Burgundy is a rich, deep red color that can make a bold statement in any room. When used in a bathroom, burgundy can create an elegant, luxurious ambiance. However, like any dramatic color choice, burgundy has both advantages and disadvantages to consider when used in bathroom design. Looking at the pros and cons can help you decide if burgundy is a good fit for your space.
The Pros of Using Burgundy in a Bathroom
Here are some of the benefits that come with using burgundy colors in bathroom design:
It creates an elegant, luxurious look
Burgundy is a shade commonly associated with luxury and formality. Using burgundy on bathroom walls or as accents can make your ordinary bathroom look and feel like a spa-like retreat. The richness of the color brings a touch of sophistication.
It’s great for making a statement
A little burgundy goes a long way in creating visual impact. If you want your bathroom to have a bold, memorable style, burgundy is a color that makes a statement. It instantly catches the eye and becomes a focal point.
It works with both warm and cool color schemes
Burgundy is a versatile bridge color that can work with either warm or cool palettes. Pair it with browns, tans, and golds for a cozy earthy bathroom. Or match it with grays, blues and metallics for a chic, modern look.
It hides bathroom grime well
Unlike light or pastel colors, deep burgundy hues are great at concealing soap scum, hard water stains and other bathroom grime. The color’s depth helps hide the little imperfections that come with high-humidity bathroom environments.
The Cons of Using Burgundy in a Bathroom
However, there are also a few potential disadvantages of using burgundy colors for bathrooms:
It can make a small bathroom look smaller
Dark colors like burgundy tend to visually recede, which can make a small bathroom feel closed in and cramped. If you have a tiny bathroom, a lighter, brighter color may be a better choice for opening up the space.
It shows flaws on walls and grout lines
While burgundy hides daily grime well, it also highlights any imperfections on the walls or grout lines. Paint flaws, cracked grout, uneven textures and other issues will all stand out. The space will need to be in pristine condition for best results.
It can be too dramatic for some tastes
Burgundy is a bold, moody shade. If you prefer a more subtle, neutral bathroom, the richness of burgundy may feel overly dramatic or dark. It’s best for those who want an opulent style.
The color can fade over time
Like any dark paint color, burgundy is prone to fading over the years, especially in a sunlit bathroom. Faded patches may start appearing, requiring touch-ups. Using a high-quality, fade-resistant paint can help.
It may limit future design flexibility
Going with a trendy bold color like burgundy could make it hard to change your design later. If you redecorate and want to use a different color scheme, the burgundy will limit what hues go well moving forward.
Tips for Using Burgundy in a Bathroom
If you decide burgundy is the right shade to spruce up your bathroom, here are some tips for using it successfully:
– Test burgundy paint swatches at different times of day. Natural and artificial lighting can alter how a paint color looks. Evaluate swatches in both daytime and evening light to ensure you like the shade.
– Use it sparingly or as an accent. Painting just one wall burgundy or adding burgundy towels and decor creates impact without going overboard.
– Pair with lighter neutrals. Offsetting burgundy walls with a white ceiling, floor and trim prevents the space from appearing too dark and closed-in.
– Add plenty of lighting. Extra illumination from light fixtures, windows and mirrors helps balance out the dramatic shade.
– Include metallic accents. Chrome, bronze and gold metal finishes complement burgundy nicely and enhance the elegant vibe.
– Stick to matte finishes. Glossy surfaces show more flaws. A flat or eggshell burgundy paint minimizes imperfections.
– Seal grout and caulk lines. Take time to seal and smooth all joints so tile imperfections don’t get magnified.
– Test colored grout options. If your bathroom has tile, colored grout similar to your burgundy walls makes cracks virtually disappear.
Burgundy Bathroom Color Schemes
If you want to use burgundy in your bathroom design, consider some of these stylish color scheme ideas:
Burgundy and Gold
Pairing rich burgundy walls with golden accents, fixtures and decor creates a glamorous Old Hollywood vibe. The metallic sheen of gold pops against the burgundy backdrop.
Burgundy and Brown
Earthy, organic browns complement burgundy beautifully. Try a muted sandy brown on the walls with burgundy towels and decor for a peaceful spa look.
Burgundy and Gray
Cool, sleek grays offset the warmth of burgundy in modern bathroom designs. Use gray stone or ceramic tile with burgundy grout for contemporary style.
Burgundy and Blue
From navy to sky blue, crisp cool blues contrast elegantly with burgundy’s depth. Continue the color up walls in fun tile designs.
Burgundy and Green
Deep greens like hunter, emerald or sage make bold partners for rich burgundy. Pair them in botanical or tropical inspired bathrooms.
Burgundy and White
For dramatic contrast, keep the walls, floor, ceiling and trim pristine white and use burgundy in artwork, towels, accessories and other pops of color.
Conclusion
Burgundy can be an elegant, luxurious color choice for bathrooms when used strategically. While the rich hue isn’t ideal for every space due to its daring darkness, the color’s high-end, sophisticated look is perfect for those wanting to make a bold decorative statement. By playing up burgundy’s pros and minimizing its cons through thoughtful color combinations and plenty of lighting, you can create a bathroom that is stylish, functional and uniquely yours. With the right approach, burgundy can look absolutely stunning in a bathroom design.
