If you love using color in your home, 2024 is the year for you–especially when it comes to bathroom paint color trends. The timeless, gleaming white bathroom aesthetic has competition this year as bold colors are at the top of every “top trend” list. Ranging from warm peach to luxurious jewel tones, rich color is finding its way onto bathroom walls, cabinetry and accessories. However, that does not mean neutrals are dead – far from it. This year’s crop of color trends truly offers something for every taste.
Despite the plethora of options, choosing bathroom paint colors does not have to be difficult. To keep yourself from being swept up in the many paint options and bathroom color ideas that you see online, it is helpful to start by thinking about color in terms of style: trendy, traditional or timelessness. This guide will help you select the best bathroom paint colors for your home’s style and your personal taste.
How to choose a bathroom paint color? Start with your style.
Staying true to your style is important when choosing paint colors: straying too far from your preferences could lead to a less satisfying result. Thinking about your style as you make your color choices will help you find the right shade for your home and your family. Let us start by describing the key style categories, and what each means when it comes to bathroom designs and colors:
- Trendy: Trendy bathroom color ideas and designs are circulated widely on social media as well as in interior design blogs and magazines. Trendsetters re-think fixtures, finishes and color schemes, providing fresh ideas and inspiration for your project. Alternative metals, innovative features and new colors are the hallmarks of the trendsetting style.
- Traditional: Traditional bathroom styles feature neutral palettes, polished brass or chrome fixtures, wood cabinetry and natural (or natural-looking) stone counters. While white linens are the traditional choice, the neutral colors of the traditional palette are flexible, enabling you to inject added color into the room with bright artwork or colorful linens.
- Timeless: Timeless style is simple and balanced and allows you to make simple modifications to update the look of a room. The clean white bathroom is a classic example of a timeless look. Crisp white tile, cabinetry and fixtures do not go out of style and are easy to accessorize.
The top bathroom paint colors for 2024
There is something for every style, aesthetic and personal taste among this year’s color trends. Whether you are planning an all-out, maximalist remodel or prefer your bathroom to be a soothing oasis, 2024’s color trends offer everything from bold hues to a fresh look at calming neutrals.
A peachy pick is the top color trend
A good place to start when it comes to bathroom paint color choices is the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, a soft peach shade aptly named “Peach Fuzz” that is setting the tone for current color trends. Unlike recent years which featured intense shades of fuchsia, periwinkle and yellow, Peach Fuzz ushers in a range of livable, sophisticated colors that nod toward nature and complement the increasing popularity of natural-looking stone and wood accents.
One word about on-trend colors: you do not have to stick to the exact shade or palette! Feel free to interpret the trends according to your personal taste. Peach Fuzz, for example, sits between pink and orange on the color wheel and can be easily nudged in either direction, toward terra cotta for an earthier feel, or toward pink shades which are infinitely flexible and flattering.
Shades of peach and apricot also pair beautifully with white, neutrals and with the next trend category: jewel tones.
Vibrant jewel tones are back in style
White-on-white bathrooms and kitchens have been on trend for years and are always timeless. However, for 2024, bold color makes its return. Rich jewel tones–deep emerald, rich topaz, dark sapphire, dusky ruby and velvety dark shades of plum–are being seen on bathroom walls, cabinetry and accessories.
These vibrant hues stand in stark contrast to the neutral palettes that have been popular for the last several years. Whether used as accent colors or as the focal point of a design, jewel tones can stand alone or play well with neutral colors.
Spa-like neutrals define in-home retreats
While strong colors are making the headlines for current bathroom color trends, that does not mean that neutral palettes are out of favor. Warm and soothing shades of beige and taupe are fresh choices for those seeking a more tranquil and traditional bathroom look.
When thinking about a neutral palette, do not be afraid to look at darker neutral shades. Mid-brown shades of taupe, for example, can be striking when paired with white for a tailored look, or provide a soft background for other accent colors.
Which bathroom color trend is right for you?
The current year’s trends offer a multitude of color options and interpretations for every style. To help ensure you are happy with your color choice, keep the following tips in mind:
- Always test the paint color in the room you are going to paint. Colors can look vastly different on a swatch or in a store than they do on your bathroom walls. Always test a small area first.
- Do not ignore your lighting. Lighting dramatically affects how a paint color looks in a room. Natural light can make colors appear differently than artificial light. Not considering how the color will look in your bathroom’s lighting conditions can lead to unexpected results.
- Consider the size of the bathroom you are painting. Using dark or very bold colors in a small bathroom can make the space feel cramped and smaller than it is. While these colors can be striking, it is important to use them wisely in smaller spaces. (More on picking paint colors for small bathrooms is below!)
- Do not forget the paint finish and moisture resistance. Choosing a moisture-resistant paint is the first order of business when it comes to painting your bathroom. However, the finish of the paint (gloss, semi-gloss, matte) can also have a significant impact. Glossy finishes are easier to clean, for example, but they also highlight any imperfections in the walls. Matte finishes, on the other hand, can be easily spotted if splashed with water.
Small bathroom paint color tips
What is the best color for a small bathroom? The answer depends on a few things, from the lighting in the room to (as always!) your own taste. When choosing a color for a small bathroom, several factors should be taken into account to make the space feel welcoming and avoid feeling claustrophobic. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Light colors: Lighter colors can make a room feel more spacious. Soft whites, neutrals and pastels can brighten up the space and give an illusion of it being larger than it is. You can interpret color trends by using a lighter shade of a bold color on the walls and using a darker shade sparingly in accents or accessories.
- Cool tones: Cool blues and greens can create a calming and refreshing ambiance in a small space, and they often reflect light better, contributing to a more open feel.
- Consistent or monochromatic color scheme: Using a consistent or even monochromatic color palette can help the space feel unified and expansive. If you choose to have multiple colors, make sure they complement each other and keep contrasting colors to a minimum.
- Accent wall: An accent wall can be a terrific way to use color strategically in a smaller room. Painting one wall in a bolder or darker shade can add depth without overwhelming the space with a dark color.
The right color can transform your bathroom, turning it into a sanctuary or highlighting beautiful design and materials. Whether your style is trendy, traditional or timeless, this year’s color trends offer beautiful options for all baths, regardless of size. Keep our tips in mind, and if you need more ideas, schedule a free bathroom design consultation with one of our professionals.