Colour ideas for bathroom


32 Best Bathroom Paint Colors

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Whether your space is small or windowless, there's the perfect shade for you.

By Monique Valeris and Caroline Utz

Amy Bartlam; Design: Kate Lester

Paint has the power to transform a room. The right paint color can make a small space feel bigger (you can't go wrong with classic white) and certain shades — think energetic yellow tones or pastel blues — have a way of brightening windowless rooms. When it comes to settling on the best bathroom paint colors, it pays to take your design aesthetic into account, whether you're partial to farmhouse looks or sleek modern spaces. And don't forget about choosing the perfect paint finish. For instance, you might consider semi-gloss to help mask scuffs and keep mildew at bay.

If you're having a hard time choosing a bathroom paint color, this roundup is full of inspiration. Here, you'll find practical ideas to design around subdued neutrals along with creative layouts that rely on dramatic colors. These bathroom paint colors are worth a look if a renovation isn't in the cards for you this year.

Amy Bartlam; Design: Kate Lester

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Cool Blue

Muted blue paneling allows this California bathroom's upper wallpapered walls to shine.

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Lark Photography for Country Living

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Playful Pink

Take inspiration from The Makerista and deck out your walls in a cheery pink shade, perfect for pairing with floral and checkered patterns.

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Jared Kuzia Photography

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Indigo Blue

Cover your bathroom's upper walls in an indigo blue color, which can act as the perfect match for white subway and penny tiles.

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Raquel Langworthy

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Gray

It doesn't get more versatile than soft gray walls to ensure that your bathroom's decorative pieces steal the show.

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Haris Kenjar

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Mauve

Wood panels boasting an attractive mauve shade give this petite bathroom a sophisticated flair.

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Milo Brown

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Teal

For an unexpected yet attractive design scheme, pair teal walls with a claw-foot tub in a brick red hue.

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Paul Dyer

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Rose Pink

Rose never looked so good! Take a cue from this design scheme and add pops of white to temper the eye-catching paint color.

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Mark Lund

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Powder Blue

Embrace a nautical vibe with powder blue walls that can easily bring a sense of calm to any bathroom.

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Pistachio

Pistachio-colored walls and a colorful striped shower curtain energize this bathroom design.

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Tan

A blend of neutrals, including tan and white, contribute to this bathroom's timeless appeal.

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Michael Graydon

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Mustard

If you want to stick to an earthy color scheme that's visually appealing and works well with wood accents, consider a mustard yellow shade.

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Michael Graydon

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Lavender

Thanks to eye-catching lavender walls, this bathroom is nothing short of luxurious.

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DAVID TSAY

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Dusty Blue

A cool gray-blue can liven up a stark white bathroom without going overboard on color. With the herringbone placement of the subway tile, this space is anything but ordinary.

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Annie Schlechter

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Griege

Consider this beige and gray combo your paint color superhero. It can do it all, from adding some depth to an all-white bathroom or acting as a neutral backdrop for an entire home.

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Mandi Gubler

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Hunter Green

Designer Mandi Gubler transformed a cookie-cutter bathroom into a boho haven with a gorgeous emerald statement wall, new tiling, fixtures and more for only $939! See more of the incredible transformation on her blog, Vintage Revivals.

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One Kings Lane

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Deep Navy

Sometimes bolder is better. This dark navy shiplap brings serious drama to a powder room using just a can of paint!

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ELSIE LARSON/A BEAUTIFUL MESS

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Peachy Pink

This bathroom may be pink, but it's all grown-up. This peachy hue brings a little playfulness and touch of glam to a truly pretty vanity. See more of this space at A Beautiful Mess.

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LIZZIE ORME

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Stormy Blue

This true navy contrasts perfectly with the copper tub. Can't imagine painting your entire bathroom this dark? Stick to a statement wall instead.

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Lincoln Barbour

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Off White

A true eggshell is a no-fail paint color time and time again. The color brings warmth to the room without overpowering it.

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David A. Land

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Periwinkle

A little bit blue, a little bit purple, periwinkle is the perfect choice for a soothing space. For a more grown-up take, find a shade that has just a touch of gray like this bathroom.

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Nathan Kirkman

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Black

Intense hues don't typically read "relaxing," but a trip to the dark side might be in order. Ebony adds an edge to traditional white subway tile, especially if you paint the trim too.

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Jean Allsopp

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Powder Blue

Your walls aren't the only place ready for color. Blue cabinetry (with a hint of violet!) refreshes a traditional cream backdrop.

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Annie Schlechter

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Ink

Wallpapered rooms deserve a refresh too. Coat the ceiling with a shade too bold for a larger space — it's a risk that'll pay off, big time.

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Stacy Bass

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Cerulean

Take an instant vacation with a nautical shade. A watery blue brings to mind lapping waves at the beach, or a nap by the pool.

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Lisa Romerein

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Warm Gray

There's a reason neutrals reign supreme. A chameleon-like gray keeps up with everything, so go ahead and invest in a colorful set of towels.

