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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/K6WnBBTzW6HjJuelMFN8Dg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/83d2d1f7dfc6e903433c3a2d0c2db824 class=caas-img data-headline=”26. Don’t forget colorful bathroom floors”> 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 and accessories – and the subtle white backdrop is enlivened, letting the fittings do the talking.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RCcoGs6UXkZEOAwAc1km4A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/ab77abf46d87b09e97424d7393018109 class=caas-img data-headline=”25. Glamorize white with hints of gold”> You can use really impactful tiles to introduce color into your space, but take it a step further with bold, contrasting bathroom walls.
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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jMVRM_2_KlKTdqp7SDkwUg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyMTY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/b1ebfa5006204145348ff99b45897633 class=caas-img data-headline=”24. Create a dramatic contrast”> 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1Tds_XvM3qkzUW7Ecug3RQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/ec9520022bd605054cf06ce1e12c2053 class=caas-img data-headline=”23. Introduce bathroom colors in fabrics and textiles”> 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zmFdQDg6NeWrDbt0fUaNzg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/1ac736ffbe34be32de13033f51b9da53 class=caas-img data-headline=”22. Go for grey, but balance it with warm-looking materials”> ‘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.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SQxXkQIplGEVfgoOIxPfGA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/7539530e753505e5d1d2f4418df3cc61 class=caas-img data-headline=”21. Pick a warm blue bathroom color”> 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oziqTtpwihM04Uwx9nt4Hw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEwOTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/01e117fecabcd34828a496f9f56bf7b1 class=caas-img data-headline=”20. Introduce exotic botanicals with wallpaper”> 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wyZ1A5_382bml7zKMCh4eg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/d7d72547b4f349d63fe7e7b568f1b9b1 class=caas-img data-headline=”19. Be bold with an all-over color”> 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. Here, a rich tropical-style wallpaper sets a relaxed mood in this inviting space centred on an elegant bath. ” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_BJ52Z1vWPqSH_COvlKaPA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/d8789ed21402d700c02cb9a5db3af205 class=caas-img data-headline=”18. Take a leaf from nature”>
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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xzcuJ4FesZx3Wlfcd1DmjQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/85bf0266734581e84b497962585d1c5d class=caas-img data-headline=”17. Redecorate in an artist’s palette”> 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1iR.Boq3n_XOwyuVZZS0vg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/dc8aa282a394c7474ce1c19f6e3b0ca2 class=caas-img data-headline=”16. Introduce interest with wallpaper”> Breathing new life into the classic coastal look, this blue bathroom 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KnffyGIBc8VqQ3SFYV64RA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/07d1137ad2af930b6b299c47dbeeeb61 class=caas-img data-headline=”15. Revitalize a classic theme”> 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/smz3nupvwL.H2IXB0C6UxQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/1c0a32f6bdf8a30e75f065a4b3d2d967 class=caas-img data-headline=”14. Introduce a colorful mural with waterproof wallpaper”> 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 a master bathroom.
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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/goFid08qDKlL7pNXaUdb7A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/8f7803eaac4a8b089c57d3d7ee03a759 class=caas-img data-headline=”13. Add a theatrical element”> 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_2lxrV1ddywwhXtpnZ9lQA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/5f2ee2ce1f1f8447078275e666909329 class=caas-img data-headline=”12. Make subtle changes”> From timber grains to tropical patterns, natural beauty has long been a strong interiors trend, but animal prints in particular has increased in popularity.
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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6Wvdp17i1z2iaaxHWsyL9Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/6bd04d4d0bd06de3599ba0b6b88bad7d class=caas-img data-headline=”11. Subtle but impactful bathroom color ideas? Play with animal prints”> 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.
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 tiles 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9ip7dFWwLzyBIps_3TlusA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/2cd51ea564dd819d8adab1ea29ecc6f2 class=caas-img data-headline=”10. Take advantage of the fifth wall”> 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xi7oWj0_gVutgp8R60ElJA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyNzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/fe20d806e07514f93f23e0985f09255b class=caas-img data-headline=”9. Go dark”> 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 a green bathroom, above.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/a8fM5J45S2eJm0EAK13CrA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyNDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/7505a8c82aec5087cba0b37ab03f53d9 class=caas-img data-headline=”8. Use the 7-2-1 ratio”> 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TYMjhUcqJ_eunjHb2z.Ihw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NTc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/7dec477e4aaffca3d6b836c2ad531aed class=caas-img data-headline=”7. Stay neutral for easy color scheming in a bathroom”> 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YFqxdarQKIqRH5FY5nJX4w–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/1bdd6d69e62326acfc254c9c975898b9 class=caas-img data-headline=”6. Use the color wheel to pick soothing bathroom colors”> 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 paint – but you can add character and depth with wallpaper more effectively, even if it’s only limited to one wall.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9qX6UXE7SASd7hmzLjYX3g–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/c56ae4e92a560cfed8a59f3e69b9764e class=caas-img data-headline=”5. Start with a mood”> ‘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.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UgO3bfK2ZIuNwvolkJeVzA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/ce17d5041ec566b7a0cfc46064b67633 class=caas-img data-headline=”4. Drench on the color”> 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KflGLmpQSV1.FzASyWhasQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyOTY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/526072a9472ef762a3e5ea64fd008028 class=caas-img data-headline=”3. Be playful with tiles in a small space”> 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.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4c74ZvQjeLbTtnEbOeQqFw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyOTY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/9510e85bf2c382fb60017478bc4f4cad class=caas-img data-headline=”2. Use wallpaper to add color”> 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.’ ” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DhvW2QJqIPXZLVToXeeP6Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyOTY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/89c514b22dec874b14d6c65ea867c9e0 class=caas-img data-headline=”1. Spark joy with a modern orange”>