If you were still hanging onto the notion that the best approach when it comes to decorating a small space is to play it safe, then it's time to let go – particularly in the case of small bathroom ideas.
No longer viewed as just a room where we go to carry out our daily ablutions, the bathroom is now seen as a space to retreat to after a long day, or to get ready and restored for the one that lies ahead. As such, the approach you take towards its decoration really matters. As well as changing how the space feels, it can help make the most of even the most compact of rooms.
Petite proportions should be no obstacle to creating a stylish bathroom. Our round-up of ideas demonstrates how to use colour in a wide range of different ways to create all kinds of results, from spaces that cosset, to those that feel bright and breezy.
1. Don't shy away from bolder colours
There was a time when bold colours felt strictly like the reserve of those with a large expanse of space to play with – not so these days.
Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene, is keen to highlight the role bold colours can play, even in narrow bathrooms. "Bathrooms are a wonderful space in which to retreat and relax. Consider using deep, rich tones that will envelop the space and create a cocooning and calming feel."
Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV, agrees that bold colours can feel like a warming hug in a bijou bathroom. "Don’t be afraid to go a little bolder in a small bathroom. Deep, earthy shades like olive green, navy or rich terracotta can actually make a compact space feel wonderfully cosy and cocooning, especially when used across the walls, woodwork, and even painted furniture for a colour-drenched look."
Shop bold bathroom colours
Designed to create a nurturing, soothing ambience, this deep stone shade is perfect for injecting a little drama into a small space without feeling overwhelming
Being washable makes this paint perfect for bathroom walls. The rich Mediterranean-inspired terracotta shade is perfect for warming up a cold-feeling space
Olive green is such an easy shade to work with, pairing beautifully with a wide range of other colours while also sitting next to timber finishes well
Ruth Mottershead, Creative & Marketing Director of Little Greene and Paint & Paper Library, has been working in her family’s business since 2011. Ruth spent five years studying Landscape Architecture at The University of Sheffield before starting her career in London as a Landscape Architect, designing outdoor public spaces including urban and green spaces as well as heritage sites. When the opportunity arose to join her father David Mottershead and brother Ben Mottershead at Little Greene, it felt like a natural transition, tapping into the close relationship between exterior/spatial design and interior design.
Debbie is an expert in creating beautifully coordinated fabric collections that can be easily combined to create harmonious interior schemes. With more than 30 years of experience, she takes every design from conception right through to the finished textile - inspired by the latest trends and techniques from every continent.
2. Feel immersed in nature with blues and greens
Blues and greens are rarely out of favour in the world of paint trends, although, given the enormous array of shade variations out there, perhaps that should come as no surprise.
"While natural stone colours and warm neutrals work well to create a spa-like bathroom, my favourites are earthy greens and blues – true colours of nature. They're perfect for providing a cocooning, natural feel," explains Ruth Mottershead.
Wondering how to stop deep blues and greens feeling overly oppressive and moody in a small space? Debbie Leigh has some advice. "To make the scheme really work, good bathroom lighting is key to lift those deeper tones and keep the space feeling open, while natural textures, such as wood or wicker, are great for adding warmth. A coordinating blind is the perfect finishing touch, helping to tie everything together while bringing a homely feel to the room."
Rich, inky navy blue continues to be popular and this sumptuous shade would look beautiful next to brushed brass taps as well as crisp white sanitaryware
3. Use earthy neutrals to create a spa-like retreat
From rich browns to warming terracotta, soft mushroom to pinky cream, there are so many neutrals to choose from that it can be a little daunting. However, according to the experts, these shades are super easy to work with and perfect for small bathroom colour ideas.
"Soft neutrals, warm whites and gentle earthy tones are timeless choices for a small bathroom because they help create a space that feels light and calm," picks up Nick Duggan, director at The Radiator Centre. "These shades reflect natural light beautifully, helping even compact rooms feel more open and airy, while warmer undertones add softness.