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Max Kim-Bee

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Light Green

Fresh and vibrant is the name of the game. Paneling looks cheery — not stiff — in coordinating yellowy-greens.

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David A. Land

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Charcoal

Punch up beadboard with an unexpected dose of graphite. Then pepper it with art, curios, and vintage light fixtures for a cool collection looks like it grew over time.

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Cody Ulrich

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Clean White

Short on space? Mirrors on top of white-washed siding does the trick. The reflections create a "window" on any wall, nipping that cramped feeling in the bud.

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Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

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Mint

The paint color is just as fresh as the toothpaste. "This blue-gray-green shade can be used in almost any room," says interior designer Lauri Ward. "It's an especially good choice for cooling a very sunny room."

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Benjamin Moore

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Taupe

Poised Taupe previously earned the title "Color of the Year," but the brown-gray combo is here to stay thanks to its versatility. According to Julie Holloway and Anisa Darnell at Milk & Honey Home, "Benjamin Moore's Sparrow is a great, earthy gray, that pairs well with natural accessories, like a jute rug or matchstick bamboo blinds, as well as anything cream or ivory."

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70 Stunning Bathroom Decorating Ideas

Monique Valeris Senior Home Editor Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital.

Caroline Utz Caroline Utz is the Home Editorial Assistant for Good Housekeeping and Woman’s Day, where she covers everything from the latest design trends to the oldest cleaning hacks.

beautiful bathroom color schemes |

(Image credit: Future)

Bathroom color ideas might not be the first element you think of when planning a new scheme, but it should certainly not be an afterthought. 

A good bathroom color scheme is essential for creating the look, feel and design you want in your bathroom or shower room. And you can use everything from tiles to sanitaryware to accessories to create a unique look. 

Adding a bright and beautiful hue to your bathroom will really lift your whole home, bringing this functional space into line with the rest of your decor. The good news is there are so many bathroom ideas and colors to choose from.

Bathroom color ideas

Don't ignore colorful bathroom ideas when you remodel – they can utterly transform a space. Using bold wall treatments, vibrant sanitaryware, bright flooring and brilliant accessories, we show you how to use room color ideas to refresh your bathroom. 

1. Spark joy with a modern orange

(Image credit: Mark Bolton / Kelling Designs)

Decorating with orange is a joyful way to add vibrancy and optimism to a small bathroom or powder room. ‘It brings warmth and uplifting energy, whether you use it on a whole wall with paint or wallpaper, or bring in pops of orange throughout,' says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director, Kelling Designs. 'I often pair orange with teals and pinks as they work effortlessly together.’ 

2. Use wallpaper to add color

(Image credit: Lucy Barlow)

Some great fabric on a bathroom vanity or bathroom window treatment can also be used to stop a bathroom from feeling miserable. A skirt below a basin might seem granny-ish, but the right choice of fabric, such as a block print in a joyful color that contrasts with the wall tiles, can make it fun.  

If it is a tiny bathroom with the potential for steam build-up, you might want to consider a washable or outdoor performance fabric. I also enjoy using bathroom wallpaper. Most luxury brands make lovely papers in vinyl quality, which are ideal for bathrooms as they won’t peel. Another option is to paint clear varnish over the wallpaper to prevent peeling.

3. Be playful with tiles in a small space

(Image credit: Future)

This artistic bathroom pays homage to the exuberance of artist Sonia Delaunay's work. This bathroom color idea is playful, fun and brimming with creative color combinations.

Sea green, dark blue and creamy white tiles applied in a random pattern create a striking decorative background. The boldness of the red ceramic mirror and black taps ensures they stand out.

4. Drench on the color

(Image credit: Jonathan Bond)

‘We always recommend being adventurous when it comes to color in bathrooms, as secondary spaces they’re a great place to experiment,’ says Lucy Barlow, creative director, Barlow & Barlow .  

‘The color drenching trend is a brilliantly bold technique that can really enhance a smaller room. We went for mustard and pink in this family bathroom because it’s appropriate for a child’s space without being too sickly for any adults who use it as well.’

5. Introduce a playful spirit

(Image credit: Salvesen Graham)

In this colorful bathroom in the home of Aurelia Skincare founder Claire Vero, Salvesen Graham has expertly worked color and pattern. ‘Picking up a color tone in the wallpaper on the panelling and woodwork is a lovely way to introduce a further element of decoration to a scheme,’ says co-founder Mary Graham. ‘For practical reasons, panelling can also provide additional resistance to everyday wear without diluting the bathroom wallpaper's power to impress.’

6. Start with a mood

(Image credit: Little Greene/National Trust Papers I)

Spending time looking for bathroom color ideas you like can be daunting. Simplify by first asking what you want the space to say. Is this a family bathroom that needs to be practical and sturdy, or a peaceful place to escape to after work? 

Finding the mood first will help you narrow down color choices. Want to relax? Look to pastels and pale blues. Want a pragmatic space? In that case, go for something neutral. This is a good way to narrow down bathroom color schemes from the start. 

