Choosing a colour scheme for any room needs careful consideration if you want to ensure that it does the space in question justice, is one you won't grow tired of quickly and, crucially, is unlikely to look dated before you've finished applying the final coat of paint.
Getting bathroom colour ideas just right can be much harder than in other areas of the home. This is because, practical usage aside, this is a room that needs to feel both restorative and energising, as well as calming and tranquil at different times of the day – and the shades associated with these states of being are very different.
From experience, I can say that the shade currently gracing the walls of the main bathroom in my own house is doing absolutely nothing for my enjoyment of it. We all know that some colours are better suited for certain rooms of the house than others, but are any shades an absolute no-no in the bathroom? I asked the experts and here's what they had to say.
5 colours to avoid in bathrooms
1. Cold, pure white
Opinion tends to be a little divided when it comes to all-white bathroom design ideas. On the one hand, you have the staunch minimalists who love nothing more than pure, snowy white surroundings, while on the other you have those that find this kind of space soulless and stark.
According to Mike Whitfield, luxury interiors expert at Lusso, there is no right or wrong here – it is more a case of deciding on the kind of space you are hoping for.
"Choosing the right colour palette for your bathroom depends largely on the overall look and feel that you want to achieve," picks up Mike. "For example, cold neutrals, especially pure white, while popular in modernist aesthetics, can feel out of place for more traditional bathroom ideas, making the space feel less warm and dated if done incorrectly."
"I’d be cautious of overly stark and chalky whites, which can feel quite clinical and cold without enough contrast or texture," says Camilla Masi, interior designer at Otto Tiles & Design, who goes on to suggest some better alternatives.
"For main bathrooms, especially those used daily, I tend to lean towards more balanced, nuanced palettes with depth. Warmer neutrals such as soft stone, clay and earthy terracotta, create a more grounded, inviting atmosphere, particularly when layered through natural materials."
With over 10 years of experience in the luxury homeware sector, and nearly 20 years of experience in e-commerce and online sales, Mike Whitfield has established strong relationships with B2C and B2B customers, including large developments and hotels worldwide. Additionally, he possesses a great eye for interior design and stays up-to-date with the latest trends.
Camilla is an Interior Designer at Otto Tiles & Design, where she works closely with clients to create characterful spaces built around beautiful tile and surface choices. With a strong eye for colour, pattern and proportion, she blends timeless design with modern detail, offering practical yet style-led guidance for kitchens, bathrooms and beyond.
2. Clinical pale grey
Another shade that can, if not used with caution, appear a little austere and on the cold side, is cool grey (something I can vouch for having used it for my own bathroom walls.) Thankfully, there are plenty of warmer alternatives to this type of grey to choose from.
"When designing a bathroom, the palette needs to work a little harder than in other spaces. It should feel energising in the morning, but equally calm and restorative in the evening, so it’s about striking a balance rather than leaning too far in one direction," explains Camilla Masi.
"To create a relaxing, cocooning environment, choose soft neutrals or pastels instead of cold grey," says Mike Whitfield. "Colours like cream or pale blue, or nature-inspired neutral tones, will transform your bathroom into a cosy, sophisticated sanctuary that is infused with warmth. These tones juxtapose beautifully with natural, organic materials, such as wooden vanity units or a freestanding stone bath, creating a balanced, harmonious space that lets you relax and enjoy your evenings."
Shop cosy neutral paint colours
Far warmer than a cold grey, this soft café au lait shade of brown would sit just as happily in a rustic bathroom as it would a fresh, modern space
With soft, pink undertones that manage to avoid being sickly, this shade is comforting and cocooning – perfect for a restorative space
A perfect example of 'greige' – a mix of cool and warm, grey and beige. The finish is highly scrubbable making it ideal for bathrooms
3. Moody dark reds and browns – in excess
Again, this is an area that has experts a little divided. While the use of dark, brooding shades can feel overwhelming and oppressive, it can also feel cosy and intimate – perfect for cottage bathroom ideas. The difference lies in the exact shades chosen and the way in which they are used.
"It’s important to be cautious when introducing deep, moody colours, like burgundy or dark brown, or very dark shades like navy or black," explains Mike Whitfield. "These colours can be overpowering when used incorrectly in a bathroom, making the space feel claustrophobic and oppressive, overwhelming the peaceful environment that you seek to create, especially if the space lacks natural light.
"Instead, you can introduce bold colours into the bathroom by creating a striking feature wall using colourful tiles, juxtaposed with calm neutral tones, brushed bronze fixtures and lots of warm lighting," continues Mike. "This adds a touch of personality and charm to the space without disrupting the tranquil spa-like feel that the space is intended to exude. This colour palette strikes a careful balance, creating a dramatic contrast that makes the space feel cosy, while maintaining the relaxing, spa-like bathroom feel.”
Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn, has some more tips on using dark colours successfully.
"When choosing colours for an interior space, several elements beyond just the colour itself must be considered to ensure the space is cohesive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing," says Cathryn. "Spaces with abundant natural light can handle darker colours, while rooms with limited natural light may benefit from lighter shades to keep the space bright. Painting a ceiling in darker colours can make it feel lower and more intimate, while lighter colours can make it appear higher, adding a sense of spaciousness."
Cathryn Sanders is Head of Creative at Earthborn and has worked for the brand for over a decade, meaning she has a wealth of knowledge on paints, trends and the interiors industry as a whole. Working on several colour launches, she is well-versed in trend forecasting, particularly with regard to colour, and subsequently gets the final say on all of Earthborn’s new colours and colour names.
