When designing or renovating a bathroom, one of the most important decisions is choosing the color scheme. The colors you use can dramatically affect the overall look, feel, and functionality of the space. But with so many color options available, how do you determine how many colors to use? Should you stick to just one or two main colors or incorporate multiple shades and tones?
In general, there are a few guidelines to follow when selecting bathroom colors:
| 1-3 colors | Keeps things simple but can still create visual interest |
| 1 main color and 2-3 accents | Provides more variety while maintaining cohesion |
| 3-5 colors | Adds depth but can start to look busy if colors clash |
| 5+ colors | Difficult to pull off harmoniously, risks looking chaotic |
The right number of colors often depends on the size and layout of the bathroom, as well as your personal style preferences. But in general, you’ll want to strike a balance between variety and simplicity.
This article will explore how many colors tend to work best in bathrooms and tips for selecting and combining bathroom colors. Read on for advice on assembling the perfect bathroom color palette.
Optimal Number of Colors by Bathroom Size
The size of your bathroom is a key factor in determining how many colors you should use. Here are some guidelines for choosing colors based on bathroom square footage:
Small Bathrooms (Under 50 Sq Ft)
In small bathrooms, it’s best to stick with 1-2 colors. Using too many different shades in a tiny space can make it feel cluttered and overwhelm the eye.
| 1 color | Creates a calm, soothing look |
| 1 main color + 1 accent color | Adds a bit more interest |
If using two colors, opt for an accent wall in a harmonious contrasting tone. This prevents the colors from competing for attention. For example, pair a soft sage green with a warm terra cotta.
Medium Bathrooms (50 – 100 Sq Ft)
Medium bathrooms have a bit more room to incorporate color. Here, 2-3 colors tend to work well.
| 1 main color + 1-2 accent colors | Provides visual variety and depth |
| 2 main colors + 1 accent | Creates clearly defined color zones |
Define specific areas with different colors – like shower tiles in one hue and walls in another. Just be sure all the colors coordinate.
Large Bathrooms (Over 100 Sq Ft)
With more space, large bathrooms can handle a wider color palette. Here, 3-4 colors are often ideal.
| 2 main colors + 1-2 accent colors | Establishes distinct color zones |
| 3-4 coordinated colors | Adds layers of interest |
Use paint, tile, shower curtains, rugs, and accessories to incorporate multiple colors throughout the room. Just maintain balance so no one color dominates.
Choosing Bathroom Color Schemes
Beyond just the number of colors, carefully selecting which hues to combine is key to creating a cohesive, attractive bathroom. Here are some of the most popular and effective color scheme options:
Monochromatic
Sticking to just various shades, tones, and tints of one main color. Provides a bold, dramatic effect. Works especially well in small bathrooms.
Example: Soft blue walls, navy blue shower curtain, light blue towels
Analogous
Using hues that sit next to each other on the color wheel, like blue, blue-green, and green. Offers a vibrant yet harmonious look.
Example: Turquoise walls, teal tiles, blue-green accessories
Complementary
Pairing colors from opposite sides of the color wheel, like red and green or yellow and purple. Strikes a balance and creates natural contrast.
Example: Pale yellow walls, plum purple towels and rug
Triadic
Combining colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel, like red, yellow, and blue. Forms a colorful, energetic scheme.
Example: Brick red shower tile, navy blue cabinets, golden yellow walls
Neutral
Anchored by non-colors like white, gray, black, and brown. Classic and versatile, allowing accent colors to stand out.
Example: Cream walls, gray tile, white cabinets with sky blue accessories
Tips for Combining Bathroom Colors
Here are some top tips for selecting and combining bathroom colors successfully:
– Use 60-75% neutral colors as a base and add pops of color through accents. This prevents overwhelming combinations.
– Layer lighter and darker tones of the same hue. This creates depth.
– Use color to define specific zones – blue tiles in the shower, green walls near the tub, etc.
– Tie the scheme together with matching metal finishes and accessories in coordinating colors.
– Don’t shy away from bold colors – vibrant hues create energy. Just opt for those with grey or beige undertones.
– Pair warm and cool colors with neutrals like white or tan to offset their intensities.
– Limit brightly colored items to one area only, like a patterned shower curtain.
– Add texture through materials like tile, wallpaper, rugs, and shower curtains to integrate colors.
Recommended Color Combinations
Here are some tried-and-true bathroom color combinations that are sure to look stylish:
| White + Pale Blue + Navy |
| Beige + Sage Green + Rust Orange |
| Gray + Lavender + Plum |
| Cream + Sky Blue + Terracotta |
| Tan + Seafoam Green + Light Yellow |
| White + Light Gray + Charcoal |
| Sand + Robin’s Egg Blue + Coral |
Play around with varying shades and tones but stick to around 3 core colors for bathrooms on the smaller side. Feel free to incorporate more colors with larger, open layouts.
Conclusion
Determining how many colors to use in a bathroom requires balancing visual interest with harmony. Limit color schemes in tiny bathrooms to 1-2 complementary hues. Medium bathrooms can handle 2-3 colors, while large bathrooms provide room for 3-5 shades. Combine colors strategically through paint, tile, textiles, and decor. Focus on analogous, complementary, or monochromatic schemes for a coordinated look. With the right combination of colors, you can create a bathroom that looks pulled together, stylish, and serene.
