The trendiest bathroom colours – which work well in small spaces?

Compact spaces are a real design challenge – how do you arrange a small bathroom so it’s as practical as it is attractive? The furniture and sanitaryware you choose naturally matter a lot, but not only that. The very colour of the bathroom is crucial: chosen well, it can make it look bigger; chosen poorly, it can make it feel even smaller. What colour should you pick for a small bathroom to enjoy a tasteful interior? You’ll find out below. Happy reading!

Bathroom colour scheme: why it matters

The bathroom’s colour palette is not just about aesthetics; it also affects how you’ll feel in the space. Colours can influence our mood and energy. Light shades, such as white, pastels or gentle beiges, can make even the tiniest bathroom feel larger and brighter, with every corner washed with light. They form the foundation of the whole scheme, allowing you to use various fittings, even dark ones, without the risk of visually overloading the room.

Dark colours, on the other hand, can make a small space feel oppressive, and spending longer in it may simply be unpleasant. It’s a different story in a generous space, where deep navy, browns or black won’t feel gloomy, but in small bathrooms it’s best to avoid them – especially those in blocks of flats that are also windowless.

When choosing colours for your bathroom, keep the practical side in mind too – splashes of toothpaste and soap scum are far more visible on darker tiles than on light ones. So if you don’t want to be wiping down walls every day after the whole family’s baths and showers, porcelain tiles in beige or pastel tones will be a much better choice.

What colour suits a bathroom with limited floor space?

Which colours can you choose for a bathroom that won’t overwhelm it? There are plenty of options. Small bathroom in light tones will be as cosy as it is stylish. And functional too!

Small bathroom: a light colour palette

Neutral and warm colours are the best choice for a bathroom with a small footprint if you want to enlarge it visually. Which shades, specifically, are worth choosing?

1. White is a byword for versatility, helping create a sense of spaciousness. Used on walls and ceilings, it makes the bathroom appear brighter and larger, as light reflects better off them, illuminating every nook.
2. Pastel shades, such as soft blue, light pink or a subtle green, bring delicacy and freshness to the bathroom. Their gentle character makes the room easy on the eye, creating a calm, relaxing place that’s ideal for unwinding after a long day.
3. Neutral colours, including light shades of grey, beige and cream, offer elegance and timelessness. They make an excellent backdrop for bolder accents while maintaining a sense of space and light in the room.

Accent colour – give your bathroom a touch of character

While light colours are an excellent base in compact spaces, an accent colour can add character and individuality. This might be a bold shade on the wall behind the basin, colourful tiles in the shower area, or selected, more saturated accessories and textiles. It’s important to use an accent colour sparingly so as not to overwhelm the space, but to enliven it subtly.

Walls and floors in light colours are the foundation of visually expanding a space — that’s beyond doubt. But remember: it’s just as important that accessories and textiles align with this concept. Towels, bath mats and even decorative pieces can be subtle if you want them to blend into the scheme, or contrasting if you’re after a touch that brings a bit of dynamism to the interior.

A combination of light base colours with carefully chosen colour accents lets you create a space that’s both functional and aesthetically appealing. Keep these principles in mind and you’ll turn a small bathroom into a place that looks more spacious, brighter and more user-friendly.