The simplest way to add color in a bathroom is with bathroom paint ideas – but you can add character and depth with wallpaper more effectively, even if it's only limited to one wall.

7. Use the color wheel to pick soothing bathroom colors

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Pairing colors in bathrooms can be tricky because space is often limited and so color clashes are highlighted. Take advantage of the color wheel to make things easier. The wheel lets you see at a glance how colors relate to each other visually and has been used in design for generations. 

Opposite colors – say red and green – are complementary, whilst those next to each other – like green and blue – blend. Play around till you find your perfect combination.

8. Stay neutral for easy color scheming in a bathroom

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Neutral bathrooms are classics for a reason. They allow colors to inspire feelings of calm and serenity. But they do need breaking up; you can do this by mixing two different neutrals together. Go one shade darker – grey and white, or beige and brown. 

This is a great way to future-proof your bathroom too, as double-neutrals don’t really go out of style. For a balanced look, paint two-thirds of the room the lighter neutral shade and the remaining third the darker.

9. Use the 7-2-1 ratio

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

If you want to add a splash of color to your bathroom but you’re not sure how far to go, choose three shades – one neutral, one colorful but light, and one bold. Then, divide these across the space with a ratio of 7-2-1. 

So seven-tenths of the room should be neutral, two-tenths lighter and colorful - leaving the final tenth bold. This will add color to the space in a non-domineering and balanced way.

Find three colors which conventionally go together, like white, grey and light green, and swap out one of the colors for a bolder version – lime green, to create a striking 7-2-1 bathroom color scheme. You can see how it works for green bathroom ideas, above. 

10. Start big, get smaller

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

When considering bathroom color ideas, start with the biggest surface first. So begin by painting your widest wall. Then work down to the furnishings, bath and vanity and finally the accessories like the towels, taps and soap dispensers.

Remember the 7-2-1 ratio and combine it with this system of working down. Save the bold colors for the smallest elements of the room.

11. Go dark

(Image credit: BC Designs)

Bathrooms are traditionally seen as white, bright places, but don’t be afraid to go a little darker with bathroom color ideas. A dark color, such as charcoal or indigo, can really make a bathroom pop, especially when used in stark contrast with bright, light finishes. Matt black fittings are becoming more popular all the time, with many of us opting for black and anthracite showers, taps and fittings these days.

Adding another hue to a dark color scheme – a bright green for example – will create a modern, contemporary look.

12. Use patterned wallpaper for the easiest of bathroom color ideas

(Image credit: LYNK Photography)

‘Wallpapering is a great way to stop bathrooms from feeling too sterile and just perfect for creating truly happy spaces, which I believe every bathroom should be,’ says Nicola Harding, owner of Nicola Harding & Co . 

‘Installing half-height paneling helps protect wallpaper from the danger zone, where water is most likely to splash, while also providing another opportunity to add cheerful colors.’ 

Here, the bath is positioned well away from the walls, offering another layer of protection for the beautiful Ceraudo wallpaper. 

If you’re still concerned, apply Polyvine’s Decorator’s Varnish, which can be brushed over wallpaper to prevent moisture ingress.

13. Take advantage of the fifth wall

(Image credit: Mandarin Stone)

While there’s nothing wrong with a plain white ceiling, for color lovers it’s a missed opportunity. In this gray bathroom, the ceiling – known as the 'fifth wall' – is painted in Little Greene’s Yellow Pink, a warm mustard shade that has a cozying effect on the high ceilings, a great look for bathroom ceiling ideas.

Little Greene’s Carmine picks up the pace on the bath, with Farrow & Ball’s Arsenic adding brightness on the shutters. 

‘These colors verge on clashing but, thanks to the subtler wall and floor tiles, they don’t,’ explains Mandarin Stone ’s marketing director Louisa Morgan. 

If you like bathroom tile ideas with textured finishes and interesting shapes, such as the three-dimensional and honeycomb tiles shown above, they are an excellent way of providing enough depth and character. 

14. Subtle but impactful bathroom color ideas? Play with animal prints

(Image credit: Future / Catherine Gratwicke)

From timber grains to tropical patterns, natural beauty has long been a strong interiors trend, but animal prints in particular have found new popularity over recent months.

Fierce and exotic, big cats are the most glamorous creatures in the 
animal kingdom, so no wonder we're adopting their spots and stripes 
this season. 

Leaping into homeware too, there’s a touch of the feline on everything from furniture to flooring, but consider taking it to accessories for a look that can be changed with each trend.

15. Use two patterns in the same color

(Image credit: Nick Smith)

Embracing strong color, when designed as part of the flow of the rest of a home, can produce joyful results, as shown in this walk-in shower idea. 

‘Boldly colored and patterned tiles can add such personality, dynamism and impact to bathrooms, really lifting the space,’ enthuses Caz Myers, director, Caz Myers Design . 

