6 Bathroom Colour Schemes Which Make a Space Feel Bigger
When it comes to designing your new bathroom, colour is about more than just aesthetics - it’s a useful tool for transforming the feel of a room and creating the illusion of space.
The right colour palette can make even the most compact bathroom feel open, airy, and inviting. The right colour scheme doesn’t just decorate - used in the right way, it can make your bathroom feel much bigger than it really is.
That’s why it’s important to think carefully about what paint colours to use before you start brushing them onto your bathroom walls.
In this article, we take a look at six gorgeous bathroom colour schemes which will instantly make your bathroom feel larger.
Understanding Colour
Before we consider what bathroom colour schemes will make your bathroom seem bigger, let's have a look at how your chosen colour palette impacts spatial awareness.
Choosing a colourway for your bathroom isn't just about personal preference. There's science behind colour choices, and it can really change the way a room makes you feel.
Lighter shades reflect more light, creating a sense of openness and airiness.
On the other hand, darker tones can make a room feel more closed and intimate.
These principles are especially important in bathroom designs as space is often at a premium.
Combining strategic use of colour and smart design principles can dramatically alter how you view the size of your bathroom.
To make the most of the space, you need to understand how different colours interact with light, furniture, and fixtures.
You can use all of these things to your advantage to create the illusion of more space.
Read on to discover 6 bathroom paint colour ideas for your small bathroom.
Colour Scheme 1: Serene Seafoam and Cloud White
Reminiscent of open skies and peaceful beaches, this soft seafoam green and crisp white colour scheme isn’t just visually pleasing; it’s a masterpiece in spatial illusion.
The gentle seafoam green offers a subtle, refreshing backdrop, while the cloud-white tones create crisp, clean lines that push visual boundaries outward.
It’s best to use white on larger surfaces like the walls and ceilings. You can introduce the seafoam green on accent tiles, towels, or a feature wall. This technique will help to create depth and layers without overwhelming the space.
Colour Scheme 2: Warm Taupe and Ivory
This colourway is understated and elegant. The warm taupe and soft ivory tones are warm and sophisticated. This helps to make the room feel bigger than it really is.
Unlike stark white (which can often feel clinical), warm taupe offers elegance with a hint of cosiness. When paired with ivory, it creates a neutral colour palette that feels simultaneously intimate and spacious.
You could incorporate textural elements like textured taupe tiles or ivory marble-effect surfaces if you want to add visual interest without losing the sense of openness in the room.
Colour Scheme 3: Pale Lavender and Dove Grey
Want to challenge the traditional neutral-only approach to bathroom colour schemes? This one's for you.
The pale lavender introduces a soft, airy quality, while the dove grey provides grounding and sophistication.
Using a slightly glossy finish on the walls will help to enhance light reflection, further amplifying the space-expanding effect of this colourway.
Colour Scheme 4: Mint and Cream
You might think mint green is just for kitchens and children's bedrooms. But pairing it with warm cream shades in your bathroom helps to create a fresh, clean aesthetic that feels infinitely more spacious than traditional all-white colour schemes.
Use mint as a subtle wall colour, and use cream for larger fixtures to create a seamless look.
Colour Scheme 5 - Blush and Soft Grey
Who says bathrooms have to be cold and sterile? Not us.
This colour combo introduces warmth while maintaining a sense of airiness. The blush brings a contemporary touch, while the soft grey prevents the space from feeling overly feminine.
Try adding metallic accents in brushed nickel or champagne if you want to enhance the light-reflecting qualities of this colour scheme.
Colour Scheme 6 - Sky Blue and Alabaster White
Create the illusion of a never ending sky with this timeless colour combination.
The pale sky blue helps create an immediate sense of openness, while the alabaster white provides a clean, bright foundation.
This colour palette is especially good for bathrooms with limited natural light.
How to Choose a Colour Scheme for Your Bathroom
Aside from buying the paint, there are a few other important details to consider when choosing a colour scheme for your bathroom.
First, think about lighting. Is there much natural light? If not, what type of artificial lighting are you planning to install?
Next, what size is the room, and how will it be laid out? What fixtures are already in place? What is still to be installed?
Finally, consider your personal comfort and style preferences. Do you want a minimalistic bathroom space or something that creates a statement?
Additional Space-Expanding Techniques
Beyond bathroom colour schemes, there are a few other space-expanding techniques you can use when designing your wet room or bathroom.
Using large format tiles, installing frameless glass shower enclosures, installing mirrors, and incorporating strategic lighting fixtures are all good ways to create the illusion of space.
Another tactic is to reduce visual clutter. Install practical storage solutions to keep things like toilet rolls, towels, and cleaning products, and remove non-essential items from the sinks and windowsills.
Remember, these bathroom colour schemes are only a guideline. If you want to create a bathroom space you love, you’ll need to consider your own personal style and preferences.
Always test bathroom paint colour ideas using large swatches in your actual bathroom. Colours often look dramatically different depending on the lighting conditions.