When designing a luxury bathroom, choosing the right paint colour plays a vital role in setting the tone and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the space. The perfect bathroom paint colour can transform a simple room into a relaxing oasis or a sophisticated retreat, making it one of the most important design decisions you can make.

Whether you're looking to create a calm, serene environment or a bold, dramatic statement, the right colour will reflect your personal style and elevate the sense of luxury in your bathroom.

The right bathroom paint not only enhances the look of the space but also contributes to its overall feel. Soft, soothing tones can create a spa-like environment, while bolder colours add an element of drama and refinement.

From timeless neutrals to bold, dark hues, this guide will explore the best colours for luxury bathrooms to help you make an informed choice.

Best Colours for Luxury Bathrooms

1. Timeless Neutrals

Neutral tones like white, beige, and grey are timeless choices for a luxury bathroom. These colours never go out of style and are known for their ability to create a clean, calm, and spacious feel. Neutrals are incredibly versatile and work well with a variety of design elements, from natural stone countertops to sleek, modern fixtures.

White, for example, can enhance the sense of light and airiness in a bathroom, while grey adds a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the space. Beige offers warmth and a welcoming feel, making it perfect for creating a luxurious yet comfortable environment.

One of the greatest advantages of neutral tones is their ability to complement any style, whether you're aiming for a modern minimalist look or a more traditional, elegant bathroom. These colours allow other elements in the space, such as marble, glass, or metallic finishes, to stand out, creating a harmonious and balanced design.

2. Soft Pastels for a Spa-Like Feel

If you're aiming to create a calming, spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom, soft pastels are an excellent choice. Colours like light blue, pale green, and blush pink evoke a sense of relaxation and tranquillity, making them ideal for turning your bathroom into a peaceful retreat. These gentle hues work especially well in spaces where you want to unwind, whether it's after a long day at work or during a quiet morning routine.

Pastel colours not only create a soothing environment but also add a touch of understated elegance. They pair beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing the organic feel of the space.

Light blue, for instance, mirrors the calming tones of water, while pale greens bring a refreshing, nature-inspired vibe to the room. Soft pastels offer the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, making them a popular choice for modern, upscale bathrooms.

3. Dark and Dramatic Tones

For those looking to make a bold statement, dark and dramatic tones such as deep navy, charcoal, and emerald green are perfect for adding sophistication and a touch of drama to your bathroom.

These rich, saturated colours create a luxurious, high-end feel and can transform an ordinary bathroom into a stunning focal point of your home. When paired with bright fixtures, metallic accents, or sleek white countertops, dark tones create a striking contrast that elevates the overall design.

Dark colours work particularly well in larger bathrooms, where they can make a grand statement without overwhelming the space. However, even in smaller bathrooms, using dark tones strategically—such as on an accent wall—can add depth and visual interest.

The key to using dark colours successfully is balancing them with lighter elements and reflective surfaces to keep the room from feeling too closed in. With the right combination of lighting and fixtures, these dramatic tones can create a truly opulent bathroom experience.

4. Earthy and Natural Hues

For those who prefer a warm, organic feel in their bathroom, earthy tones like terracotta, sage green, and taupe are excellent choices. These colours are inspired by nature and bring a sense of grounded tranquillity to the space.

Earthy hues have a timeless appeal and work well with natural materials like wood, stone, and plants, creating a seamless connection between your bathroom and the outdoors.

Sage green, for example, is a soothing colour that evokes feelings of serenity and renewal, while terracotta adds a touch of warmth and rustic charm. Taupe is a versatile neutral that can be both warm and cool, depending on the undertones, making it a great option for coordinating with various design elements.

These colours are perfect for creating a bathroom that feels inviting, comfortable, and connected to nature, while still exuding luxury.

5. Luxurious Metallic Accents

For those looking to add a touch of opulence and glamour to their bathroom, metallic accents can be the perfect solution. Incorporating gold, silver, or bronze tones into your bathroom’s paint scheme adds a level of sophistication and elegance. Metallic paints or accents can be used on an accent wall, trim, or even incorporated into tiles or fixtures to create a refined, luxurious atmosphere.

Metallic accents work particularly well when paired with neutral or darker wall colours, providing a striking contrast that elevates the entire look of the space.

An emerald feature wall with gold accents, for example, can instantly make the bathroom feel more luxurious and inviting, while silver or bronze touches can enhance the sleekness of modern, minimalist designs.

Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Bathrooms

1. Semi-Gloss vs. Satin Finish

When choosing the right paint finish for your bathroom, it’s important to understand the difference between semi-gloss and satin finishes. Semi-gloss paint has a higher sheen, making it more reflective and durable, which is ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms.

It’s also highly resistant to stains and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for spaces prone to water splashes and humidity. Satin finishes, on the other hand, have a softer sheen and offer a more muted, velvety appearance. While still durable, satin finishes are slightly less moisture-resistant than semi-gloss but provide a more subtle, elegant look.

Both finishes are excellent choices for bathrooms due to their durability and moisture resistance. However, semi-gloss is preferred in areas directly exposed to water, such as around sinks and showers, while satin can be used for a more refined finish in less exposed areas.

