There’s no doubt about it – colour is back in the bathroom. But before you pre-order that retro-inspired coloured suite or bold bathtub, here is how to pick a successful scheme that will last…

Choosing a colour for a bathroom is such an individual choice. What one person may find uplifting or relaxing, may not work for someone else.

It’s not just a matter of what your preferences are, either – there are many factors at play that can affect your scheme. KBB journo Charlotte Luxford has the lowdown…

Consider the bathroom’s lighting

Before you decide on a shade, it’s important to consider the room’s lighting – natural and artificial. Both interior designer Claire Garner and CP Hart’s director of client design Emma Scott recommend applying samples around the room and observing how the colours change throughout the day.

They also suggest checking the undertones of your paint colour to ensure they suit the light. “Generally speaking, colours with warm undertones will bring comfort and tranquillity, especially if you’re working with a tricky north-facing or light-starved room,” explains Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

The bathroom size

The size of your bathroom can be a factor too. As a nation, our average bathroom is under five sq m, so more often than not you’ll be working with a compact space and your colour scheme can help or hinder your design.

Designers are waving goodbye to the traditional white ceiling and, instead, they’re adopting the colour drenching technique. “It can help avoid visual breaks that make a space feel smaller,” reveals Emma.

Claire also says that using too many colours in a confined space can make the room feel chaotic and disjointed, disrupting the visual harmony that a well-thought-out palette should create. That’s not to say your scheme should be dull – in fact, the very opposite.

Elizabeth Ennis, from Wolfe Interiors, recommends finding one element that you fall in love with and using that as your starting point for your scheme. “Choose the tile of your dreams in a strong colour you’re drawn to, or look at beautiful vanity units and striking freestanding baths available in bespoke colours as a focal point,” she says.

Materiality

Don’t forget that the success of your overall scheme isn’t just about the colours you choose, it’s also about the variety of the materials you use. “Without texture, a colour scheme can feel flat and uninspired, as textures bring tactile richness and dimension to the space,” adds Claire.

Bathroom colour palettes

In terms of colours to work with, there’s no right or wrong answer per se… with a few exceptions. Francesca Wezel, founder of Francesca’s Paints, advises that neon brights and vibrant shades of yellow, green or red should be avoided, especially if you’re using the bathroom to get ready, as they can alter the appearance of your skin tone; plus, these shades aren’t conducive to relaxing and may date quickly.

Ruth also adds that if you’re incorporating white into your scheme, be careful to use a natural mineral white containing no blue to avoid creating a cold atmosphere.

It may come as no surprise that colours derived from nature – stone-coloured neutrals and fresh greens and blues – are always big hitters in a bathroom, creating that spa-like, soothing atmosphere. “Vibrant and fresh, lighter neutrals invigorate and uplift, as well as providing a perfect backdrop for your towels and bathroom accessories,” reveals Ruth.

But, equally, she says not to overlook the soothing power of darker shades, stating that deep, sumptuous colours can give your bathroom a luxurious, nurturing feel, resulting in a cosy and comforting retreat. “Surround yourself with deep blue or intense green to cocoon yourself and give yourself time to reflect and step away from the everyday.”

Many designers also agree that the more recent trend for plaster pinks, warm terracotta shades and earthy browns is here for the long haul, offering a rich, sumptuous look. “These earthy tones bring a natural warmth and sophistication to bathrooms, and pair well with a variety of materials, from marble to wood, ensuring they’ll remain stylish for years to come,” says Jorge Hernandez, head of design at Bathroom Brands Group.

“Against a neutral background, earthy hues really pop, and homeowners can add brushed bronze brassware and textured finishes to complement this.”

Complementing shades

Whichever palette you choose, there are a variety of ways to incorporate colour creatively. However, it’s important that the shades you pick don’t fight against one another.

Elizabeth says the paint colour should always be a backdrop for your tile choice, so ensure it will complement rather than compete against your tiles, especially if they’re quite striking. Ruth suggests that colour blocking with contrasting tones is a great tool for introducing colour into your bathroom, without it feeling overwhelming.

Using a bolder tone on your ceiling, for example, will draw all focus to the height of the room, while a painted vanity, bath or woodwork in a vibrant shade is a simple way to add an element of surprise.

Emma does suggest that paintable baths or furniture are safer bets than choosing solid-coloured baths or suites, which you may tire of after a few years and can be costly to replace.

The finishing touches

The materials and finishes that complete your scheme can also make a difference. For instance, try incorporating accents like brass or nickel to help elevate ‘safer’ colours – brass will add a touch of luxury and infuse energy into the space.

Tiles can also create interest through the application of striking veining, tonal variation and unusual laying patterns. “For example, a beige herringbone stone floor against a glossy white metro wall tile is an excellent way to create a decorative look while in keeping with a neutral palette,” says Isabel Fernandez from Quorn Stone.

Lastly, selecting the right paint and finish is vital for your scheme.

Practicalities

Bathrooms are subject to high humidity so always opt for a moisture-resistant, durable paint finish. A specialist bathroom paint will have a slightly higher sheen content to standard emulsion, but allows the walls to be easily cleaned in wet and humid areas, and helps to avoid the paint peeling.

For cabinetry and any woodwork, an eggshell or satin paint is best for a durable finish. It’s worth noting that darker paint may require more upkeep, particularly in high-traffic bathrooms where water spots and soap residues can o en be more visible.

Ultimately, your bathroom renovation should last 10 years, if not longer, so before you make key decisions, consider carefully whether you’ll still love it in a decade.

If you’re unsure, choose a safer option for bigger investment pieces like the bath or those harder-to-change elements, such as tiles, and instead be a bit bolder with paintable features or smaller buys such as accessories that can be refreshed after a few years.

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