You’ve made the decision to finally update your tired looking all-neutral bathroom and it’s all about colour for you now. You’re in the right place. If you’re looking for colourful bathroom ideas, then this guide will do the trick. We’ll give some simple and practical tips for bringing colour into your space as well as bathroom colour ideas to make sure you get it just right.
Best bathroom colour ideas
There’s no right or wrong answer when considering which colours are best for bathrooms. But there are ways to create an atmosphere with the colours you choose.
For a calming, spa-like feel opt for soothing shades like sage green or pale blue, but if it’s more of a moody, dramatic aesthetic you crave, adding statement features in navy and black within your space can work. Similarly, soft blush shades and lilac hues are great ways to add a romantic touch to your space, while subtle charcoal or neutral accents give traditional white a modern, minimalist edge.
Bathroom colour ideas for small bathrooms
If space in your bathroom is at a premium, then it’s important to think about how different colours can affect the perception of space, light and mood. You want to avoid darkening and minimising the room and instead focus on opening up the space.
If the bathroom has little or no natural light then it’s better to opt for lighter, more natural shades to help brighten the room. If you do have more light flooding the room, it’s easier to experiment with darker shades without it feeling too enclosed.
Smaller bathrooms will benefit from little touches of colour to create a playful element rather than lots of different shades that feel more chaotic. You still want your bathroom to feel inviting and spacious. A glossy finish will reflect light helping to enhance your space further. Finally, in small bathrooms, painting the ceiling and trim the same colour as the walls can eliminate harsh visual breaks, creating a more seamless and spacious look. This technique of colour drenching has become a very popular trend in recent years.
Modern colours
Some colours can often be more in tune with modern or classic aesthetics. For example, matt black and brushed bronze are quite new finishes for the bathroom giving it a contemporary edge. Similarly, ‘Griege,’ which is a mix of grey and beige, is a modern and versatile neutral that brings warmth without overpowering the space.
With more vibrant hues, you may find they are more suited to modern spaces too, such as orange or teal. For a softer, organic look, sage green, dusty rose and warm taupe are increasingly popular, reflecting a shift toward nature-inspired palettes. Crisp white remains a staple in modern design, often used with natural wood tones and clean lines to create a minimalist, spa-like feel.
Traditional bathroom colours
Traditional bathroom colours lean toward timeless, elegant tones that create a sense of warmth, comfort and classic charm. Soft whites, creams and ivory are staples in traditional design, offering a clean and airy foundation. Pale blues, sage greens and powdery pastels bring a touch of vintage character and serenity, often seen in classic English or French country styles.
Rich, muted tones like burgundy, navy or hunter green add depth and sophistication, especially when paired with wood cabinetry or brass fixtures. Neutrals like beige, taupe and stone grey also work beautifully in traditional bathrooms, complementing features like wainscoting, clawfoot tubs and marble counters. These colours, combined with timeless materials and ornate details, help create a space that feels refined and timeless.
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Simple ways to bring colour into your bathroom
There’s plenty of ways to play with colour in your bathroom, whether that’s little touches like a golden brass tap, a matt black shower or vibrant orange basin, or something much more impactful with printed wall panels.
Here's some colourful bathroom ideas which will help bring a pop of colour to upgrade your space.
1. Be bold with gold
Opting for a brushed brass finish to fixtures like taps, showers and furniture handles is the perfect way to add bold elegance to your bathroom. The warmth of the gold brings a touch of luxury that works well in both modern and traditional spaces. Whether paired with deep navy, matt black or softer blush tones - or any colour for that matter - brushed brass creates a striking contrast and major statement.
2. One shade for walls and ceiling
By now you’ve probably heard about colour drenching, it's the the interior design technique that uses a single colour across multiple surfaces in a room. This works particularly well in the bathroom by focusing on one paint colour for the walls and ceiling, creating a seamless and continuous line from the top to the bottom of your space. It can make a small room feel bigger and is popular in bathrooms by providing a spa-like or cocooned atmosphere. Choose softer pale tones for a subtle and calming effect or bold and dark for a rich, sophisticated look.
3. Contrasting cloakrooms
Cloakrooms and guest bathrooms are the perfect place to experiment with striking colour combinations that might feel too daring elsewhere in the home. The result is a memorable and design-forward space that surprises and delights guests! Work with the small space and choose contrasting colours as a stylish way to make a big impact. Clash greens and pinks, reds and yellows and cut through with daring sinks and taps.
4. Think bright for your sink
Choosing a vibrant shade for your bathroom sink is the perfect way to inject personality in your space. It’s an unexpected design choice that brings an interesting element to your bathroom, becoming a focal point for all to adore. We particularly love the new range of Harbour Concrete coloured basins for their durable construction and huge selection of clours and styles. Think vibrant Burnt Orange, popping Seafoam Green and retro Periwinkle Purple.
5. Add small touches of colour
If you're not ready to commit to bold walls or fixtures, adding small touches of colour through accessories is an easy and effective way to liven up your bathroom. Think vibrant towels, a patterned window blind, colourful soap dispensers or even a piece of artwork. These simple accents can instantly refresh the space without overwhelming it. Swapping them out is effortless, making it a flexible way to experiment with colour and update your look with the seasons or your mood.
6. Make a feature of your shower wall
If you have a separate shower enclosure, walk-in shower or maybe a shower bath, you can add some colour by creating a feature wall out of the area. Bathroom wall panels offer a great way to do this. They are available in various patterns and prints in colourful or neutral shades. They're not only eye-catching but also practical, easy to clean, water-resistant and a sleek alternative to traditional tiles. It's a creative way to add colour and style while keeping the rest of the bathroom simple and cohesive.
If you're ready to experiment with colour, take a closer look at the Tap Warehouse Colour Collection. Still need some advice? Chat with our team on Live Chat via the Help Hub.
