Modern Castle is supported by readers. When you buy with our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Best Bathroom Color Trends

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

The year brings a lot of new choices in terms of what’s trending versus the more classic choices, but there really is something for everyone.

So what are the best bathroom color trends? Let’s dive in and find out!

Fresh Air

One trending strategy in bathroom colors is bringing the look and feel of fresh air into the space. This means using bright and airy colors on the walls, natural textures in the decor, and subtle touches of greenery, where appropriate.

Spa like bathroom design

What color paint should you use?

To achiece this look, consider some of the following colors:

  • Sherwin Williams Waterscape for a muted spa-like feel
  • (Here’s a great substitute to SW Waterscape by Prestige Paints)
  • Sherwin Williams Sea Salt for a fresh air clean look
  • Benjamin Moore Metropolitan for a sophisticated cool gray

RELATED – Prefer a European aesthetic? Check out our guide on Scandinavian colors.

“Break the Mold” Bold

If you’re looking to make a statement and not a spa date, you may prefer the bolder trend choices. Bold walls work especially well in smaller bathrooms that could use a splash of bold color.

Bold bathroom design

For a bold, yet balanced look, consider a simple vanity or white countertop so as not to overwhelm the area.

What color paint should you use?

  • Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black for a classic black
  • (Here’s a great substitute to SW Twicorn Black by Prestige Paints)
  • Benjamin Moore Deep Emerald for a moody green
  • Behr Boathouse for a bright and bold blue

Want something a more classic?

Looking to paint your bathroom, but want something timeless? Consider a safer hue and avoid repainting your bathroom in the future.

Classic bathroom color for 2019

What color paint should you use?

  • Sherwin Williams Repose Gray for a gray than can shift between warm and cool
  • (Here’s a great substitute to SW Repose Gray by Prestige Paints)
  • Benajmin Moore Smokey Taupe for a warm tan with a richer hue
  • Benjamin Moore Cloud White for a warm white with ivory undertones

RELATED How to get an expensive looking design on the cheap

What are modern bathroom colors?

For a more modern look, try to steer clean of taupes and instead opt for grays or whites. You can do a warmer gray, like PPG Ash or a cooler gray, like Prestige Paints SW299-Passive or Sherwin Williams Passive.

Modern bathroom design for 2019

Grays provide a nice base and can be paired with a wide variety of colors, textures and materials. Sherwin Williams Extra White is another great option and generally considered one of the purest whites available. 

What colors are easiest to keep clean?

In terms of color, it’s hard to say exactly which color will be easiest to keep clean.

What is more important in the bathroom is the paint finish. As a general rule, the higher the gloss the easier it is to wipe down. For the best results long term, opt for an eggshell or satin paint.

Paint finish and textures for bathrooms

You can even do some extra digging and find a paint that is washable.

Selecting a paint with a shiner finish will mean less maintenance for you as well as resistance to moisture, mold, and mildew – the three “M’s that can mean big bucks in maintenance for a bathroom. 

What colors are calming?

For a calming bathroom, seek out the spa-like tones, like a soft blue-green or a warm gray.

Warm grays bring out natural wood or rock textures in tile or accent decor.

Calming bathroom colors and designs

In comparison, blue-green colors are soft on the eye and look great paired with crisp white towels and chrome bathroom hardware.

Whether you’re going for a cozy natural oasis or a pristine day spa, color can play a big role and make a huge impact.

RELATED – Need a mop for the new bathroom? See our Roomba mop comparison here.

What colors are energizing?

For something more energizing, don’t be afraid to add a pop of color. Deep purples or bold teals can be a fun accent to any bathroom.

Energizing bathroom colors

As a word of caution, avoid reds, oranges or yellows for a bathroom. While these can be great colors as accents in decor, they can be very overpowering when used on a wall. 

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.