"Earth-inspired colours also bring a sense of tranquillity to the space, creating a relaxed backdrop that feels both practical and quietly luxurious for everyday living," continues Nick. "Introducing subtle metallic touches, such as a brushed brass towel rail or fittings, can then add warmth, texture and a refined finishing detail."
Nick has over 20 years of experience in central heating and radiators, leading the team at one of the UK's largest independent suppliers.
4. Don't discount colour drenching a small space
For some, the idea of colour drenching can seem a little scary – painting the walls, ceiling and woodwork in the same shade, with the aim of a dramatic, all-encompassing experience. However, this is a method of painting a room that can work brilliantly in small bathrooms.
"Don’t be afraid to embrace the proportions of a small room by using darker shades in a colour-drenched scheme," says Ruth Mottershead. "One of the most effective ways to enhance a sense of sanctuary is through an enveloping colour drenching approach, painting walls, woodwork and ceilings in the same, or closely related, tones, resulting in an environment that feels cohesive, inviting and wonderfully atmospheric.
"While colour drenching can’t make a small bathroom larger, it can embrace the size of the space and create something that feels intimate and cocooning," explains Ruth. "It is a great way to decorate a room with low ceilings, too. There are no stark colour contrasts to draw the eye to the ceiling line, creating the illusion of space and height."
Interior designer, Eloise Pfeiffer, from Pfeiffer Design, has some more words of wisdom here. “You can use bold colours in a bathroom – but it’s all about confidence. We’d recommend committing to the colour fully, rather than adding a taster. Enveloping the bathroom in a single colour, or colour drenching it, can make a room feel larger and more spacious."
Based in Sussex, Pfeiffer Design was founded by Susie Pfeiffer and has over 30 years of experience in the high-end residential and boutique commercial sectors. The close-knit, multi-disciplinary team of designers, project coordinators and technical specialists work together to create inspirational spaces in the home counties, London and even abroad.
5. Neutrals and natural materials are timeless
If you would prefer to avoid interior design trends and instead opt for something that will stand the test of time, looking just as relevant in 10 years time as it does today, opt for nature-inspired, softer hues.
"Softer, tonal palettes often feel more timeless than bright shades, especially when paired with natural materials and warm finishes," explains Sophie Chapman, associate director and interior designer at The Vawdrey House.
Consider a vanity unit in bare wood, timber bathroom wall panelling, or even smaller bathroom accessories crafted from timber or stone to inject warmth into a neutral scheme.
A founding member of The Vawdrey House, Sophie oversees the design team bringing her trademark energy & creativity to projects. With a BA in Interior Design & Environmental Architecture, Sophie develops unique furniture packages, styles projects & loves sourcing trips to antique fairs & French brocantes.
6. Use the same colour family for cohesion
One of the best ways to approach the decoration of any small space is to pull together two or three colours that complement one another, rather than contrast – this results in a look that feels thoughtful, calm and cohesive, yet in no way one-dimensional or unimaginative.
"If you are looking for an expansive feeling in a small bathroom, use a light colour on the ceiling then take colours of different strengths from the same colour family across all elements – ceilings, walls and woodwork, to envelop the space in tonal colour," advises Ruth Mottershead, who goes on to reveal that pink bathroom ideas are perfect when using this technique.
"If you are looking to create a surprising and joyful feeling, pink is a fantastically versatile colour which will bring a sense of playfulness and softness to a small bathroom,” says Ruth.
While this beautiful dusky rose pink pairs really well with creamy off-whites, don't discount sitting it alongside brighter more vibrant shades from the same colour family either.
7. Steer clear of stark white to avoid a sterile feel
It can be tempting to buy into the idea that an all-white scheme is best when it comes to small bathrooms, but if you want somewhere that feels personal and warm, you might want to reconsider.
“When painting small spaces, carefully consider how natural light interacts with your colour palette. Small rooms, and specifically bathrooms, are often painted in white out of habit, with the aim of making the space feel larger – however, brilliant bright whites can feel cold, generic and stark," warns Ruth Mottershead.
