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41 Bathroom Color Ideas That Will Wake Up Your Space

bathroom color ideas

Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd

While there’s nothing wrong with white walls, a colorful bathroom can energize your home and your spirit and give you a chance to add a jolt of personality to your decor. Whether you gravitate toward soothing coastal shades of blue, nature-inspired earth tones like muted greens and sandy beiges, cheerful shades of yellow, pink, purple, orange, or red, or moody tones of brown, charcoal, and black, adding color to your bathroom can change your mood and make your decor more memorable.

The easiest way to add color to your bathroom is through wall paint that as a side bonus can be easily changed if you want something new down the road. But you can add color to your bathroom with everything from tiling to flooring to wallpaper and textiles such as shower curtains and towels.

Check out these stylish spaces decorated in every shade of the rainbow to inspire you to experiment with color in the bathroom. 

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    Terracotta

    bathroom color ideas

    Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd

    Caroline Andreoni Interior Design paired a sober black sink vanity with lively geometric black-and-white floor tile and vibrant terracotta walls to give this Paris bathroom a memorable and uplifting feel.

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    Earthy Green

    bathroom color ideas

    Mary Patton Design

    Earthy green wall paint gives this bathroom from Mary Patton Design a relaxing, natural feel. Brass accents and a wood-framed half circle mirror add warmth.

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    Royal Blue

    bathroom color ideas

    Tyler Karu Design + Interiors / Photo by Erin Little

    Tyler Karu Design + Interiors used royal blue paint to complement patterned tile in this Maine bathroom located in a historic home, balancing the bold color with plenty of white to keep it feeling fresh and coastal. Patterned blue-and-white Turkish towels hanging on the wall continue the color story.

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    Pink

    bathroom color ideas

    Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd

    Caroline Andreoni Interior Design added textured pink walls to this luminous Parisian bathroom that adds softness and romance to the airy space. The pink walls add color that complements the floor-to-ceiling built-ins, daisy patterned penny tile flooring, bright gold-toned brass accents, and curved bay windows over the soaking tub that allow natural light to flow in.

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    Powder Blue

    bathroom color ideas

    Mary Patton Design

    This powder blue bathroom from Mary Patton Design has a timeless, old world feel, with a white skirted sink between a pair of windows decorated with billowy white window shades. The cool-toned bathroom is finished with a mix of gray floor tiles, silver plumbing fixtures, and a decorative Venetian mirror over the sink that adds sparkle.

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    Orange-Yellow

    bathroom color ideas

    Dazey Den

    Any shade of yellow paint works well in a bathroom, especially if it is short on windows or lacking in natural light, to bring the sunshine in and help kickstart your morning. Dazey Den added bright orange-yellow wall paint to this Palm Springs bathroom that energizes the small space. Gold patterned wallpaper and colorful wall art in shades of pink, orange, and red on the opposite wall take things a step further.

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    Sage Green

    colorful bathroom ideas

    Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki Photography

    Earthy sage green paint adds a soothing zen vibe to this spacious bathroom from Jessica Nelson Design with its mix of cool-toned stone and tiles, warm wood cabinetry, and shiny brass fixtures.

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    Navy

    bathroom color ideas

    Kate Marker Interiors

    Navy paint on the shiplap walls gives this coastal modern farmhouse bathroom from Kate Marker Interiors a crisp feel.

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    Pistachio Green

    bathroom color ideas

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly

    Pistachio wall tiles and a sculptural green sink lend fresh feeling vintage vibes to this bathroom from Leanne Ford Interiors that is contrasted with black-and-white wallpaper on the top half of the walls and ceiling.

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    Brown

    bathroom color ideas

    Neva Interior Design / Photo by Agathe Tissier

    This small powder room from Paris-based Neva Interior Design has a throwback 1970s feel with its warm cocoa-colored walls and ceiling, but bright white fixtures keep it feeling fresh and up to date, and a large round mirror reflects light in the compact space to make it feel larger than it is.

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    Lilac

    paint color ideas

    Mary Patton Design

    Mary Patton Design painted her daughter's bathroom in a vibrant pastel shade of lilac purple that adds romance and happy vibes to the otherwise neutral space.

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    Warm Beige

    bathroom color ideas

    Becca Interiors

    Becca Interiors used warm sandy beige paint on the walls and ceiling of this relaxing bathroom to create a soothing spot for bubble baths in the silver-toned garden tub.

