From soft butter, muted mustard, to zesty lemon, yellow is the colour of the moment. If you’re tempted to welcome it to your bathroom, this is your sign to go for it…
In colour psychology, yellow inspires feelings of positivity, making it an ideal choice for a family bathroom or intimate ensuite. It is surprisingly versatile, suiting a range of styles, from classic to modern. And since yellow is a primary shade, it pairs well with different hues such as greens and blues, pinks and reds, as well as earthier tones like greys and burnt oranges.
The Mellow Yellow paint by YesColours adds a fun and playful touch to this kids’ bathroom by Kerv Interiors.
So, how can you welcome yellow to your bathroom? Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux, recommends introducing pops of yellow paint for a boost of energy and refreshment, which will kick off your day ‘much like your favourite lemony shower gel’, she says.
If you are feeling brave, why not embrace the colour-drenching trend by saturating your space in this joyful hue – from the wall and floor coverings to the furniture. You can stick to one shade, such as butter yellow for a mellow look, or go bold with a more vibrant tone.
But you don’t have to go big; yellow has the same mood-boosting effect in smaller doses, too. “If you want to create a colour statement in your bathroom, painting a vanity unit with a butter yellow shade or incorporating a yellow concrete bath is the perfect way for a stand-alone feature to gain attention,” advises Mike Whitfield, luxury interiors expert at Lusso.
This yellow vanity by Parker & Howley is adorned with flutes and scalloped detailing.
Ready to get inspired? Read on for some of my favourite yellow bathroom ideas, sure to provide a much-needed dopamine kick…
Inspiration gallery
The bathroom in this North London project is a calming, sun-filled space. “Yellow is a tonic, particularly uplifting on those grey London winters. The ceiling and walls, with the softening effect of curved corners, are finished in waterproof plaster Forecrete,” says Charles Tashima, director at Studio Tashima. “We extended this colour to the reeded cupboard doors in a slightly softer, more buttery-yellow tone. The golden finish of the brass fittings echoes and complements the warmth of the yellow, catching the light and adding a soft gleam and radiance.” Design and architecture by Studio Tashima. Photography: Anna Batchelor.Coloured sanitaryware is in! Opt for a buttery shade for a light and bright scheme. Cielo Shui Comfort basin in Canapa finish, £852, available at C.P. Hart.If you prefer a more saturated look, mustard tones are versatile, suiting both classic and contemporary schemes. Hoppers Hat, £70 for 2.5 litres of Eggshell paint, Fired Earth.Play with different yellow tones to add interest and depth to your bathroom. Here, the walls are painted in a bright hue while the flooring is much more muted. Aventuras Porcelain tiles in Ochre Field and Linen Field, £78.67 per sq m each, Ca’ Pietra. Bath by BC Deigns. Bring a slice of sunshine to your bathroom with charming wall and floor tiles and matching warm yellow paint. Capri Terracotta decorative tiles, £56.75 per sq m, Stone Superstore.Love stripes? Drench your space in this ever-popular pattern with the help of white and mustard yellow tiles. Promenade tile collection in Margate, £119.87 per sq m, Original Style. Give your vanity area a bit of TLC with a basin upgrade. Here, brass finishes complement the modern Costolato concrete countertop basin 50cm in Saffron, £497, Lusso.Create a holiday-inspired bathing space with a freestanding tub, sunny yellow tiles, and luxurious brassware. Deck-mounted bath set with handshower and swan spout in Soft Black, £2415, Varied Forms. Add a subtle pop of yellow to your bathroom through a colourful tap. Nu two-hole mixer in Honey Yellow, £362, seen here with 800mm Ona vanity unit and countertop in Matt Green, £1223, both Roca.The vibrant yellow in this classic bathroom by Kelling Designs stands out, contrasted by crisp white panelling, sanitaryware and furniture. A similar bathroom design starts from £10,000.