Irina

Coloured bathroom sanitaryware is back: here’s how to do it right

Posted on 23rd January 2025

While bold and bright shades have slowly been sneaking into our interiors in the past few years, from dopamine décor being all the rage to the latest colour-drenching decorating technique, 2025 is the year we will see colour burst into our bathrooms…

Coloured sanitaryware is nothing new – I bet you’re picturing the avocado bathrooms of the 70s – but it’s reaching new heights this year. According to Marcus Pearson, head of design at specialist bathroom and interiors manufacturer Nuie, it is set to dominate the trends chart in 2025. “Inspired by retro designs, vibrant-coloured baths, sinks, and toilets are making a comeback, but I have noticed, with modern materials and finishes incorporated,” says Marcus.

Pink toilet in a wood-clad bathroom with pastel decor and a checkerboard floor. — Callipyge toilet by Trone.

Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms, says: “Today’s resurgence of coloured sanitaryware isn’t just a rehash of trends from a by-gone era. Instead, it is more of a refined reinterpretation for 21st Century living, including a more contemporary take.”

Blue basin and matching freestanding tub in a colour-drenched scheme. — Avolto bath, £2297, and Colonna freestanding basin, £797, both an Azure blue finish from Lusso‘s Colore collection, .

Cielo Otis pedestal basin; Floorstanding WC, and bidet in Gloss Corallo finish, C.P. Hart.

So, if you are looking to spruce up your bathroom and embrace coloured sanitaryware, how can you ensure your design won’t date?

Finding the right colour

Trendy colours come and go, so although selecting the right shade might seem like an impossible task, it’s one of the key factors in creating a design that lasts the test of time. Don’t know where to start? Louise recommends nature-inspired hues. “Ensuring that coloured sanitaryware won’t date in a hurry is a colour palette of subdued, sophisticated tones of earthy hues such as taupes and olives – colours that promise longevity and timeless appeal.”

Richard Ticehurst, brand expert at Burlington, agrees and says: “When choosing colourful sanitaryware, it’s important to select a colour that feels timeless and can withstand the cycle of trends. One effective way to do this is by opting for softer, more muted shades that won’t easily go out of style.”

Country bathroom design with a freestanding tub on feed in a special order colour, a light yellow-green. — Senator bath with bun feet in a special order colour, from £6147 with feet, BC Designs.

However, if you are a lover of colour and have been dreaming about a pink toilet or bold blue basin, it’s important to make sure it seamlessly integrates into the overall bathroom design; wallpaper, tiles, and accessories can help you create a cohesive scheme with a focal point – the sanitaryware.

“If you prefer a bolder colour, pairing it with more neutral furniture and finishes can help balance the space. This approach draws attention to the colourful sanitaryware without overwhelming the room,” advises Richard.

Green concrete basins on sleek bathroom furniture near a walk-in shower. — Entero Concrete Vessel basin in Spring Green, £275, Hib.

A pink freestanding bath in a neutral scheme. — Vermont Blossom freestanding bath, £1347, Nôsa.

A neutral scheme with coloured sanitaryware. — Otis Oval freestanding washbasin with Twin column by Cielo in Canapa, £1368, available at West One Bathrooms.

High-quality materials

Materials play an important role in how long you will enjoy your new coloured bathroom sanitaryware. “It’s also essential to choose sanitaryware made from high-quality, durable materials. This will help maintain the colour and prevent fading over time. Regular cleaning is also key to preserving the finish and ensuring the products continue to look new,” says Richard.

Bathroom design with metro tiles on half of the wall and patterned wallpaper on the upper half with coloured sanitaryware. — Bespoke Enchanted Blue Edwardian basin with standard pedestal, from £954, Burlington.

A pink countertop basin in a white bathroom. — Lussari 55 basin, from £610.62, Victoria + Albert Baths.

The design of your new sanitaryware

Lastly, don’t overlook the shape of your new bathroom solution – you may like it now, but will you love it in five years’ time? If the answer is yes, then go for it but take time to think about this when shopping for new sanitaryware and make conscious decisions based on personal taste, not fleeting trends.

“Design is another important factor to consider, as styles can shift over time. Opt for classic shapes and structures that don’t dominate the room too much, allowing the overall design to remain timeless,” recommends Richard.

So, do you dare to go bold?