‘While the tiles may be dramatic, the overall scheme can be timeless if you choose a color that truly resonates. Pattern-wise, go for tiles in two-tone repeats, like these modern geometrics, which, even when mixed, work effectively to create a unique and surprisingly restful space.

16. Introduce one shot of strong color

(Image credit: Adam Carter)

Color-blocking is a great technique for anyone keen to test strong paint colors without over-committing. An all-out approach, with multiple blocks of undiluted color, often clashing, is popular in modern homes. 

But for a more classical look go for one small, clearly defined block of dramatic color. Take inspiration from the Shaker-style bathroom vanity idea shown above. The orange-toned red – try Andrew Martin’s Tomato Frog No. 52 – provides a dynamic focal point against creamy natural stones. 

Restricting the rest of the paintwork to muted tones makes the statement color feels more impactful. Best of all, small injections of saturated color are easy to update.

17. Make subtle changes

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

There is no need to dramatically change your style; in fact a neutral background can be the perfect base for bringing color into a bathroom.  

A bold bath mat is a simple and affordable way to add color to your scheme in an instant and can be changed to fit current bathroom trends or, if you simply change your mind. 

18. Add a theatrical element

(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)

This bold hue is often considered a daring choice for interiors, but used creatively it can introduce a welcome burst of energy and flamboyance, great for master bathroom ideas.

Here, pale aqua makes a wonderful backdrop for vibrant accents of red that have been given a light-hearted, theatrical note using stripes and checks.

19. Introduce a colorful mural with waterproof wallpaper

(Image credit: West One)

In an otherwise plain space, wallpaper ideas such as the mural shown above are one of the most dramatic bathroom color ideas you can go for.

Wall&decò 's wet system wallpapers are extraordinary: impactful and beautiful, they can even be installed over old – even – tiles to create a space with true wow factor.

20. Revitalize a classic theme

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)

Breathing new life into the classic coastal look, this blue bathroom idea features a breezy palette of blues, from soft shades of pale sky through to Breton navy, teal and denim. 

For a cozy fisherman’s cottage feel, try a new twist on tongue-and-groove by painting it in a shade that evokes the sea. In this bathroom, the painted panelling and a plinth help define the bathing area. 

21. Introduce interest with wallpaper

(Image credit: Future / Chris Everard)

Mixing and matching delicate designs and bold motifs can have remarkably different effects, depending on how they are used. 

In this inviting bathroom, the block color of the wall panelling and floor allows a wonderfully whimsical wallpaper with a strong motif to shine. Meanwhile, understated border details on the curtain and the towels help to pull the look together for a cohesive feel. 

22. Redecorate in an artist’s palette

(Image credit: Future / Damian Russell)

Minty greens and sugary pinks look fresh and clean, a winning bathroom color ideas combination. Dilute the sweetness with a punch of stronger pink and smart black brassware. 

‘While it’s wonderful that we’re all much more open to using stronger colors now, there always needs to be balance and pale pastels make a great neutral backdrop,’ says Dean Keyworth, director of Armstrong Keyworth . 

Do take advantage of the increased availability of custom-colored finishes, like this striking magenta mirror in a bespoke shade created by Balineum. ‘You may have to pay a surcharge for non-standard colors but it’s worth it to achieve a beautifully balanced scheme,’ adds Dean. 

23. Take a leaf from nature

(Image credit: Future / Chris Everard)

We take a pick of the latest foliage and floral motifs to bring uplifting color and decorative interest to the bathroom. The delicate but impactful nature of florals can add a new dimension to any scheme, from traditional to modern bathroom ideas. Here, a rich tropical-style wallpaper sets a relaxed mood in this inviting space centred on an elegant bath.

24. Be bold with an all-over color

(Image credit: Shutterly Fabulous)

Do you have a favorite bathroom color scheme? Then opt for decorating your whole space in a color that will make you happy day-after-day.

Beloved by ancient Chinese dynasties, the Moors and the Greeks, this enduring blue and white bathroom color combination takes on a fresh, modern feel with the latest indigo and denim tones. 

This en-suite bathroom, with a strong wall color and chequered flooring, echoes the palette of the adjacent room to ensure a unified look. 

25. Introduce exotic botanicals with wallpaper

(Image credit: Drummonds)

Chinoiserie is having a revival and the bathroom is the perfect space to use it. 

Taking inspiration from traditional hand-painted Chinoiserie panels, specialist companies, such as Fromental and de Gournay , and independent designers such as Diane Hill offer bespoke hand-painted designs that are quite simply beautiful.

26. Pick a warm blue bathroom color

(Image credit: Future)

'Warm blue' sounds like a contradiction or oxymoron, but if you are searching for blue bathroom color ideas because you love the shade, bear in mind that those shades with a touch of yellow in them are likely to help the room feel warmer – a must in a room that you want to feel inviting and warm.

'I would only go for a grey-blue in a bathroom that's flooded with sunlight when you're mostly likely to be using the room – or if you're remodelling a house in a warm climate,' says Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief Lucy Searle. 'Otherwise the space is going to feel cool and somewhat unwelcoming.'

