Decorating ideas for bathrooms colors


38 Best Bathroom Paint Colors

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These popular shades will transform your space in no time.

By Monique Valeris and Mariah Thomas

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Benjamin Moore

It's true: A fresh coat of paint can transform a bathroom in an instant. The only trick is picking a color! You could go for a timeless neutral to make a small bathroom feel bigger. Or take your pick of classic hues, like black, burgundy and navy, which are brilliant for creating a moody feel. If you want an of-the-moment vibe, go for trendy paint colors that bring on the drama like "Very Peri," "Raccoon Fur," or Benjamin Moore's 2023 Color of the Year, Raspberry Blush.

Our list of best bathroom paint colors features a mix of popular and unexpected paint colors, designed to create the ultimate oasis to start and end your day right. We found energetic yellow and flirty pink to brighten guest bathrooms and powder rooms. Plus, we've sprinkled in a mix of elegant greens and stunning blues as well as subtle options such as Redend Point — Sherwin-Williams' 2023 Color of the Year.

Wherever your design sensibilities lie, you're guaranteed to find an attractive paint color below to complete your dream bathroom once and for all.

Farrow & Ball

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Rich Red

For a cozy vibe, deck out your powder room in this deep red shade from Farrow & Ball. The warm hue, called Preference Red, is particularly striking when paired with white accents and antique pieces.

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Courtesy of Danslelakehouse.com

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Electric Blue

This vibrant color works well in small bathrooms (vanities are perfect!), especially if your goal is to create a retro-inspired look. Pair the refreshing shade with wallpaper in a complementary pattern and cherry wood accents for a picture-perfect setup.

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Benjamin Moore

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Coral

The warm undertones of this coral pigment steal the show in this bathroom layout. Using the same color for the trim and moldings — a designer-approved trick — bring even more style to the space.

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Farrow & Ball

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Paean Black

Here's a pick for those who love charcoal colors but want an option that can make even more of an impact. This red-based black from Farrow & Ball is a no-fail choice for achieving a contemporary or bohemian vibe in a bathroom. Temper the hue with white for visual contrast.

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A Beautiful Mess

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Peachy Pink

If you want to decorate your bathroom in a pretty shade of pink that doesn't feel overwhelming, go for a pale tone. Scatter the color throughout to add flair to a white space, such as your vanity or tub, and bask in how peaceful the room feels.

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See more at A Beautiful Mess »

Benjamin Moore

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Banana Yellow

A bright shade of yellow creates the illusion of light in any windowless bathroom. Pairing the color with white makes the overall room an uplifting oasis.

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Amy Bartlam; Design: Kate Lester

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Cool Blue

Muted blue paneling allows this California bathroom's upper wallpapered walls to shine. Layer the look with a mirror for added brightness.

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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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RELATED: Elegant Pink Bathrooms to Transform Your Space

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. Don't forget to hang art!

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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, like a wooden ladder for towels, steal the show.

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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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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 balance the eye-catching paint color.

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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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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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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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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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Pistachio

Annie Schlechter

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Ink

Wallpapered rooms deserve an upgrade 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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Michael Graydon

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Lavender

Thanks to beautiful lavender walls, this bathroom is nothing short of luxurious. The white tub, windows and ceiling complement the soothing shade and create a welcoming atmosphere.

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Tan

A blend of neutrals, including tan and white, contributes 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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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. The peachy hue brings a little playfulness and a 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 and White

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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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.

Mariah Thomas Assistant Editor Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content.

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beautiful bathroom color schemes |

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.

What color to make the bathroom? – TOP popular colors and combinations

Color selection rules

To choose the right color for your bathroom, you should take into account many factors. The very first and most simple is the size. Everyone has long known that a dark tone can make a small space even smaller, and using light colors you visually expand any room.

Next, we recommend paying attention to the style of the apartment or the bathroom itself. Each direction has its own database of suitable shades:

  • classic - warm white, beige, gold;
  • loft - black, gray, red;
  • scandinavian - white, gray, beige;
  • provence - pastel colors;
  • chalet or country - warm dark brown scale;
  • modern - muted matte colors.

Aspect #3 worth paying attention to: the psychological impact of color and your personal feelings about it. In a yellow bathroom, for example, it is impossible to relax before going to bed. And the combination of black and white does not give a charge of vivacity and energy in the morning. Consider when and under what circumstances the room is used more often.

Don't forget the characteristics of the color itself:

  1. Saturation. Orange, for example, uplifts and energizes, peach helps to relax, rusty brings comfort and warmth.
  2. Temperature. Cold shades have a calming effect, give a feeling of purity and sterility. Suitable for overly active people who need peace in the bathroom. A warm color palette looks more cozy, making you feel comfortable standing in the shower or lying in the bath.
  3. Lordship. Everything is simple here - the more white in the color, the “lighter” it will look.