"One of the most common mistakes is reaching straight for brilliant white," agrees Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn. "While it might seem like the obvious choice, very bright whites can often read quite cold in low natural light. Instead, softer off-whites or warm neutrals with gentle yellow or red undertones tend to work much better as they bring a sense of warmth while still helping to brighten the space."
Cathryn Sanders is Head of Creative at Earthborn and has worked for the brand for over a decade, meaning she has a wealth of knowledge on paints, trends and the interiors industry as a whole. Working on several colour launches, she is well-versed in trend forecasting, particularly with regard to colour, and subsequently gets the final say on all of Earthborn’s new colours and colour names.
8. Embrace smaller proportions using cosy colours
While you might want your bathroom to feel fresh and airy, you probably also like the idea of somewhere that feels a little cosy and restful – and this is where incorporating some warming shades, with toasty undertones, comes in.
From sunset pinks and terracotta, to rich, reassuring burgundy and even ochre, picture Mediterranean getaways and take your inspiration from there.
Before you begin, explore the bathroom colours to avoid and take note of the experts' advice when it comes to being brave here with your use of these bolder shades – no half measures, please. Just ensure you light the space well, taking a layered approach.
9. Consider fittings alongside wall colours
The bathroom tile ideas and wall colours you choose need to be considered alongside other elements you'll be incorporating into the space if you want the whole thing to look harmonious – something that's particularly important in smaller rooms.
"In small bathrooms, colour works best when it is supported by well-specified fittings and accessories. Rather than relying on colour alone, successful bathrooms use brassware and finishing details to add contrast, define the space and keep the overall look clear and cohesive," explains Jeevan Seth, CEO of JTP.
"In smaller bathrooms, combinations that allow fittings to add contrast tend to perform best," continues Jeevan. "Deep blue paired with brushed brass, and sage green paired with softer metallic finishes are great partners. Monochrome palettes can be reinforced with matt black fittings, while warmer tones such as blush or clay work effectively with softer metallic finishes. In all cases, consistency across fittings and accessories is key to a well-rounded bathroom."
Jeevan Seth is the CEO of JTP, a well established bathroom hardware brand. He is an experienced sales director and is heavily involved with the product development side of the business so that the company can continue to design innovative new ranges for customers.
10. Don't underestimate the power of lighting
You bathroom lighting could just be your best friend when it comes to lending it a sense of space, and this is one element that needs to be fully considered when selecting a colour palette too.
"It’s all about lighting," states Jonathon Barclay, director at Bowman Bathrooms Ltd."Background or ambient lighting is just as important as colour. Even the most beautiful palette will always fail under poor lighting. Layered lighting, including fittings such as LED mirrors, coffered ceiling lighting, and soft ambient lighting in recesses or over coving, dramatically changes the mood of the room and creates a feeling that cannot be achieved by colour alone."
"It’s also worth thinking about how natural light moves around the room," adds Cathryn Sanders. "Placing mirrors opposite or adjacent to windows can help reflect what natural light you do have, while choosing lighter tones for window frames or reveals can subtly bounce light back into the space."
Jonathon Barclay is director of Essex-based Bowman Bathrooms Ltd, leading bespoke bathroom design and installation with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
11. Add ambience with moody, dark shades
Pale grey and anthracite have both fallen out of favour in the world of bathroom trends in the last couple of years, replaced with warmer, earthy neutrals. However, there is still a place for moody, stormy shades so don't discount greys altogether – particularly those with brown, earthy undertones.
If you love the idea of a little drama in your bathroom but are worried it'll end up feeling gloomy, Sophie Chapman has some tips. “If introducing bolder colours, we tend to balance them with texture or more muted elements to avoid the space feeling overwhelming. Ultimately, it’s about creating a room that feels calm and immersive rather than overly busy.”
"Bold colours work well when paired with contrasting materials such as reflective surfaces like glossy tiles and mirrors, as well as the right finishes that add warmth and help reflect light," adds Eloise Pfeiffer. "Pair with layered lighting to ensure the colour looks welcoming and warm, rather than cramped."