27. Go for grey, but balance it with warm-looking materials

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

If you are drawn to dark bathrooms, it's really important to contrast the steely gray tones with warmer colors and textures to make the bathroom feel like somewhere you want to spend time in.  

You can, of course, add tiles or towels in warm shades, but grey actually makes a wonderful backdrop to wood and the metallics that complement it, such as brass or copper.

28. Introduce bathroom colors in fabrics and textiles

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

This beautiful roll top bath has been cleverly framed between floor-to-ceiling curtains in gorgeous colors, and the scheme has been further layered with lampshades more commonly seen in a bedroom and a rug that picks out the pink in the curtain fabric. 

It creates not just one of the most truly original bathroom color ideas we've seen, but also a space that invites you to linger.

29. Create a dramatic contrast

(Image credit: Mandarin Stone)

You can use really impactful tiles to introduce color into your space, but take it a step further with bold, contrasting bathroom wall ideas. 

This color-blocking approach is perfect for the bathroom, but keep the tiling very simple, relying instead on tile shape rather than pattern to create interest.

30. Glamorize white with hints of gold

(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)

You quite simply can't go wrong with white bathroom color ideas, but match it with stainless steel and it can look a little flat and characterless. 

However, swap out the silver for warmer metals, such as antique gold – in taps, towel radiators, bathroom lighting ideas and accessories – and the subtle white backdrop is enlivened, letting the fittings do the talking.

31. Don't forget colorful bathroom floors

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

If you’ve got a wooden bathroom floor, you can really make the space pop by painting the floorboards. Make sure you prime the floor and sand it before adding two coats of paint to each board. This can give your bathroom a rustic, country-farm-inspired look too.

Contrasting color combinations across each board can create a strong monochrome effect. Combine this with a white bathroom and it’s all the color you’ll need.

32. Get confident with subtle color

(Image credit: Future)

This whimsical Ric Rac tile design by Samantha Todhunter for Bert & May is inspired by the Spanish dancing skirts that Samantha used to make as a child. Used here in a diagonal design to create a pretty lattice, in what is described as Bubblegum: a witty clash of color with a chalky red contrasting soft pink. It is a confident look that adds a joyful character to this pink bathroom, working equally well on the wall and floor.

33. Use the same color on walls and ceiling

(Image credit: Simon Brown/Beata Heuman)

In this main ensuite by interior designer Beata Heuman , carrying the same color tones over the fifth wall and other surfaces helps to blur out awkward angles and sloped ceiling lines. 

‘All the walls and the bath are clad in Béton Ciré, which is a micro concrete paste and totally waterproof,’ explains Beata. ‘The idea here was to make the space feel warm and earthy, unlike most bathrooms. The wooden floor continues in from the bedroom, which connects the suite of rooms and also makes it feel more spacious.’ 

34. Contrast color and pattern

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)

‘I wanted to bring in a tropical feel, as it allows the mind and soul to escape,’ says creative director Eva Sonaike of her C.P. Hart scheme. ‘The combination of green and purple, and texture and pattern, brings a dynamic flow.’ Eva’s own Odi wallpaper goes beautifully with Luminous tiles by Minoli.

35. Go all out with a pattern-filled scheme

(Image credit: IsI Architects)

Busy pattern can prove too intense, especially when embraced on both walls and floor. However, in this Parisian apartment lsl Architects painted the window frame and shutters in the tile’s base color – a calming duck egg blue – to create a tranquil moment amid the kaleidoscope pattern.

How do you add color to a bathroom?

To add color to a bathroom (and personality) try incorporating upscaled period furniture into the scheme, turning an essentially functional room into a more personal space.  

Try combining tile finishes too, mixing and matching both natural and man-made options to add texture and depth to a space.

Gone are the days of carpet in bathrooms. Use tiles, stone or timber to bring texture, color and pattern into the room. 

Try creating a feature wall to add interest. A bathroom will also look lighter and brighter if it’s uncluttered. Fit sockets in the cupboards to charge toothbrushes and incorporate a drawer where the hairdryer can be stored and plugged in.

What is the best color for a bathroom?

If you're pondering about the best color for a bathroom, you've come to the right place.

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in any house, and careful color choices here can go a long way. Although its principal purpose is functional, a bathroom should also be a calm, relaxing and decoratively enticing space.  

Simple, white fixtures and fittings are timeless, but consider making an impact when it comes to surfaces such as walls, ceilings, floors, windows and countertops.  

High-quality bathroom furniture adds a luxurious effect, but it is the background elements that really underpin the feel of the space and allow experimentation with color, texture and pattern.

What colors are best for a small bathroom?

Perhaps you have a cozier space, so you're wondering what colors are best for a small bathroom?

If your bathroom is big enough, consider drawing attention to one wall with a vibrant wallpaper, tile arrangement, over-sized mirror or striking bathroom art idea – making sure it is framed appropriately to avoid condensation damage.

