5 Bathroom Colour Ideas to Refresh Your Bathroom

Deciding on a bathroom colour scheme can be a challenging decision. With endless paint colours and tile options available, from neutral tones, brighter colours or darker shades, it can be hard to pick one that's right for you. We've outlined some inspiration to help you narrow down your bathroom colour ideas.

Warm, earthy colours

Green & Terracotta

Earthy tones can create a cosy, grounded space reminiscent of nature. These shades add warmth and depth while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.

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Sage green has evolved into an approachable and versatile colour that combines the freshness of green with the warmth of neutral tones. Meanwhile, darker forest green options are a timeless choice, adding sophistication and charm to your space. To balance the green tones, introduce natural materials like wood or stone, which further enhance the connection with nature. Reflect light with large mirrors to create indoor-outdoor living.

Green

Green, with its soothing and centering qualities, is the ideal hue for creating a rejuvenating atmosphere in bathrooms. Often an underestimated choice, green offers a remarkable and captivating shade suitable for any bathroom, ranging from vibrant emerald to subtle sage. From furniture to tiles and decor, layering shades of green can create a soothing and restful oasis.

For a modern touch, consider applying terracotta in a textured finish such as limewash or Bauwerk paint, which brings a soft, nuanced depth to the walls. Alternatively, use terracotta for your bathroom furniture - think vanity units or shelving - creating a unique focal point that balances function with style.

Terracotta

Inspired by natural elements like soil, clay, and sand, warm terracotta hues are perfect for those who want a bathroom that feels organic yet sophisticated. Earthy colours also pair beautifully with both warm metals (such as brass) and cool accents (like black brassware).

Natural finishes

Plaster & Limewash

A trending design approach is to move away from stark white walls in favor of softer, more tactile wall treatments - serving as the perfect backdrop for your bathroom furniture.

Plaster & Limewash

Limewash or plaster finishes offer a minimalist yet intriguing alternative to tile. These natural, textured surfaces add a rustic charm and warmth to the space, making it feel cosy without overwhelming the senses, perfect for small bathrooms where you want to avoid making the space feel cluttered. With an earthy, matte finish, plaster and limewash give the room a lived-in feel that's both sophisticated and inviting.

For interior designer Zoe Jones, "Gone are the days of flat, monochrome bathroom colours, now replaced by rich, layered surfaces that infuse warmth and intrigue. Tiles and grout are stepping back, making way for beautifully plastered bathroom walls that steal the spotlight." Neutral shades like beige, soft grey, or off-white can easily replace the starkness of bright white walls while maintaining a clean, modern look.

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Black

Opt for a black vanity unit or a black-framed mirror to contrast against white walls, or go bold with a chequerboard tiled floor. For a more modern take, combine white metro tiles with black grout, giving a crisp, edgy look to your walls. You can soften the stark contrast of light and dark colours by adding pops of colour through towels, rugs, or plants, or incorporate metallic accents in fixtures; like brass or chrome.

Monochrome

The black and white bathroom scheme remains a timeless classic, continually reinventing itself for modern spaces. This approach relies on the strategic use of both colours in varying shades and textures to create contrast and balance.

Layered Whites

If you prefer a more serene and airy vibe, layering various shades of white and cream is an excellent way to create a light, spacious atmosphere. Scandinavian-inspired bathroom design embraces a palette of soft whites and off-whites, which, when combined with natural textures, feel warm and inviting rather than sterile.

Bright Colours

Pink & Yellow

For those looking to add personality and fun to their home, bright colours can be a great way to make a statement in your bathroom design. Dopamine decor is all the talk this year, with many home owners adding mood-boosting colours and playful patterns to their interior style, to create a joyful, energising space.

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Yellow

Yellow is the colour of happiness and energy, making it a bold colour choice for bathrooms. Despite it being a bright colour, it's a great alternative to beige or grey if you're seeking something cheerful and inviting. For a bold look, consider a yellow tiled shower enclosure or a vanity in a mustard hue.

Pink

Whether you're aiming for a subtle blush or an all-out bubblegum extravaganza, pink can be a surprisingly versatile option. Soft pink tiles on a feature wall create a subtle, romantic feel, while bold pink accessories or furniture inject an element of fun into your bathroom.

For a modern look, pair blush pink with complementary colours like gold and brass, creating a chic and sophisticated space. Add pink towels, artwork and accessories to enhance the whimsical, playful atmosphere.

To soften the brightness of yellow, pair it with neutral colours like grey or white, ensuring the space remains balanced and not overly vibrant. Even if you're not ready to commit to yellow tiles, you can still introduce yellow through accessories such as towels, rugs, or bath mats, creating an optimistic and inviting space.

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Blue

Blue is often associated with calmness and clarity, making it a perfect choice for bathrooms. Light shades of blue, such as sky blue or powder blue, work well in smaller bathrooms by creating the illusion of space and airiness.

You can keep things simple with a blue accent wall or play with blue tiles, like classic subway tiles, for a fresh, modern look. Combine soft blues with white, grey, or natural wood tones to maintain a serene and balanced design.

For depth in a small bathroom, combine matte and glossy grey surfaces or mix different shades of grey. You could choose dark colours for your vanity unit and incorporate light grey linens and trinkets for the perfect balanced room.

Cool and calming tones

While warm hues can create cosiness, cool tones like blues and greys bring a calming effect that’s ideal for creating a spa-like atmosphere.

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Darker tones such as navy blue work well in traditional spaces, where these dark tones create a sophisticated mood. Combine dark walls, a dark vanity unit and dark accessories, against bright white walls for a statement bathroom space.

Grey

Greys are highly versatile and can range from cool, almost silver tones to warmer greys with beige undertones (often referred to as "greige"). Grey offers a sleek, modern alternative to white, especially in minimalist or industrial bathroom designs. As one of the go to shades for many home owners, choosing a grey colour scheme is a timeless, yet sophisticated option.

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By exploring these bathroom colour scheme options - whether you choose earthy hues, bright accents, or cool and calming shades - you can create a bathroom that feels fresh, inviting, and uniquely you.