A new bathroom installation, or a bathroom renovation is an expensive business. Your new bathroom will need to be future-proof, so it stands the test of time for several years while you save up for the next one – and colour is key to achieving that.

Nothing dates a bathroom more than the colour scheme. Perhaps you still remember your grandparents’ avocado bathroom suite back in the 1970s, or – going even further back – pastel pink wall tiles were the in thing during the 50s & 60s (along with fluffy, frilly toilet seat covers!).

“Retro” and “vintage” is indeed a trend in interior design today, but it doesn’t work so well for bathrooms. There’s nothing wrong with pink or avocado green, of course, but if you don’t want your bathroom to look dated in a few years’ time, its best to use distinctive colours sparingly. When you do use them, confine trendy colours to the walls, as accessories or accents, which need not be permanent fixtures of the décor and can be changed according to fashion, or your whim.

Considerations for Bathroom Colour Schemes

When you’re deciding on a colour palette for your new bathroom, there are some general rules you can apply as a starting point:

• Light and bright colours make a small bathroom feel more spacious.
• Bold, dark shades can add a dramatic atmosphere – imagine a dark green wall behind a free-standing claw-footed bath.
• Natural materials like stone and wood are complemented and enhanced by neutral shades and earthy tones.
• A bathroom is all about cleanliness and hygiene, so avoid drab and dirty colours, like khaki or murky mocha, which will also sap the room of energy.
• Choose colours that you, personally, find relaxing, calming and easy on the eye.
• If you fancy making bold colour statements, consider confining these to pops of brightness in artwork, towels, bathmat and other accessories which will add the personality and energy you’re seeking. Another advantage is that these can be easily swopped out if/when you feel the need for a change.

Do Black & White Bathrooms Work Well?

You can’t really go wrong with a monochrome bathroom. Black and white is a classic colour combination that never goes out of style. As well as being timeless, a black and white bathroom always looks crisp and clean, and its easy to achieve because bathroom sanitaryware is usually white. It’s a flexible choice, too, because basic black and white can be adapted to suit any décor style, from minimalist to Victorian, art deco or industrial.

Of course, if you’re a purist you could opt for white only, but be sure it doesn’t turn into a clinical, unwelcoming space. Add some warmth perhaps with wood or stone accents, and some cheerful plants.
Plain black, on the other hand, is a daring choice that can work really well if you’re brave enough to go for it. Black bathrooms can be striking, bold and sophisticated, and are right on trend at present.

First off, remember that black absorbs light, so you’ll have to consider lighting very carefully. Use plenty of shiny surfaces (glass, mirrors, tiles or marble) to reflect the natural light that comes in.

Add as much black to your bathroom as you like. There are black baths, toilets, washbasins and all manner of other fixtures and fittings available, as well as black tapware. Nothing sets off a bit of bling – brass, copper, steel or chrome – like black as a background.

Top Colour Choice for Timeless Bathrooms

There’s only one way to go if you want your bathroom décor to stay in vogue for as long as possible – be neutral.

Neutral doesn’t mean boring. It’s more akin to being natural, and there are many ways to achieve it by sweeping through a whole spectrum of shades from pure white, cream or ivory through to hundreds of shades of beige, and far more than 50 shades of grey. Opt for simplicity and understatement over ornate detailing – restraint will work to give your bathroom style staying power.

Neutral colours lend themselves to being “spiced up” with deeper accent colours, and create a relaxing, spa-like vibe that appeals to everyone in a bathroom. Your neutral bathroom is likely to be just as appealing in five years’ time as it is now. Colour trends may come and go, but neutral will always feature on the list of favourites.

If you really insist on introducing more definite colour stick to earthy tones or soft hues of natural green or tranquil blue, evocative of tropical forests or sandy shores.

Remember that if you choose coloured tiles, counter tops, sanitaryware, ceramics or tapware you’ll have to live with them for a long time, so rather keep them bland and vanilla, introducing your more portable and transitional colour preferences elsewhere in the bathroom.

Ultimately, the best colour choice for your bathroom depends on your personal preference and style – after all, it’s you that will have to live with it until its time for a bathroom remodel.

When you next need a bathroom make-over, or want to have a new bathroom expertly installed in or around Bristol, then there’s only one company worth considering for the job. Port Marine Bathrooms Ltd. has a showroom in Portishead (BS20 7AN) where you can find inspiration for your new bathroom and speak to us about our complete bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom design & fitting service. we cover a wide area including the towns of Almondsbury, Bradley Stoke, Brean, Bristol, Nailsea, Thornbury, Yate, Wells, Weston-Super-Mare and Yatton.