With its water-absorbent properties and issues relating to humidity and mould growth, wood would seem out of the question in a wet zone like the bathroom. But with the rise of water-resistant materials like laminates and tiles that take on the appearance of wood—some even come with realistic textures—it’s now possible to use “wood” in the bathroom. And what a difference it makes, turning clinical-like spaces into warm and cosy sanctuaries. For inspiration, we’ve compiled some of our favourite bathrooms using wood accents.
1. Darkness Descends
Here’s one for you moody folks. Juxtaposing black marble swirls with the smoky grain details of the wood tiles lend a sophisticated slant to this bathroom.
Design: 13th Design Studio
2. Shower Spectacle
Wood tiles were used in the shower area to set it apart from the rest of the bathroom, which was clad in concrete finish tiles. The yellow tinge of the wood lends warmth to the space.
Design: Adroit Interior Design
3. Simple Does It
It’s back to basics for this Muji-inspired bathroom, which was decked out in the theme’s signature hues of white and warm wood. In line with the style is the grid structure, form from simple square tiles and black grouting.
Design: D5 Studio Image
4. All-Wood Haven
Nothing says cosy like an all-wood bathroom. We like the tone-on-tone decorating detail, which sees lighter wood elements contrasting against the honey-coloured wood surfaces to create visual interest and variety.
Design: Design Neu
5. Subtle Touch
If you prefer to use wood in smaller doses, take a leaf from this bathroom, which lined just a strip of wall in the shower area with wood tiles. Keeping things subtle there allows the attention to be focused on the patterned floor tiles.
Design: Ethereall
6. Pattern Play
Instead of lining the wood tiles in a conventional arrangement, the designer opted to display them in a herringbone pattern, creating a feature vanity wall unlike any other.
Design: Adroit Interior Design
7. Top Light
In an effort to create a visually lighter space and the illusion of a taller ceiling in this small HDB bathroom, the top half of the space was covered in white subway tiles while the bottom half was swathed in wood tiles.
Design: Starry Homestead
8. Neutral Ground
Wood can serve as the perfect neutral as seen in this beautiful bathroom, functioning as a backdrop to other visual elements. The muted grey tones of the surfaces coupled with black fixtures offer a chic, modern touch to the space.
Design: Icon Interior Design
9. Utilitarian Purpose
Consider a grungy dark—almost black—wood for your industrial style setting. This masculine tone is the perfect base for metallic accents like copper or chrome to pop.
Design: The Interior Lab
10. Going Timeless
Wood and black is the ultimate classic pairing, and it was done beautifully in this bathroom, which covered half of its surfaces with wood tiles and the other half with black slate tiles. The wooden bathroom door also features a black frame, reflecting the colour scheme in the space.
Design: AkiHaus
11. Casual Affair
Thin strips of wood tiles laid horizontally demarcate the shower area from the rest of the bathroom, which was plastered with screed. The different tones of the wood tiles create interest and a laidback, casual vibe in this bathroom.
Design: Authors Interior & Styling
12. Feel at Home
Whilst marble is a great way to elevate your bathroom, consider incorporating elements of wood to result in a vibe that says homey rather than uppity. The use of light wood with white marble here creates a bright and beautiful space.
Design: Inspire ID Group
13. Soothing Vibes
Doesn’t this bathroom feel oh-so-Zen? With an eye-catching wood-clad vanity sink, warm cove lighting as well as surfaces covered in wood- and stone-like tiles, this bathroom feels just like a spa-retreat.
Design: Zenith Arc
14. Moving Sideways
Arranging the wood tiles in the shower area diagonally is an easy way to lend the illusion of a more expansive bathroom. Plus, it creates a visually dynamic space, all without having to sacrifice extra square footage.
Design: The Local Inn.terior
15. Modern Times
Pairing blonde-coloured wood tones with creams or whites creates a low contrast, which lends visual continuity and the appearance of a sleek and modern space without being too sterile.
Design: AkiHaus
This article was originally posted on Renonation.sg, Singapore’s leading renovation and interior design site.