Small bathrooms can take bold colors just as well as larger rooms. If you're looking for small en-suite or cloakroom ideas, stick to the same wall treatment throughout. In a larger area, don't be afraid to ring the changes by using dark stone or tiles in a walk-in shower to add contrast and a really stylish impact.

What is the most relaxing color for a bathroom?

In terms of the most relaxing color for a bathroom, it really depends on personal preference.

Color has a huge impact on mood, and bathrooms have a tendency to sidestep polarizing hues in favor of pale neutrals and whites, which are refreshing and easy to live with. 

At the opposite end of the spectrum, darker shades of grey including slate, are also popular for creating a cocooning spa-like effect. 

What are the bathroom trends in 2023?

Bathroom trends in 2023 include Modernist units and bold patterns, which are making a splash in this room just as much as any other in the home – so make sure that yours isn’t neglected.

Bathrooms should be restful sanctuaries as well as utilitarian spaces, and a well-thought-out decorative scheme will reflect both practical and aesthetic elements.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space.  Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

Color combinations in the interior of the bathroom

In interior design, even if you have the opportunity to embody your own fantasies and creativity, you can remain not entirely satisfied with the result. This often happens if the color palette is not well thought out, and staying in a particular room begins to affect a person in a way that he would not like. The bathroom is a place where we draw energy every morning, relax in the evenings, and therefore it should be as comfortable as possible. Let's take a closer look at how to choose color combinations for the bathroom interior!

Rules for choosing shades in the interior

The choice of color solutions is influenced not only by individual taste preferences, but also by a number of other factors. In particular, you need to consider how space is perceived visually. It's no secret that light colors visually enlarge the room, and dark ones reduce it.

It is also necessary to remember about the psychological perception of colors. In addition, when choosing shades, you should focus on the stylistic direction. The concept of any style implies certain patterns in the selection of colors. You can identify general recommendations for the design of the bathroom.

Try not to use more than three different colors or more than five shades of the same color. In the opposite situation, the interior will not be harmonious. Most often, they get by with only two tones, which are often either contrasting or adjacent. In any case, one color should emphasize the value of the other. For those who prefer the design in a single color, the best solution would be to use three shades that allow you to highlight all the details of the bathroom.

Consider the size of the bathroom when determining the acceptable brightness level. Keep in mind that in most typical apartments, the use of light shades that expand the space is relevant. This is due to the small area of ​​the bathrooms. Remember that bright colors will help to cheer up and cheer you up, and a calm palette will contribute to a relaxed atmosphere.

Psychological perception

Experienced designers know how important it is to choose the right color scheme for the bathroom in order to make it visually larger and highlight the accents in the room. To create a comfortable interior, it is necessary to take into account certain features.

Light colors will not only make the room look bigger, but will also look more calm, help your eye to relax and tune in to rest. Pastel colors will be the best background that will allow decorative elements to look more advantageous.

Dark colors have a different effect, as if "stealing" the light, and therefore they make the room more cramped. However, this allows you to make the atmosphere cozy and, in a way, intimate. Remember that the darker the tone that is used in the decoration of the walls and floor, the larger the bathroom area should be. In addition, you need to think about installing intense lighting.

Color wheel

When choosing combinations of colors and shades, you can keep in mind one secret that is often used by many designers. In the design of any room, you can use the color wheel rule, which is associated with four simple formulas:

- The two most compatible shades can be located opposite each other (for example, it can be a combination of orange and blue).

- Contrasting triad formula. Choose one main color, to which you want to add two shades opposite to the main tone. For example, light green and bright yellow are additionally selected to the main purple.

- A classic solution in three colors. You can choose colors that will be located at the same distance. For example, yellow along with red and blue.

- Analog triad formula. Pick up any three tones that will be nearby. It can be yellow with a hint of green, pure yellow and yellow-orange.

Color combinations

Here are some options for popular colors for the bathroom. Remember that before you make a choice in favor of one of them, you need to determine how this or that palette matches the style of the room.

White bathroom

The only color that is considered universal is white. It gives the interior sophistication and simplicity, and is also combined with any other colors. The white bathroom looks spacious and bright, which is important for small apartments. In addition, it is a wonderful backdrop for various decorative elements. If you are afraid of the association of a room with a sterile doctor's office, use any other shades except snow-white.

Bathroom in warm colors

Warm shades are great for designing both small square bathrooms and rooms with free space. In the first case, you can expand the area visually and make the bathroom more lit. The second option allows using warm shades to create a pleasant and cozy atmosphere in a large room.

Often there are stylish bathrooms in beige and cream, pink and scarlet, sand and coffee tones. Gold and brown colors will also look good.

Remember that light shades help maintain cleanliness and hide various stains that even the most careful owners cannot avoid. If you wish, you can combine tones and play with colors, combining dark and light shades.