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    Purple

    bathroom color ideas

    Whittney Parkinson Design

    Whittney Parkinson Design mixed textured matte purple walls with bright gold accents, classic black-and-white diamond patterned floor tiles, and a rough hewn stone sink to create a surprising mix that you don't see everyday.

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  • 14 of 41

    All Black

    bathroom color ideas

    Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd

    Caroline Andreoni Interior Design created a sexy all-black powder room with lounge bar vibes in this Paris apartment that includes black stone walls and a black toilet and sink, mixed with gold accents for a touch of bling.

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    Sunshine Yellow

    bathroom color ideas

    Dazey Den

    Sunshine yellow walls and poppy geometric wall art brightens the walls of this poppy Palm Springs bathroom from Dazey Den.

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    Warm Gray

    bathroom color ideas

    Becca Interiors

    Becca Interiors drenched the walls of this modern farmhouse style bathroom with warm medium-toned gray paint that makes the space feel cozy and calm and leaves room for the vintage sink to shine. White and gray checkerboard diamond floor tiles and painted wood window shutters make the space feel timeless and classic.

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    Deep Blue

    bathroom color ideas

    Erin Williamson Design

    Paint isn't the only way to create a bold impact with color in the bathroom. Erin Williamson Design used handmade tile from floor to ceiling in shades of deep blue to give this bathroom a vibrant dose of color and personality that is accented with a gold mirror and star-shaped glass pendant light.

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    Green

    bathroom color ideas

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photo

    Cathie Hong Interiors paired green walls with a blonde wood floating sink vanity, geometric floor tiles, and black floating shelves and plumbing fixtures to give this small bathroom a fresh and modern feel.

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    Taupe

    bathroom color ideas

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Desiree Burns Interiors gave this small bathroom a whisper of color with soft shades of taupe paint on the walls and sink vanity that feel as light and airy as stark white but are just a smidgen warmer and more inviting.

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    Black

    bathroom color ideas

    Mary Patton Design

    Matte black paint gives this powder room from Mary Patton Design a moody and enveloping feel, while brass accents add a point of light and shine.

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    Two-Tone Pink

    bathroom color ideas

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photo

    Two shades of pink on the walls add color and cheer to this bright California bathroom from Cathie Hong Interiors, while black and white fixtures and decor keeps the color from feeling too sugary.

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    Moody Blue

    bathroom color ideas

    White Sands

    White Sands added textured moody blue walls to this Southern California bathroom that subtly evoke the movement of the sea and create a sense of depth. Warm woods and plenty of white keep the room feeling fresh and coastal.

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    Pink + Black

    bathroom color ideas

    Design by Andrea May Interiors / Photo by Karyn Millet

    This modern boudoir bathroom from Andrea May Interiors is full of charm and retro style, with a pink and black palette that includes pink and black floral wallpaper, black painted wainscoting, and a simple black tile floor in a geometrical pattern. Gold accents and a mix of new and antique furniture and decor give the space a timeless feel.

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    Gray

    bathroom color ideas

    Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd

    This gray bathroom from Paris-based Caroline Andreoni Interior Design has a contemporary feel with its mix of clean lines, black and white accents, glass shower, and vintage brass-framed mirrors and wall sconces that add warmth and contrast.

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    Blue + Green

    bathroom color ideas

    Design by Max Humphrey and Beebe Skidmore for Emily Henderson Design / Photo By Kaitlin Green

    Two tones of tile in shades of blue and green laid in opposite directions gives this bathroom designed by Max Humphrey and Beebe Skidmore for Emily Henderson Design a calming feel.

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    Pitch Black + White Accents

    bathroom color ideas

    Mary Patton Design

    This bathroom from Mary Patton Design has pitch black walls that are accented with white trim and a massive white marble vanity with an integrated sink and shiny brass accents to add a point of gold-toned light.

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    Light Beige

    bathroom color ideas

    Fantastic Frank

    This Spanish island primary bathroom from Fantastic Frank embraces the rustic beauty of the home with natural finishes, soft neutral colors, black accents, and an interior window over the sink that looks onto the primary bedroom and allows natural light to flow through the spaces.

