Black Beadboard Guest Bath

Lacquer-look black beadboard wall paneling adds special sophistication to a California bath.

We see a lot of beadboard wainscoting on bathroom walls as it adds a defining architectural element at a moderate price. Often, it’s painted white or ivory and sometimes gray or green. But black beadboard – high-gloss  – kicks it several rungs up the style ladder. Ebonizing, as we’ve seen, has a modernizing effect as I discussed in my Paint it Black post.  And on beadboard it moves the style needle from cottage to contemporary. Instead of adding color above it, the jet woodwork is topped by mirrors which helps bring in natural light and a helping of glamor. Sconces are mounted over the glass and, centered above the Restoration Hardware Gramercy marble washstand, an ebonized and bone Regency mirror adds a rich antique element. On the floor, white and black-dot marble mosaic basket weave floor tile catches the light to complete a simple but dramatic scheme. The bathroom is styled to a fare-thee-well by owner Mark D. Sikes, with objects he and his partner collect plus a charming Victorian bamboo tripod table.

An oval slipper tub, with rain shower overhead, occupies one wall of the bath. This photo reveals the clever way a pair of drapery-style curtains are positioned at each end of the tub. When open, the mirrored wall above the tub brings in light from the window across the room. When the shower is used or privacy is needed in the tub, the draperies can each be drawn in two directions to enclose it completely. Recessed ceiling lights provide the essential illumination.

The window area sports a handsome towel bar and a tortoise Roman bamboo shade that subtly coordinates with golden tones of the shower curtain. Note that the window frame also is painted black, to force it to blend.

(Source: House Beautiful)

For more on unusual black beadboard see My Laundry Room Goes Dark.

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