Cool bathroom

This is a common bathroom design. You can often find blue and blue bathrooms, as well as cold shades of gray. These colors are sometimes combined with white, which gives the room freshness. In this situation, use light shades whenever possible, because dark gray and blue can cause discomfort. However, if you take, for example, the light tones of blue, they will be associated with clean water and perceived as fresh.

Green looks natural and natural. Although cool tones of green can be used in the interior, they will promote relaxation, and in combination with red or orange, they will refresh and elevate mood.

Cool shades can be diluted with colorful accents and bright accessories, various decorative details. So the bathroom will look warmer and more comfortable.

Contrasting bathroom

One of the most requested color combinations is black with white. At first glance, it seems that it is impossible to make a cozy room using two completely opposite colors. But it is the high contrast of black and white that gives a delightful effect and helps to create a stylish interior. However, it is important to use them wisely.

If white prevails over black, then this also contributes to the visual increase of the room. Accordingly, if you prefer black, and white fades into the background, then the bathroom will visually look smaller.

The combination of white and black is stylish and creates a strict yet intimate atmosphere. This is the best option for those who want, above all, to express their own individuality. From the point of view of psychologists, white means elegance and purity, while black means anxiety and emptiness, so be careful when choosing finishes and plumbing. It is important not only not to make the space sterile, but also to avoid an oppressive atmosphere.

The combination of colors in the interior of the bathroom - photo

When analyzing suitable combinations in bathroom interiors, experimentation cannot be dispensed with. In practical application, different color solutions differ from the results of computer rendering. In order to find out how combinations of different textures and shades look in reality, you need to look at photographs taken in real conditions. We have selected for you a large number of different bathroom design options, among which you can choose the best color scheme!

75 trendy bathroom design ideas 2022

Everyone starts their morning with a trip to the bathroom. Therefore, the room in question should be comfortable, functional and modern. The market of building and finishing materials allows you to create a trendy bathroom design in any style. In 2022, the trend is bright bold color schemes that go well with creative sanitary ware.

Bathroom design in chocolate color will evoke only positive emotions

The combination of black and white in the interior of the bathroom will look very nice

Imitation wood in the interior of the bathroom looks very nice

Contents

  • 1 Fashion design trends
    • 1.1 Choosing colors
    • 1.2 Rules for choosing colors
  • 2 Modern designer sanitary ware
  • 3 Floor, ceiling, walls
  • 4 50 photos of bathroom design ideas 2022:
    • 4.1 See also

Fashion design trends

Before you start renovating your bathroom, you should first of all study the latest trends in fashionable interiors. In 2022, designers have developed many bold, ingenious ideas.

Interior designers identify four main factors to consider when decorating a bathroom:

  • protection;
  • energy;
  • enrichment;
  • nourishment from nature.

The general environment after the repair must be comfortable and cozy, charge the residents of the house with positive energy, and provide a sense of security.

Mosaic tiles are perfect for bathroom walls

In the bathroom you can put a picture, it will change the interior a little

At the same time, designers recommend not to be afraid of experiments in decoration, contrasting materials and bold ideas in choosing a style. And it does not matter whether a small mosaic, large tile, stone imitation or natural material is selected. The presence of natural shades and eco-motifs is still in fashion.

When designing a bathroom in 2022, more attention should be paid to the lighting of the space. The more correct light sources are installed, the more spectacular the overall environment will look. You can use single spotlights or more complex modern designs for decoration. To enhance the lighting will help the correct placement of mirrors or reflective inserts.

Additional lighting in the bathroom will create a special atmosphere

Cream color in the interior of the bathroom looks very nice

Bathroom design in white with porcelain stoneware tiles

See also Bathroom design in Khrushchev: a competent approach and features

Color choice

Radically increase or decrease the space in the design of the bathroom with the help of any style, of course, will not work. But with the right choice of color combinations, materials, interior items, even the smallest bathroom can be made stylish and functional, visually increasing the area.

Designers recommend choosing light pastel shades for decorating walls, floors and ceilings to increase space. In 2022, the use of combinations of white with coffee, green, sand, scarlet shades is back in fashion. And as accents, more saturated contrasting colors should be added. Bright elements of tile, mirror frame, rug, shelves or coasters can be bright.

Bathroom design in chocolate color with imitation wood looks very nice

Walls in the bathroom are made of porcelain tiles with stone imitation

The main rule when choosing: the shade of the ceiling and floor should never match. There will be a feeling of an enclosed space, reminiscent of an operating room, especially if a white or gray tone is chosen.

When choosing the furniture itself, it should be borne in mind that a dark bathroom, a sink in a dark color are only suitable for large areas. And for small-sized rooms (less than 8 sq.m.), you should choose furniture for the interior in light colors.

Large bathroom design in chocolate color

Rust imitation porcelain stoneware looks very beautiful and unusual

Wall decoration in the bathroom made of ceramic tiles

The most common modern bathroom design trends for 2022 are shown in the table:

Title

Description

Basic colors

Classic

Light shades are ideal for bathroom design and blend seamlessly with any color scheme. The space will visually increase. In the future, only a change of decor is enough for the design to remain fashionable for a long time.