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    Green + Black

    bathroom color ideas

    Laquita Tate Interior Styling & Designs

    Using wallpaper is another way to introduce both color and pattern in the bathroom. Laquita Tate Interior Styling & Designs used bold patterned green and black wallpaper to give this bathroom a tropical feel. A black painted ceiling adds drama.

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    Mint Green

    bathroom color ideas

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    This galley style primary bathroom from Desiree Burns Interiors is covered in bright mint green paint that adds color while preserving a light and airy feel in the narrow space.

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    Brown + Blue-Gray

    bathroom color ideas

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar

    Brown wood on the ceiling and midcentury modern sink vanity and slate blue-gray floor tiles give this bathroom from Leanne Ford Interiors a warm minimalist feel, while textured white walls and a skylight over the shower keep things light.

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    Candy Pink

    bathroom color ideas

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    A wall of colored backsplash tile is an easy way to add color to a minimalist neutral bathroom, like this springtime pink space from Cathie Hong Interiors that is covered in glass tiles.

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    Cornflower Blue

    bathroom color ideas

    Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

    Emily Henderson Design added a milky shade of cornflower blue to the walls of this bathroom that gives it a soothing and timeless feel.

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    Charcoal Gray

    bathroom color ideas

    Mary Patton Design

    Mary Patton Design painted the walls of this bathroom in a calming shade of charcoal gray that makes the gilded frame wall art stand out.

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    Pale Blue + White

    bathroom color ideas

    Studio Peake

    Blue and white is an easy and winning bathroom color combination that works every time. In this Edwardian London bathroom from Studio Peake, a mix of pale blue and white lends the space a quietly elegant feel.

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    Smoky Blue

    bathroom color ideas

    Kate Marker Interiors

    Kate Marker Interiors added smoky blue wall paint to this modern farmhouse bathroom that is complemented with shades of brass and beige for a homey feel.

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    Red

    bathroom color ideas

    Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

    A few bright red accents add an unexpected shot of energy to this industrial farmhouse bathroom from Crisp Architects.

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    Sky Blue

    bathroom color ideas

    Fantastic Frank

    This Berlin bathroom from Fantastic Frank has a massive sky blue wall that reinforces the indoor outdoor feel of the attic apartment space with its rooftop terrace and bathroom enclosed by a glass roof.

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    Cool Gray

    bathroom color ideas

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid Rolls

    A gray lime and clay wash covers the brick walls and the ceiling of this bathroom from Leanne Ford Interiors that gives it an earthy feel that is complemented by a vintage Willy Guhl planter repurposed as a sink and salvaged doors from France.

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    Green + White

    colorful bathroom ideas

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Michelle Boudreau Design hung green and white palm print wallpaper in this Palm Springs bathroom that brings the outdoors in and complements the white tiling and midcentury modern wood sink vanity.

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    Royal Purple

    bathroom color ideas

    House 9 Interiors

    Glossy royal purple wall paint gives this small bathroom from House 9 Interiors a regal feel.

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    Saturated Black

    bathroom color ideas

    Lobster and Swan

    This cocoon-like bathroom from Lobster and Swan is painted in a deep shade of black, fitted with vintage accents and a gilded French mirror, and a classic clawfoot tub that invites self-care bubble baths and home spa nights. The dark wall paint makes the walls of the small space recede to create a sense that it's larger than it is.

Which color is best for bathroom?

There is no one color that works best for any given bathroom. Many people defer to white walls, which feel clean and add brightness to a room that often lacks natural light. Blue bathrooms are a popular color choice, since the color of water promotes relaxation and is a natural fit for a room built around its role in keeping us clean, healthy, and refreshed. But you make the rules in your own home and you can paint your bathroom in any color that you like. 

What is the best color to paint a small bathroom?

Many interior designers will advise you to paint your small bathroom in a light and neutral shade of white, beige, blue, or gray, to make it feel more spacious and bright. There is nothing wrong with this advice. But you can also paint a small bathroom in any color of your choosing to give it personality and make it feel more joyful and inviting. And contrary to what you might think, painting a small space in a dark color can also make the space feel larger, by making the walls recede so that you don’t notice where they begin or end. 

What colors are calming for a bathroom?

Many people feel calmed by coastal bathroom colors inspired by the sea such as soft shades of blue and gray. Muted natural hues like sage green do wonders for calming the spirit and the nerves. Others might find that deep shades of brown or black create a grounding and enveloping feel that brings their blood pressure down in a flash.