Greys needn't feel cold or boring, as this rich, charcoal shade proves. The Claypaint finish is ultra matt too meaning it will hide all kinds of imperfections – plus it is breathable.
12. Warm up white walls with wood finishes
If you just love an all-white scheme, we would never stand in your way. Why not? Because, while brilliant white can undoubtedly feel a little clinical or unimaginative in certain settings, there are plenty of ways to mitigate this.
The key is to inject warmth using materials and lots of textural interest rather than relying on additional colour. Characterful layers of natural stone or brick tiles, wooden furniture and accessories, even tactile plaster finishes such as tadelakt and light fittings, particularly those with woven rattan shades, will all add so much in the way of visual depth.
"Lighter woods, painted finishes and pieces with visible legs can help maintain a sense of openness, rather than weighing the room down," advises Cathryn Sanders.
13. Use your ceiling to draw the eye upwards
All too often, not enough thought goes into ceiling ideas, particularly given the effect they can have on how big (or small) a space feels.
Providing it is not unusually low, painting a ceiling a bold shade can really help draw the eye upwards and away from the horizontal proportions of a room.
There are other ways to inject visual interest too, as Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune Europe Ltd, explains. "Pairing a deeper shade on joinery or cabinetry with a softer neutral on the walls tends to strike the right balance – you get visual interest without the space feeling busy. And if you're unsure where to start, a matt or eggshell finish will always give a more considered, settled result than a high sheen, which can amplify both colour and any imperfections in a smaller room."
Fred is design director at furniture company Neptune, who aim to use natural materials wherever possible. Blending a traditional approach with modern engineering, Neptune's mission is to make furniture that lasts for 100 years or more.
14. Be selective with your palette
A little restraint when it comes to the number of different colours you use within a small space really does go a long way. A visual cacophony of colour within a confined room is always going to feel a little overwhelming.
"Limiting the palette to two or three colours keeps the room looking clean and intentional," explains Nischal Pomu, director at Platinum Paints. "A simple approach that works well is keeping the main areas light, then introducing a darker tone on a feature wall or cabinetry. This creates contrast without overwhelming the space.
"Overall, it’s less about avoiding bold colours, and more about how they’re balanced within the room," adds Nischal.
15. Get on board with 'American Maximalism'
And, finally, the overriding takeaway from all of the design experts we spoke to was not to fear the small proportions of your bathroom – instead, lean into them, embrace the bijou.
Jonathon Barclay loves the idea of taking a more adventurous approach towards bathroom design. "For me, neutral schemes might be in right now, but that’s because they are safe and timeless – but small bathrooms often need a bit more visual 'oomph' to create that design intent that small spaces can lack.
"For that reason, I do prefer to opt for bolder colours when designing small space," adds Jonathon. "My favourite theme at the moment is 'American Maximalism', which walks a fine line between chaos and harmony, but when you get it right, the effect is striking and beautiful."
FAQs
Which colour combinations work well in a small bathroom?
While it would seem that no colour is 'out' for a small bathroom, it is still worth considering which combinations tend to sit well together in a tighter space such as this. And don't forget to figure in how your choice of bathroom flooring ideas and sanitaryware will sit alongside your chosen shades either.
"Our favourites at the moment – in no particular order – are deep green paired with warm orange and/or terrazzo, which honestly just looks amazing," reveals Jonathon Barclay. "We like to pair this scheme with brushed brass fittings to complete the effect.
"Navy blue is still a big winner too, with marble-effect porcelain and brushed nickel," continues Jonathon. "It creates a timeless, elegant look that feels refined and suits a traditional theme well. For those that prefer the neutrals, warm beige tones combined with natural oak, off-white stone and brushed bronze brassware is definitely the favourite for me. It gives a modern, spa-like look that will never date and feels sophisticated."
Although most colours will fit in small bathroom ideas it's not always the case with your sanitaryware. In some cases, a bathroom will just be too tiny to squeeze in a bath, in which case it might be better to look into small shower room ideas instead.