4. 'On-trend' highly-saturated shades
If it is a classic, timeless bathroom you are aiming to create, try not to get seduced by the latest bathroom trends – they might look great in a showroom, or on the pages of a magazine, but you need to consider what they will be like to live with on a day-to-day basis, as well as how they will date.
"We advise steering clear of overly bold or 'trendy' shades like deep avocado greens, bright oranges, or high-contrast geometric patterns," reveals Ant Langston, bathroom industry expert at HeatandPlumb.com. "While they might feel current at the moment, they rarely have staying power and can date the quickest.
"It is worth thinking beyond short-lived trends. We would suggest avoiding very bold or highly saturated shades such as bright oranges, strong purples or vivid blues across large surfaces," agrees Nick Duggan, director at The Radiator Centre.
"While eye-catching at first, these colours can quickly feel overwhelming in what is typically a smaller, more enclosed space. Instead, there is a growing preference for softer, more restorative tones that help create a calm and spa-like atmosphere. Gentle neutrals, warm whites, soft greys and nature inspired hues such as sage green or muted blue tend to work well. These shades provide a timeless backdrop and look beautiful alongside materials such as stone, tile and brushed metals."
"A happiness-inducing colour is personal to each homeowner – but there are a few colours which are known for creating a welcoming environment," points out Cathryn Sanders. "Thanks to its connection with nature, a soft, sage green provokes feelings of balance and serenity, while a fresh and breezy blue promotes relaxation and escapism. The colour of the moment, a playful pink, is also certain to inject a positive and playful atmosphere into the bathroom, especially when paired with a neutral palette.”
Ant Langston is marketing manager of HeatandPlumb.com. Ant has a decade's worth of experience at in the bathroom, heating and bathroom furniture industry at HeatandPlumb.com, where he has authored hundreds of guides on interior design and technical plumbing
Nick has over 20 years of experience in central heating and radiators, leading the team at one of the UK's largest independent suppliers.
5. Over-used forest green and navy blue
Sometimes, a colour will become hugely popular, and really stick for some time – not just a fleeting fad. Then boom, just like that, everyone gets a bit sick of it. It doesn't necessarily look dated, more just a little overdone. And, according to the experts, this is what it happening with forest greens and navy. Fear not though, there is still a place for blue and green bathroom ideas – just in different shades to those moody versions we have seen so much of lately.
“We’re still seeing a lot of demand for blue shades," picks up Cathryn Sanders. "Renowned for its tranquil and calming qualities, blue is ideal for spaces dedicated to relaxation such as bathrooms.
“A colour trend continuing to dominate and grow in popularity is also green," adds Cathryn. "Bringing the spirit of the natural world within, and associated with balance, serenity, and renewal, it is therefore ideal for designing a calm and peaceful environment.
"As the world continues to emphasise eco-friendliness, these colours will likely remain popular, especially in interior design trends. Its diverse range of shades allows for flexibility in design, catering to both traditional and contemporary aesthetics alike.”
Shop modern green and blue paints
This soothing, yet fresh, shade can appear more blue or green depending on the type of light entering the room. It pairs beautifully with soft pinks and creamy whites
Designed to create a relaxing, calming vibe, the smoky undertones of this powdery blue won't overwhelm but are still capable of making a statement
If you are after a nature-inspired green this fresh mossy shade is just the thing. It has depth but avoids that sludgy-look of some greens
Which bathrooms colours are timeless?
Ideally, the colours you choose for your bathroom will look as fresh and relevant in ten years time as they do now — so what do the experts suggest?
"I'd say that, ultimately, the most successful bathroom schemes are those that feel considered and layered, rather than driven by a single colour," says Camilla Masi. "Subtle variation in tone, material and finish will always have more longevity than anything too flat or overly saturated."
Overall though, it was neutral bathrooms that got the unanimous vote when it came to shades that would stand the test of time.
"Timeless and versatile, neutrals are also colours that form the foundation of various design styles," says Cathryn Sanders. "Think beige, cream, grey, stone and ecru shades – all of these hues bring a warming appeal that not only grounds the space but creates a sense of calm too, perfect for the bathroom. These shades are timeless and classic and are ideally used to colour drench a bathroom to create a truly serene haven."
FAQ
Can you use bright colours in a bathroom without them dating?
Fans of bright and bold colours need not miss out here. There is still a place for colour – it just needs to be used in a considered way.
"No colour is ever completely off-limits – it’s more about how it’s applied," says Camilla Masi. "A deep or vibrant tone can work beautifully when introduced through pattern, material or smaller moments – a chequerboard floor, a striped tile, or a veined marble – rather than covering every surface."
"There are a number of interesting ways to add pops of colour to the bathroom using the peek-a-boo paint concept," adds Cathryn Sanders. "Painting the inside of drawers or the fronts of cupboard doors will add visual interest and character, while being creative with a different colour around your doors and by painting skirting boards will bring some drama and personality into the room. Don’t be afraid to be playful with your colour pops – highlight certain details like around light switches or hooks on walls and doors for that extra touch of fun.”
If you have decided to stick to a largely neutral colour scheme, don't feel that you can't still use a few of the latest ways to apply paint. Colour capping, for example, is a great way to add another layer of the same hue in your bathroom, and when used in the right way could even help your small bathroom ideas feel bigger.
