Best Colors for Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are very special rooms to design. They are often part spa, part locker room and even part fantasy space. With all these competing ideas, finding a color that suits all of these purposes can be a challenge, so I thought I would break down some different color groups to help you make your decision. I have limited myself to the most popular color groups. I stayed away from the natural wood stain colors and super deep colors as I think those probably deserve a posting of their own. You will also notice that I have not included a green section. For me, green is a problematic color for bathrooms, it reflects light in an unflattering way and with a few exceptions is not a great choice for a bathroom. 

The area of the world you are in, the amount of natural versus artificial light, even the color of artificial light that you have will all affect how various colors react, so it is always best to create a large sample of colors, maybe on a board so you can see it on each wall, and at a variety of times of the day to see how it changes, before you commit to a color.

You might also want to check out my previous posts on Kitchen Colors and Choosing Bedroom Colors to Match Your Mood.

Neutral

A bathroom with a painted brick wall, modern hanging lights, a topiary and a freestanding tub is painted in a neutral tone.

For anyone familiar with the interior design work that we do around the world, you will know that Neutrals are our go to color group. Ranging from a soft beige all the way through to a rich taupe I find that neutral color schemes are easy to use, typically very flattering on the skin and allow the design features of a bathroom, such as tile and cabinet designs to really shine. 

When to Use: In rooms with plenty of natural light. Also light neutrals are a great alternative for people who want something light and classic but feel that white is too stark.

When to Avoid: If you have a room with some lighting challenges this is probably not the color group for you. It can easily go a bit drab and even grubby looking if not handled correctly.

Gray

A bathroom with a painted brick wall, modern hanging lights, a topiary and a freestanding tub is painted in gray.

As I mentioned in the introduction, many bathrooms strive to have a spa-like quality to them. Quiet, restrained and soothing are all words that resonate with a lot of people when creating their ultimate bathroom design. If that is the goal, then look no further than the gray spectrum of your paint fan deck. Light pale grays are evocative of soothing clouds of steam, where deeper grays create a more meditative, brooding feel. Either way this is an excellent color choice.

When to Use: Perfect for creating a soothing, bath retreat, a simple color palette potentially accented with crisp white of driftwood colored stains. It’s a good choice even with limited natural light, as its introspective nature is part of the allure.

When to Avoid: This is not a color group for the vibrant, sunny, tropical kind of feel. It is quiet, restrained and inward looking if you are going for joyful and exuberant, look elsewhere on this list.

White

A bathroom with a painted brick wall, modern hanging lights, a topiary and a freestanding tub is painted in white.

While for some this color may be too clinical and sharp, there is something that is so fundamental about a white bathroom. It feels clean, crisp and functional without sacrificing style and personality. It is always going to be a great backdrop for your life that is both classic and timeless. I have always been a fan of white bathroom fittings and linens, so an all white bathroom just seems like a natural extension of that.

When to use: In a modern space is there really any other choice? While not entirely true, it is certainly always a great place to start. Also in rooms that have little natural light, the inherent reflectivity will serve you well and help you create a bright space where none existed before.

When to Avoid: Of all the colors on this list I am not sure I have a situation where you would want to avoid white. Clearly if you want a colored room then this is not your choice. But regardless of modern or traditional, spa like or urban white can adapt, making it the most versatile on the list. If there was a word of caution, just know not all whites are created equally, be careful about the undertones, some will lean blue and some will lean green and that should be taken into account when you make your selection.

Blue

A bathroom with a painted brick wall, modern hanging lights, a topiary and a freestanding tub is painted in a pale blue.

Another great choice for a more spa-like or coastal style bathroom. Mixed with a classic white painted cabinet this color will give you a tidy, pulled together feel that will feel stylish but timeless. Perfect for people for whom gray may feel a little too washed out and who want a touch more color. Clearly the tie in between blue and water can be exploited to create an aquatic feel to the space, and accented with shells etc will give you the coastal bath of your dreams.

When to Use: Ideal for a traditional style bathroom with just enough color to keep it interesting but not so much that it affects the way colors are reflected etc. Blues come in a pretty wide spectrum. More grayed out tones are great for a spa sensibility. A more green/blue will give that south Florida pop, while a deeper navy tone will evoke the classical nautical theme.

When to Avoid: I would stay away from intense green blue colors like turquoise or even some of the deeper light tones like Robins Egg, I think you will start to see weird color interactions with some skin tones and that is something you should avoid at all costs.

Yellow

A bathroom with a painted brick wall, modern hanging lights, a topiary and a freestanding tub is painted in a pale yellow.

I saved one of my favorites til last. There is something about a yellow room that I find especially appealing. It may be the sense of sunshine, and at night it may be the romantic feel of candlelight, but I find both of those scenarios ideal for using in a bathroom. Yellow is a great color to use in a room that is starved of natural light, especially if you are using LED light (which has a somewhat blueish tint). Also, for a room that is used mostly at night I find the yellow tones especially flattering.

When to Use: For a room that you want to feel romantic, like it is lit by candles, there is almost no other choice. Also for a room that opens nicely to the outside or perhaps even a garden this color will work well for, it will create a sense of daylight in even the most drab of spaces, it is the color of joy.

When to Avoid: This is a color that sits very well with a traditional or transitional style bathroom, I would probably avoid it for something too modern, I feel like you will be fighting the color the whole time. As much as I love this color scheme, I steer clear of yellows that are too saturated, like Sunflower, with those tones I think you will start having reflective issues too.

Hopefully this guide helps with your selection process. Color is an incredibly powerful tool and it can make or break even the best designs. Remember at Mark Cutler Design we are experts not just at selecting the right color for your walls, but in creating entire atmospheres that will lift, elevate and inspire you. Reach out and see how we can transform your home, one room at a time.