White

Sky Color

One of the most popular color combinations. The bathroom looks fresh and clean. It is necessary to use light tones of blue, so as not to create a feeling of coldness.

White, blue, blue

Eco solution

Green is always associated with open nature. Ideal for those who like to take a hot bath after a hard day. The color is soothing and relaxing. It is better to combine it with white or warm gray, you can add orange elements.

All shades of green

In contrast

The most famous combination: black and white. The combination of contrast should be taken carefully and carefully so that you do not get a ridiculous environment instead of a trendy bathroom design. It should be borne in mind that the predominance of a light color will visually enlarge the room, and a dark one will reduce it.

Any contrasting colors

Sunny mood

The brightest and most cheerful color combination. The main advantage is no dependence on the dimensions of the room. Color is able to charge with positive, cheer up, remove negative emotions. Best combined with orange, light green.

Yellow

The combination of white and gray in the interior of the bathroom looks very nice

Light bathroom design

See alsoCeramic tiles for the bathroom: design options, photos, choice

Rules for choosing colors

Starting to determine the primary colors, you should first familiarize yourself with several important rules:

  1. Number of tones. In order for the bathroom space to look stylish and harmonious, not to irritate the eyes with variegation, it is not recommended to use more than three colors or five shades. In most cases, you can do with two well-matched colors. If there is no desire to create contrast, then you can choose 2-3 tones of the same color for surface decoration. The main thing is that they emphasize the most important details of the interior.
  2. Brightness. When deciding on saturation, first of all, you need to remember the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe bathroom. As mentioned above, dark colors visually reduce space, while light colors increase it. Do not forget that juicy tones will help you wake up faster in the morning, and calm ones help you relax and get distracted.
  3. Color value. Each shade has its own psychological impact on human consciousness. This information must be taken into account when designing a bathroom. It is from the color scheme that the mood will largely depend.

In small bathrooms it is better to use shower cubicles, they take up little space

Bathroom design in chocolate color with porcelain stoneware tiles

Contemporary bathroom design with wood effect porcelain stoneware walls

See also Bathroom design with shower cubicle

Stylish interior is not only the right colors, but also high-quality modern plumbing. These items also include faucets, accessories. Currently, manufacturers use a wide variety of technologies and materials, including innovative ones.

Thanks to the latest modern processing techniques, ceramics have become very malleable and at the same time resistant. For this reason, the new collections are literally a work of art. Materials allow designers to create bathroom furnishings of any shape.

Design novelties for the bathroom go well with contrasting colors. Snow-white plumbing looks especially advantageous; it goes well with any bright saturated shade. You can choose matte furniture with mother-of-pearl finish. Dark tiles (rich brown, dark green or even black) are also suitable for such plumbing. If the walls and floors are light, then do not be afraid to purchase black, bronze, chocolate-colored furniture. It looks especially good with gold or silver trim.

Bathroom design with shower combination

Imitation of stone in the interior of a bright bathroom looks very beautiful and unusual

In 2022, open spaces without adding borders are in fashion. Shower cabins without pallets fit perfectly into this trend. Don't be afraid of this idea. Drainage systems are mounted directly to the floor. As a result, the shower does not take up a lot of space and blends seamlessly into the interior. Such plumbing is very easy to maintain, suitable for use by babies and the elderly or people with disabilities.

If you want to create something special and unique, then a modern 3D structure will be an excellent option. Depending on the chosen theme, the bathroom acquires a unique style. Volumetric motifs can transform even the simplest plumbing items.

When working on an interior concept, remember that the idea should emphasize the preferences and character of the owner of the bathroom. And most importantly, there should be an opportunity to transform the environment, add something new and fresh. After all, fashion is constantly changing, and making repairs every year is very difficult.

Modern small bathroom design

Imitation wood in the interior of the bathroom looks very nice

Contemporary bathroom design with shower

See alsoWhite bathroom design - the magic of light and purity

Floor, ceiling, walls

Designers in the current year highlight several trends for decorating the surface of the ceiling in the bathroom. Among them:

  • glossy stretch ceilings;
  • matte finishes;
  • transparent stained-glass windows;
  • mirrors that allow you to visually enlarge the space.

Large tiles are recommended for walls. Perhaps the presence of modern mosaics or ornaments. The main advantage is a minimum of wall seams and a maximum of the selected color. And various inserts can create a favorable accent on the walls. But do not forget that natural stone is still present in the trend. From it it is quite possible to make a stylish panel on one of the walls.

Designers also believe that if you already make an ornament or a mosaic, then it is more difficult. Modern bathroom wall surfaces should generally have a smooth, even tone, with the exception of insets. It should not be located in one place, it should be several zones that can be combined with each other. But this applies only to premises over 8 sq.m.

Mosaic tiles in the interior of the bathroom will look very beautiful

Bathroom design made in chocolate color with mosaic tiles

Relevant in the design of the bathroom in 2022 are interior items or decor, made in the style of "wood".


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