10 small bathroom colour ideas to make a splash in a compact wash space

Introducing colour into a bathroom can be daunting; particularly in a compact room that you want to look as large as possible. You shouldn't be fooled into thinking you need to keep it white in order for the room to feel spacious and light though, in fact, small bathroom colour ideas will be just as effective and will offer plenty of character.

Since space is tight in a small bathroom, you'll want to make your bathroom colour scheme count, so whether you rent or own your home, consider paint, wallpaper, tiles, and accessories for giving it that much-needed colour boost. You could even go for a coloured suite for a vintage-inspired look.

Whatever colour you choose, try and push the boundaries to achieve something individual to you, rather than a trending design that you could grow tired of quickly. Of course, the great thing about refreshing a compact bathroom is that the footprint is much smaller – and with less space to cover, you can afford to be a bit more generous with your budget when it comes to tiles, paint or fittings.

Small bathroom colour ideas

'Small bathrooms are much the same as the kitchen really, with many opting for white, which can look cold and clinical,' says Coat'scolour curator Aaron Markwell. 'Plaster-toned colours like Coat's "Felt Cute" and "Factor Fifty" perfectly complement all skin tones and will help keep these spaces warm and inviting.

'If you’re a bath person, go for really dramatic colours on bathroom ceilings and walls,' Aaron continues, 'as they'll look spectacular in candlelight and give the impression of bathing under the stars.'

Read on to find out more ideas on how you can introduce colour into your small bathroom…

1. Don't be scared of dark colours

Inky or navy blues, forest greens and even black can work beautifully in small bathroom ideas, with these darker colours bringing a real sense of depth to the room. 'Small bathrooms shouldn't be left neglected when it comes to colour,' says Emma Bestley, co-founder of YesColours. 'The smallest room in the house can be the most thrilling. Darker colours – like a rich earthy terracotta or burgundy – can actually maximise a small space by adding warmth and drama.

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux, says that: 'Blue is the best colour for making small spaces appear bigger which makes it a firm favourite for bathrooms.'

If in doubt, opt for lighter fittings, such as this marble-veined bath and sink, and keep the ceiling a bright white as a contrast.

2. Pick an earthy palette

If brights aren't your thing and beige is too bland, why not go for a happy medium with more earthy colours in the bathroom tile ideas? Here, terracotta wall tiles offer a dash of spice, while khaki tiles in the bath area, along with a fluffy green bath mat and plants add a lush feel.

'Earthy tones create a relaxing space that reflects the outdoors, providing a grounded feeling,' says Emma Bestley. 'To recreate this look, pick out soft greens, sages, warm neutrals, soft peaches and dusky pinks.'

3. Choose colourful tiles

Tiles are the obvious choice for a bathroom as they are practical, but that doesn’t mean they have to be white, or plain. There are so many colourful tiles on the market now you are spoilt for choice and there are lots of amazing patterns and shapes to choose from too.

As well as choosing a fun colour for your bathroom tile ideas, consider mixing and matching different styles in the same shade. By combining a classic vertical subway tile with a chevron or herringbone effect elsewhere in your bathroom, you'll create so much visual interest.

4. Introduce a splash of colour with paint

Never underestimate the power of paint! It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add colour to a bathroom.

In a small space, we recommend to try colour drenching. It's the act of painting the walls, skirting boards and ceiling the same shade to create an enveloping feel, and works wonderfully in a compact room.

In this bathroom above, a traditional yet sunny scheme has been created with Sudbury Yellow by Farrow & Ball. The wall panelling adds interest to what might otherwise be a vast expanse of a statement hue.

5. Make a statement with a coloured basin

If the thought of a coloured suite fills you with horror, think again, as there are some beauties out there now. But if you can’t face the whole matchy-matchy thing, why not choose a single funky coloured basin?

There are loads to choose from now in fantastic colours and shapes like this one (find similar at Kast). Pick up the ochre colour in the painted wall, then team it with striking terrazzo-effect, hexagonal tiles in monochrome. If this doesn’t cheer you up in the morning, nothing will….

6. Embrace the wonder of wallpaper

Who says you can’t use wallpaper in the bathroom? Bathroom wallpaper ideas are a welcome way to add colour to small cloakrooms, as long as there is plenty of ventilation it will be fine.

This small bathroom colour idea is stunning, not only a fabulous design wallpaper but it doesn't overpower the small space because it's balanced by the wall of white tiles. Continue the accent colours throughout the rest of the room by way of the towels and a bath mat.

7. Upcycle a vanity unit

If you're using a pre-loved piece of furniture as a vanity unit, why not paint it in a bright colour with some leftover paint so that it really stands out? You could change the handles as well to give it a whole new look.

This is a good idea if you're unable to paint the walls of your small bathroom as it gives you another way of bringing a bold or dramatic colour into the room.

8. Paint the bath

Make a statement in a small bathroom by painting the bath in a standout shade from the rest of the room. In this snug-sized bathroom, the contrast of pale pink against darker blue is a gorgeous combination that makes for a stylish scheme.

Ensure you prep yourself on how to paint a bath with a step by step guide to make sure the DIY job is done properly, otherwise, the colour won't last.

9. Add colour with accessories

For a really quick and simple revamp, just buy a selection of on-trend accessories in the latest colour, especially if your bathroom is white. A new bathmat or towel would really add a pop of colour and won’t cost a lot and the same goes for soap dispensers or toothbrush holders – plus if you grow tired of them, they're easy to replace.

10. Focus on flooring

An underrated place to include colour in a small bathroom is the flooring. By keeping the walls light and bright, it makes the top half of the bathroom feel light and airy, while adding interest on the floor which grounds the look.

Opt for a patterned, colourful tile as your bathroom flooring idea and keep the rest of the scheme in neutral tones.

FAQs

What colour is best for a small bathroom?

'Your bathroom is the space where you prepare for the day, and likewise, where you prepare to unwind for the night,' says Sarah Lloyd, Senior Brand Manager at Valspar.

'To maximise the space’s multiple purposes, it’s important to choose bathroom shades which provide both a sense of revival and relaxation. Warm greys such as Valspar’s White Cliffs, as well as pale blues like Chapel Choir create an atmosphere of calming revitalisation, perfect for the space where you go to recharge and repose each day.'

What colour makes a small bathroom look bigger?

'Small, dark rooms are easier to decorate than people think,' says Aaron Markwell, Coat's colour curator, 'but here’s a rule that’s easy to follow and reduces cost and time for painting these rooms. Paint it all the same colour. Ceiling, walls, woodwork… all of it. Doing this will reduce visual contrasts and make the space feel more relaxed.

'You can make a space feel airy doing this, but it’s still a dark room so every colour will take on a slight greyness,' Aaron continues. 'Maximise the impact of these small spaces by using deep tones like Adulting. This will help draw attention to the furniture, objects and art in the room, rather than giving you a constant reminder of how boxy the space is.'