How to Decorate an Outdated Black and White Tile Bathroom

Decide on the color scheme. Black and white bathrooms, even those with outdated black and white tiles, can look very elegant. Some people may choose to only use black and white, while others may include an accent color such as red or pink.

Freshen up the paint. It is amazing what a difference a new coat of paint can make in a room. White paint with black and white tiles can look very crisp and clean. You could also add black trim to the walls or windows. Crown molding adds elegance to the room.

Hide any imperfections. If you can't afford to replace the old floor tiles, add a rug to cover any particularly worn places. If you have wall tiles that are looking their age, hang towels or use a small table to hide as much of the tiles as possible.

Update mirrors and lighting. Wall mirrors and outdated lighting can really show the age of a bathroom. Use a small mirror with a black frame to make it stand out against the white wall. Or repaint the medicine cabinet with a fresh, white coat of paint. Replace old lighting with chrome or black wrought iron fixtures.

Update hardware and windows. New hardware such as cabinet knobs can really give the bathroom an updated feel. Use the same materials you used for the lighting. For example, if you installed a chrome light fixture, add chrome knobs to cabinets and use chrome towel racks. White plantation shutters are another way to update the look of the windows.

Add accessories. Black and white photos look very nice in a black and white themed bathroom. Use either a plain white shower curtain or one with black and white patterns. White with simple black flowers adds an elegant look. New, fluffy towels are key to making a bathroom look fresh. If there is space, add a small black wicker table. Place several fluffy white towels on the table along with a tray of lotion bottles. Add a vase of white flowers such as calla lilies. Update the soap dish or dispenser to match. Add a throw rug in your accent color.