Brown is a popular color choice for bathrooms. It can create a warm, inviting, and relaxing atmosphere. However, some people wonder if brown is actually a good color for a bathroom. There are pros and cons to using brown in a bathroom that are important to consider.
Pros of Using Brown in a Bathroom
Here are some of the benefits of using brown as a bathroom color:
- Warm and inviting – Brown evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. It can make a bathroom feel cozy and welcoming.
- Relaxing – Brown is a natural, earthy color that many find relaxing. It can help create a spa-like retreat in the bathroom.
- Classic and timeless – Unlike bold colors that go in and out of style, brown has enduring appeal. A brown bathroom will retain its timeless look for years.
- Versatile – There are many shades of brown, from deep chocolate to soft beige. This versatility allows brown to work with many styles.
- Easy to match – Brown goes well with other natural colors like beige, tan, cream and white. It’s easy to find towels and accessories to match.
- Hides dirt – In a high-use room like the bathroom, brown can conceal dirt better than white or light colors.
Overall, the warm and inviting nature of brown makes it a welcoming color for bathrooms. It has a classic, natural look and feel that appeals to many people.
Cons of Using Brown in a Bathroom
However, there are some potential downsides to be aware of with brown bathroom color schemes:
- Dark and dreary – Dark shades of brown can make a bathroom feel closed in and dismal if not balanced with enough light.
- Shows moisture – Lighter browns like beige show water spots, moisture and condensation more than darker shades.
- Requires maintenance – Brown grout and caulk get dirty over time and require frequent cleaning to maintain the look.
- Dating – Some shades like yellowish browns can seem outdated if not selected carefully.
- Lacks vibrancy – For those who prefer bold, vibrant colors, brown can feel dull and lifeless in a bathroom.
Brown works best when paired with plenty of light and used strategically in a way that plays to its strengths as a versatile neutral while avoiding its weaknesses.
Tips for Using Brown Successfully in a Bathroom
Here are some tips to help make the most of brown in a bathroom design:
- Balance dark and light – Mix warm medium or dark browns on lower walls with lighter beiges or tans on upper walls to keep things bright. Also use plenty of lighting.
- Add color accents – Pops of color in towels, rugs, shower curtains and accessories prevent brown from feeling flat.
- Use sparingly – Limit brown to one or two feature walls or zones rather than everywhere for a flexible look.
- Consider undertones – Cooler brown undertones complement blues and greens while warmer undertones match reds and yellows.
- Distress and texture – Distressing, glazing and textured techniques add depth and dimension to brown.
- Focus on quality – High-end paints, tiles, cabinets and furnishings make brown feel luxurious.
With strategic use of shades and textures, brown can feel warm and welcoming instead of dark and dingy in bathrooms. Accent colors and plenty of light keep things fresh and inviting.
Best Brown Paint Colors for Bathrooms
Here are some of the most popular and versatile brown paint colors for bathrooms:
| Paint Color | Undertone | Personality |
|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray | Slightly warm | Light, airy, calm |
| Benjamin Moore White Dove | Slightly warm | Clean, bright, spacious |
| Benjamin Moore Sandalwood Beige | Neutral | Natural, versatile, spa-like |
| Behr Cappuccino | Warm | Cozy, inviting, earthy |
| Valspar Rocky Road | Cool | Modern, sophisticated, bold |
These versatile browns work well with many bathroom styles and color combinations.
Best Brown Tiles for Bathrooms
Here are some attractive and functional brown bathroom tile ideas:
| Tile | Features |
|---|---|
| Travertine | Natural stone look, rustic, textured |
| Slate | Rich color, matte finish, durable |
| Porcelain | Shiny or matte, easy to clean, modern |
| Mosaic | Small scale adds detail, works in accent strips |
| Marble | Luxurious material, elegant veining, expensive |
Brown tiles lend beauty and functionality when installed with care to avoid moisture damage.
Best Brown Bathroom Cabinets and Vanities
For a coordinated look, here are attractive brown vanity and cabinet options:
- Espresso – A dark, inky brown with modern appeal.
- Medium walnut – A flexible, mid-tone brown good for transitional spaces.
- Chestnut – A reddish brown that feels rustic and vintage.
- Bleached oak – A weathered, whitewashed brown finish.
- Driftwood – A beachy brown-grey with whitewashed distressing.
- Matte black – A deep charcoal brown providing contemporary edge.
Opt for water-resistant materials like wood composites or thermofoil for durability. Distressed finishes hide wear over time.
Best Brown Bathroom Accessories and Decor
Finish the look with coordinating brown bathroom accessories like:
- Rattan, bamboo or wicker baskets
- Stone, marble or wood soap dishes
- Bronze or oil-rubbed bronze faucets and fixtures
- Jute, sisal or cotton bathmats
- Chocolate or caramel colored towels
- Floating wood shelves
- Macrame or wood beaded curtain for shower or window
- Stone, glass or metal vases with dried botanicals
Layer in metallics like bronze and gold to make brown feel luxe and contemporary.
Brown Bathroom Ideas
Here are some stylish ways to use brown in a bathroom design:
- Go for a monochromatic look with brown walls, tile, cabinetry and accessories bathed in warm light for a cocooning spa feel.
- Pair dark brown slate tile floors with white subway wall tile and black accents for bold contrast.
- Use brown on the lower half of walls or in panels with cream upper walls and polished chrome fixtures for vintage charm.
- Choose brown marble countertops and neutral tan paint colors for an organic, earthy look.
- Add a pop of brown in textured wallpaper on an accent wall against bright white backgrounds for visual interest.
- Contrast brown wood cabinets with a white stone vessel sink atop a wood vanity for an elegant mix of materials.
Brown works with all design aesthetics from modern to farmhouse. Use it strategically instead of all over for best results.
Should You Avoid Brown in a Small Bathroom?
Brown is often cited as a color to avoid in small bathrooms, as it can make a room feel dark and closed in. However, it can work if used carefully. Here are some tips:
- Use pale browns like tan, beige or greige to reflect light.
- Stick to smaller brown accents instead of brown all over.
- Add mirrors and reflective metallic fixtures to visually expand the space.
- Counteract brown with whites and pastels on upper walls and the ceiling.
- Include brown in organic patterns like marble or stone rather than flat cabinetry for texture.
- Make sure there is sufficient lighting, preferably from multiple sources.
With strategic use of shade and sheen, brown can feel warm and intimate instead of oppressive, even in petite bathrooms.
Conclusion
Brown can be an inviting, versatile color for bathrooms when used intentionally. Stick to light or medium-tone browns and balance it with other lighter neutrals. Include brown in finishes like marble or wood rather than flat paint for dimension. Plenty of light and metallic sheen keep the space feeling bright and fresh. With these tips, brown can create a bathroom with timeless, earthy appeal.
