A long-standing feature of contemporary hotel suites, walnut bathroom vanities are not for the faint-hearted: this dark wood exudes luxury, but used in excess can have the effect of darkening and even shrinking a room. Like any dark-toned material, you should use it sparingly in rooms that are small, have low ceilings, or have limited natural light.

Available in a variety of prices to suit almost any pocketbook, you can choose bathroom vanities constructed from solid walnut or opt for less affordable products with a walnut veneer or laminate finish. A small bathroom could benefit from some coordinating walnut accessories – a matching walnut sink and toilet seat could bring a touch of dark wood to your room without being overwhelming, especially if your sink, tub, toilet and shower are all white .

However, if you have more space and lots of light, you can try combining a wider range of bathroom furniture. Walnut-toned bathroom vanities and paneling will bring a touch of walnut throughout the bathroom and could contrast beautifully with bright white wall paint and tiles in bold hues like lime green. Alternatively, you can take a cue from contemporary kitchen design and add a custom, colorful glass back panel above your sink.

Finally, if you love a bold bathroom, have lots of space and light, and are feeling brave, you can go all out with an opulent vision in walnut. Solid walnut bathroom cabinets and toilet seat, enhanced by a freestanding walnut travertine bathtub and countertop sink, can be tone matched with a striking zebrano floor and dark wallpaper with a discreet, contrasting pattern. Accessorize with one or two glass vases, deep red candle displays, bold walnut-framed prints on the walls, a soft rug on the floor, and oversized chocolate towels in a luxuriously deep pile. Paint the ceiling white to maintain a sense of height in the room, and this will match the touches of white and chrome in the room from the suspended toilet bowl and taps and towel rack, giving a contrast to the room.

Using walnut wood for your bathroom furniture will certainly give the room a luxurious and contemporary look, perfect for a modern house or a large apartment in the city center. If you decide to ditch an old rustic or dated bathroom and go all out with a modern makeover, the effect of using walnut could blow your mind.