2. Moisture-Resistant Paints

In a bathroom, using moisture-resistant paint is crucial to prevent mould, mildew, and water damage. These types of paints are specifically formulated to withstand the high humidity and condensation that is typical in bathrooms.

Look for paints labelled as "mould and mildew resistant" or designed for use in bathrooms and kitchens. They contain additives that prevent moisture from seeping into the walls, reducing the risk of mould growth over time..

How to Choose a Colour Scheme for Your Bathroom

1. Coordinating with Bathroom Fixtures and Tiles

When selecting paint colours for your bathroom, it’s essential to coordinate them with your existing fixtures, tiles, and cabinetry. Your bathroom’s colour scheme should harmonise with elements like the vanity, countertops, and flooring. For example, if you have marble tiles with grey veining, a soft grey or white wall colour will complement the natural tones of the stone, creating a cohesive look. If your fixtures are more modern with chrome finishes, crisp whites or cool blues can enhance the sleek, contemporary feel.

It's all about finding balance. Neutral colours like beige or grey work well with most tile and fixture combinations, while bolder colours can be used for accent walls or trim to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

2. Lighting Considerations

Lighting plays a major role in how bathroom colours appear, so it's important to choose colours based on the type and amount of light your bathroom receives. Natural light will often make colours appear brighter and more vibrant, so if your bathroom has large windows, you can experiment with darker or bolder shades.

On the other hand, bathrooms with limited natural light or artificial lighting may benefit from lighter colours to help brighten the space.

Cool-toned colours like blues, greens, and greys can appear even cooler in bright natural light, while warm tones like beige and soft yellows can add warmth to artificially lit bathrooms. Test paint samples in different lighting conditions to see how the colours change throughout the day.

3. Small Bathroom Colour Ideas

In small bathrooms, the goal is often to make the space feel bigger and more open. Lighter colours, especially whites, soft pastels, and pale neutrals, can help create the illusion of more space by reflecting light.

Light blues, pale greys, and soft greens are excellent choices for making small bathrooms feel more airy and spacious. These colours work especially well with natural light, as they enhance the brightness of the room.

To maximise the sense of openness, you can also use reflective finishes like semi-gloss or satin, which bounce light around the room and prevent it from feeling cramped. Pairing lighter walls with light-coloured tiles and fixtures will create a cohesive, expansive look, making even the smallest bathroom feel more inviting.

Luxury Bathroom Design at Plumb Factory

At Plumb Factory, our team of design experts can work alongside you to create your perfect bathroom space. We’ll help you to discover the perfect colour combinations for your tiles or paint, and make moodboards to play with different textures and materials.

Once you’re happy with the outcome, we’ll use our 3D CAD software to bring your vision to life, where you can make any final tweaks to the design.

Pop over to our showroom for some style inspiration or contact us today to arrange a consultation!

Bathroom Colours FAQs

What are the best bathroom colours for a modern look?

For a modern bathroom, the best colours typically include monochrome schemes like black and white or minimalist neutrals like grey, beige, or soft taupe. These colours offer a sleek, clean aesthetic that works well with modern fixtures and streamlined designs.

Neutral tones can be elevated with metallic accents or contrasting textures to add depth while maintaining a contemporary feel. Monochrome combinations such as charcoal grey paired with white also create striking, high-contrast visuals that are perfect for a modern bathroom.

How can I make a small bathroom look bigger with paint?

To make a small bathroom feel larger, stick to light colours such as whites, soft pastels, or pale neutrals. These colours reflect light and open up the space, creating an airy, expansive feel. You can also use reflective surfaces like semi-gloss finishes or pair light walls with large mirrors to enhance the sense of space.

Another trick is to use a lighter shade on the ceiling, which draws the eye upward and makes the room feel taller. Strategic contrast, like painting an accent wall a slightly darker shade, can add depth and dimension without closing in the space.

Is it okay to use dark colours in a bathroom?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to use dark colours in a bathroom, especially if you want to create a dramatic, sophisticated look. Dark tones like deep navy, charcoal, or forest green can work particularly well in larger bathrooms or when used as accent walls.

To prevent the room from feeling too enclosed, balance dark colours with lighter elements such as white or metallic fixtures, mirrors, and bright lighting. When done right, dark colours add richness and depth, transforming the bathroom into a luxurious and intimate space.

What’s the best finish for bathroom paint?

The best finishes for bathroom paint are semi-gloss and satin. Semi-gloss finishes are highly moisture-resistant, durable, and easy to clean, making them ideal for high-humidity areas like bathrooms.

Satin finishes offer a softer sheen but still provide good moisture resistance and are suitable for areas that are less exposed to direct water. Both finishes are designed to stand up to the moisture and humidity common in bathrooms, so either option works well depending on your aesthetic preferences.

How do I coordinate paint with my bathroom tiles?

When coordinating paint colours with bathroom tiles, consider both contrast and harmony. If your tiles are bold or patterned, opt for neutral wall colours that complement but don’t compete with the tile design. For plain or neutral tiles, you can be more adventurous with the wall colour, adding a pop of colour or creating contrast with a darker shade.

Another approach is to pick a shade from the tile’s design and use it on the walls for a cohesive look. Always consider the overall aesthetic—whether you want a calm, spa-like environment or a bold, modern design.

Best Bathroom Paint Colours for Luxury Bathrooms