Don't forget that bathroom colors don't just include the walls: there is also the ceiling and the floor. The classic color scheme is a white or very light ceiling, and the floor is several tones darker than the walls. But there are other ways to design a bathroom - we'll talk about them in the following sections.

Which colors are the most popular?

The color in the interior of the bathroom really plays a decisive role: to make sure of this again, we propose to consider the 5 most popular shades and find out their differences.

White

White is synonymous with cleanliness and sterility, which is why it is almost indispensable in the bathroom. In addition, all standard plumbing also has exactly white color: in combination with the same walls and ceiling, it will give the effect of visual expansion of the room.

If you don't want to enlarge your bathroom, create a combination with one of your favorite shades. Here is another advantage of white: it goes with everything. From standard black or grey, to bright pink or serious blue.

Pictured is a white bathroom with black accents. The combination with white sanitary ware seems to many to be contrasting, and the shade itself is dramatic and even mournful.

Another reason for rejection is the widespread belief that black hides space. But this does not mean that different undertones of coal cannot be used in a small bathroom: by combining it with other shades and using it as additional elements, you can achieve the desired contrast and dynamics in the interior.

Beige

Perhaps the second most standard color after white is cream! It is believed that it gives a cold bathroom a bit of coziness, makes it warmer, more comfortable.

If your familiar beige bathrooms are already on edge, don't use it alone. In combination with green, blue, yellow, beige will open from the other side and serve as an excellent backdrop for a flight of fancy.

The photo shows an interior in a classic style

Blue

Blue symbolizes water and it is at least logical to use it in the wettest room of the house. The color is often used in monochrome design: for this you need three or four shades of blue (from celestial to indigo or cobalt). Two undertones combined with white or gray will also give the desired volume.

To create a bathroom with a twist, use a complementary combination: dark blue contrasts with yellow, blue with red.

Red

The red range, although used less often than others, makes an indelible impression when meeting. It may seem that scarlet is not made for the bathroom, just as fire is not made for water. But the union of opposites attracts, although it suits only the brave.

Important! Dominant red is only suitable for bathrooms that are used for short periods: washing, taking a shower. Lying in such a bath will be uncomfortable.

The combination with white sanitary ware looks impressive, but in the lines of individual manufacturers there are also scarlet products - from bathtubs to sinks and toilets.

The best combinations

Monochrome interiors are rare, so you should study the color combinations in the bathroom.

To make it easier to put several colors together, start with one: choose a base color. You can push off from the wall or floor tiles, or from the cabinet that you looked after in the store.

In the photo, wood effect shower tiles

Now we select 1 or 2 additional shades for it. There are color rules (color schemes) that make it easy to find the perfect pair:

  • Monochrome. The combination of tones of the same color - vanilla + canary + lemon, mint + herbal + emerald.
  • Similar. A union of 2-3 colors located side by side on the Itten circle: yellow + green, red + orange.
  • Complementary. It is contrasting - a combination of opposite shades. Blue and orange, for example.
  • Triad. Analog combines 3 shades equidistant from each other, contrast - any tone with two opposite ones.

In the photo, grout in the color of the walls

The last step is to decide which color will be the main one (for large surfaces), and which (1-2 tones) highlight various accessories and decor.

Recommendations for small bathrooms

See also

Modern small bathroom design: best photos and ideas

Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to have a spacious bathroom, but limited space can also look cozy.

For this, a light shade is always taken as the basis: snow-white, beige, gray, pastel. It is recommended to use it on walls, ceilings, plumbing, large objects (wardrobe, cabinet).

The color of the floor is usually medium in saturation, but its design should be chosen wisely: transverse stripes, for example, can push a too narrow elongated room.

Another way to visually enlarge is reflection. In the bathrooms, a lot of mirrors, glossy furniture facades, and a stretch ceiling look appropriate.

Tip! Lighting from different points visually expands the space: replace one central chandelier with several spots.

The photo shows a combination of white and wood

Ideas for inspiration

Is it difficult to combine shades? Take a bright printed tile as a basis: it already has all the colors that can later be used on other surfaces to achieve color harmony.

If the room is supposed to use a wooden texture, on the contrary, in order not to miscalculate, give preference to monochromatic shades: white, beige, gray, black.

Photo gallery

One last piece of advice: bathroom renovations take at least 5 years, so there is no point in chasing changing trends. Choose the color scheme that you like: then you will definitely not need to change the finish in the near future.

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