, and strategic mirror placement breathe life into the windowless room.
A built-in cabinet crafted from elm and elm burl elevates the bathroom storage in this Stockholm apartment. The mirrors at the back of the cabinet refract light, enhancing the bathroom’s ambiance.
Each area of the open-plan main room in this small west London flat possesses its own distinct atmosphere, thanks to the inventive details introduced by interior designer Beata Heuman, who embraced the creative challenge of maximizing every inch. A bespoke Carrara marble shower surround and vanity unit contrast with walls painted in a dark blue gloss. Best Tile’s ‘Moroccan Encaustic Cement Pattern 06k’ tiles add decorative detail to the floor. Even without a window, the bathroom remains stunning and beautifully illuminated.
Fonace Brioni tiles create a striking shower space in Pandora Taylor’s residence. Fonace’s use of diverse tiles and patterns exemplifies a well-decorated, windowless bathroom.
The master ensuite bath in Georgia Cave’s home showcases an exemplary mix of textures and materials, resulting in a visually engaging room. The bespoke design features walls and steps covered in Ruivina marble, complemented by Clay Atelier handmade wall tiles from Artisan of Devizes. Riven black slate tiles line the interior of the bath and cover the floor.
A floating marble sink serves as a striking focal point in the guest bathroom of Marie Louise Sjogren’s apartment, while the mirror refracts the limited light that enters the room. The fixtures are by Waterworks, and the vintage wall sconce is by Josef Frank.
In the blue and white bathroom of Melinda Stevens’ home, wooden wallpaper grounds the tile colors and creates a more soothing atmosphere, while also adding visual interest.
The bath and basin legs of the master ensuite in jewelry designer Sandra Barrio von Hurter’s north London residence are highlighted in Sanderson ‘Rowan Berry’, harmoniously balanced by pale yellow tiles and walls. The vibrant orange of the bath and sink legs beautifully interacts with the cream-colored tiles, drawing the eye around the room and engaging effectively with the available light.
