How To Choose the Perfect Bathroom Colour Scheme - A Comprehensive Guide

Published by: Kevin Sears

11th September 23

Colour Scheme

Reading Time: 4 mins 23 secs

You’ve planned your new bathroom’s layout, you know the fixtures that will bring it to life, but there’s one daunting task that still needs to be ticked off: finding the perfect colour scheme for your space.

With countless shades and combinations to choose from, selecting the right hues for your dream bathroom can feel very overwhelming. But fear not, we’re here to help!

Whether you're looking to create a serene spa-like oasis, a vibrant and energising space, or a stylish and modern retreat, in this guide we'll discuss the key elements to consider when creating a bathroom colour scheme that reflects your personality and the experience you want to create.

Step one: Assess your bathroom space

Before you do anything, the crucial first step is taking the time to understand and assess your available bathroom space.

Space and colour have a very important relationship: darker colours can make a small bathroom feel even more cramped, while lighter colours can make the space feel more open and airy. So, definitely take into account the size and layout of your bathroom when picking out colours. 

The same goes for the levels of natural and artificial lighting in your bathroom. Colours can look different depending on the lighting, so it's essential to test how different colours will look in your space at different times of the day. If your bathroom lacks natural light, consider using lighter colours to make the space feel brighter.

Finally, think about what colours will work with your planned – or existing – bathroom fixtures and the materials used in your space. The plan is to ultimately choose a colour scheme that complements these features.

Step two: Understand colour psychology

The colours of a space have a big impact on how we feel about it. This is because of colour psychology, which is all about how different colours affect our mood and behaviour.

For example, it’s proven that warm tones like reds and yellows create an inviting, energetic atmosphere for many of us, while cool colours like blue and green tones evoke feelings of calmness and tranquillity. Neutral colours, on the other hand, don’t come with the same emotional connections, but they are much more versatile and timeless.

If you want your bathroom to conjure certain emotional responses in yourself, your family and your guests, then colour psychology is a really important consideration in your repainting project. 

Step three: Get to know the colour scheme trends

Bathroom colour schemes trends are like any trend – they come and go. That said, some are a lot more timeless than others. If you're looking to update your bathroom, it’s a good idea to know some of the big ones.

One of the most popular bathroom colour schemes is what’s known to some as ‘timeless elegance’ – a sophisticated, low maintenance environment that never goes out of style (a big reason why it’s so popular). Think crisp whites and subtle greys, or classic black and white.

Another popular – and very different – option is the ‘nature-inspired retreat’. This time think walls painted in earthy greens, warm browns or serene blues. Combined with wooden bath mats and seashell-shaped soap dishes, and you’re left with a calming setting reminiscent of the natural world. 

Then we have ‘modern minimalism’. Perfect for neutral bathrooms based around minimalist design, this colour scheme uses cool greys, muted blues, soft whites and pale pastels – alongside centrepiece fixtures like a mirrored bathroom cabinet – to create a serene and contemporary space and experience. 

And there are many more colour schemes than these three examples – really the possibilities are in many ways endless: there’s a colour scheme for every taste!

Step four: Find the right colours

Now’s the time to find the right colours for your bathroom. But where to start?

Think about your personal style and preferences. What colours do you love? Knowing the basics of colour psychology, how do you want yourself and others to feel in your bathroom? Do you want a calm and relaxing atmosphere, or something more bold and energetic?

Here it's also important to think about the rest of your home. Your bathroom should complement your home's overall design, decor and feel. If you have a minimalist home design, for example, consider choosing a minimalist bathroom colour scheme that’s consistent with that.

But don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone – experimenting with new accents and accessories may help you discover a pop of colour that could prove to be your favourite feature.

And how does this all work in practice? The classic paint swatch is still our favourite way to get a sense of how colours will look in a space.

Step five: Integrate colour in your bathroom

You’ve found the right colours and now the real work begins!

You need to work out how to introduce those colours to your space. And there are several ways you can do this.

Painting your walls and ceilings is the natural first place to start, where a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference on the overall look and feel of the bathroom. If you can’t commit all four walls to a striking new colour, why not create a feature wall? And if you’re refreshing your bathroom – rather than a full renovation – consider giving your bathroom fixtures and accessories an update for quick and easy results. 

And it’s not all about a fresh lick of paint. You can integrate colour in your bathroom by swapping your taps or shower head for more colourful alternatives, like chrome, brushed steel, matt black and brushed brass. 

The same thinking applies to towels, bath mats and rugs, curtains and blinds, artwork and of course your bathroom furniture. Vanity units in particular are a popular way to cement style, which is why our range of units come in a huge variety of finishes and colours.- 

When it comes to integrating colour, bear in mind that sometimes the smallest updates can make the biggest impact!

Over to you

And there we have it! That’s how you can find the perfect bathroom colour scheme in five simple, accessible steps. Now it’s over to you to put them to practise.

We’d love to know how you get on!

Kevin Sears

About Kevin Sears

Kevin Sears is a bathroom and interior design blogger here at 34 St John. He creates original content utilising his extensive knowledge of the bathroom industry and latest trends.

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