Are you looking to redecorate your small bathroom this year? Small bathrooms can easily look dark and dingy. However, with a strategic colour scheme, you can transform your small bathroom into a light-filled oasis, making it appear brighter and larger. So, which colours work best in a smaller-sized bathroom?
Below, bathroom design expert, Sam Waring, at HomeAdviceGuide.com has created a guide on the best small bathroom colour ideas. Sam explores the best colour schemes for small bathrooms, maximising space and creating a sense of serenity. Take a look at the list below.
Classic White
Classic white is a timeless champion for a good reason. White beautifully reflects light, making your bathroom feel airy and open. This is especially crucial in bathrooms that don’t get a lot of natural light. Pair your crisp white walls with bright white fixtures and chrome accents for a clean, modern look. The white canvas creates a sense of hygiene and helps to keep the space feeling uncluttered. This shade is perfect for a minimalist aesthetic.
Warm Neutrals
If bright white feels a little too sterile for your taste, consider choosing warm neutrals like a soft beige, creamy ivory, cashmere or a pale greige. These colours offer a touch of warmth that can be especially inviting in the mornings. They maintain the light-reflecting properties that visually expand the space, making your small bathroom feel larger than it actually is. Plus, neutrals help to invoke a sense of nature in the space and work particularly well when paired with some fresh houseplants.
Soft Blues and Greens
Introduce a spa-like ambience to your small bathroom with pale shades of blue and green. Soft blues like sky blue or aqua provide a sense of calmness and tranquillity, giving off the impression of clear skies and gentle waters. Pale greens like seafoam green or sage green bring the feeling of nature indoors, creating a peaceful retreat in your small bathroom. These colours promote relaxation, making them ideal for creating a spa-like haven in your own home.
Dark and Dramatic
Feel free to embrace the unexpected. Dark, saturated colours like emerald green or navy blue can work wonders in small bathrooms with enough natural light. These dramatic colours create a luxurious, jewel-box feel, especially when paired with good lighting and metallic accents. Think of luxurious hotel bathrooms for some inspiration. Dark colours can add a touch of sophistication and glamour to a small bathroom, making it feel unique and intimate.
Soft Yellows
If your small bathroom lacks natural light, channel a sense of sunshine with pale yellow tones. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially in bathrooms that are north-facing or have limited windows. Pale yellows can add a touch of cheerfulness and brightness, making your small bathroom feel more energising.
Earthy Greens
Embrace the outdoors and add a bit of a nature feel to your small bathroom with muted green tones reminiscent of nature. Olive green or a soft sage green can create a calming and grounding effect, perfect for a bathroom sanctuary. Earthy greens can promote relaxation and create a spa-like atmosphere, ideal for unwinding after a long day.
Pale Silver
Are you looking to create something that feels a bit more luxurious? Consider introducing a touch of sophistication with a pale silver. This cool tone adds a hint of glamour and pairs well with chrome or nickel fixtures for a timeless look. Pale silver can elevate the look of your small bathroom, giving it a polished and luxurious feel.
Light Taupe
For a more classic and luxurious feel, consider a light taupe. This sophisticated neutral shade adds depth without overwhelming the small space, creating a sense of richness. Light taupe pairs well with a variety of colours and materials, making it a very versatile choice for small bathroom design.
Playful Pink
For a light and airy feel, consider a soft, dusty rose or a barely-there blush pink. This pale shade pairs beautifully with white fixtures and chrome accents, creating a romantic and inviting atmosphere. If you’re looking for a touch of whimsy, explore slightly bolder pale pinks with a touch of peach or coral. These playful tones can add personality to your small bathroom and pair well with white or light grey fixtures. Consider incorporating this colour through painted walls, patterned wallpaper with a pale pink background, or even pink towels and bathmats.
Consider Creating an Accent Wall
Do you love a particular bold colour, but you’re hesitant to commit to painting the entire bathroom? Consider adding an accent wall. Choose one wall, ideally the one opposite the entrance, to create a focal point and add a pop of colour. Introduce a pop of colour like sunshine yellow, a calming lavender, or a trendy blush pink without overwhelming the space. For the truly adventurous, explore richer options like a deep teal or a terracotta that adds warmth. Consider even more daring choices like a rich eggplant purple or a charcoal grey for a truly unique look. An accent wall allows you to incorporate bolder colours while maintaining a sense of balance in your small bathroom.
High Gloss Finish
Select a paint finish with a slight sheen or high gloss. This reflective quality bounces light around the room, further enhancing the feeling of spaciousness and making the room seem much brighter.
Pattern Play
Small bathrooms can handle small-scale patterned wallpapers or stencils, especially on a single accent wall. Geometric patterns can add a touch of modern flair, while floral prints can introduce a touch of whimsy. Just avoid large, busy patterns that can visually shrink the space.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many great colours that work well in a small bathroom. The key to maximising a small bathroom with colour is to create a sense of openness and lightness. By choosing the right colour scheme and incorporating these additional tips, you can transform your small bathroom into a bright and beautiful haven, proving that good things truly do come in small packages.
