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Are you tired of stepping into a snooze-fest every time you need to brush your teeth or take a shower?
Well, it might be the right time to turn your bathroom from basic to bodacious!
We’re exploring 19 absolutely stunning colourful bathroom ideas that’ll make your space feel less like a necessary pit stop and more like the coolest hangout in your pad.
And it’s not just us who think you should brighten up your bathroom design, either!
Liv Wallers, co-founder of Yellow London, encourages the use of bold colours in bathrooms: “Bathrooms are a place to relax but also a space that you use to make yourself look and feel good, so it is important to create an uplifting space. We love using vibrant greens, reds, and blues which offset well with a paler marble to break the space up and make it not too overpowering.”
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Gone are the days when bathrooms were purely practical spaces destined to stay neutral and forgettable.
They’ve become little sanctuaries — the perfect place to experiment with colour, pattern, and personality.
So instead of settling for a space that feels flat and functional, why not create one that genuinely lifts your mood — a dopamine-boosting bathroom that makes you smile every time you walk in?
19 Bold & Colourful Bathroom Ideas
1. Quirky Bath Mats
You’ll be surprised by just how many funky and colourful bath mats are out there. Do a simple search online, and you can find anything from a cute cherry-shaped bath mat to a fierce tiger bath mat at very reasonable prices, too.
The great thing about bath mats is that if you were to get bored with them, they can easily be changed.
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2. Mix & Match
Mixing and matching wall and floor tiles is one of the easiest ways to add character and structure to a bathroom. It not only elevates the look but also helps define different zones within the space.
For example, using a bold patterned tile on the floor can subtly separate the shower area from the rest of the room, creating both visual interest and a sense of flow.
Pair it with glossy, easy-to-clean wall tiles for contrast and balance, and opt for slip-resistant finishes underfoot to keep things practical as well as stylish.
This layered approach gives you the freedom to play with texture, tone, and pattern without overwhelming the space. Contrasting tiles can also be used to highlight key features, like the wall behind the vanity or around the bathtub, turning everyday areas into thoughtful design moments.
3. Brighten Up The Sink
Have you ever seen a basin this gorgeous? Me neither!
Basins come in all types of materials and sizes, but what about colours and finishes? I’m sure you’d agree that we’ve been there and done that with boring white ceramic basins—time for something exciting!
Luckily, there are so many extraordinary basins out there that you wouldn’t find in the average home, all of which have enough wow factor to spruce up your bathroom all on their own.
4. Create A Gallery Wall
Art doesn’t have to be reserved for the bedroom and living room. The bathroom is a great place to hang colourful art, whether it’s framed or unframed—just remember to opt for waterproof bathroom art, especially if your bathroom’s ventilation isn’t the best.
A gallery wall in the bathroom moves the vibe away from being just a functional space, to one that can invoke thought and reflection, or simply just lift your spirits while having a soak.
The typical bathroom wall is bare and could do with a bit of love and excitement, just like any other wall in the home.
5. Revamp The Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring designs have evolved significantly over the years, and this means that you can find very unique and vibrant vinyl flooring for your bathroom that won’t cost the earth!
Bathroom flooring is available in many materials, including stone, wood, laminate, and concrete, but if we’re talking warmth and the easiest flooring to change if needed, vinyl flooring wins by a mile.
So, not only does this mean that you get a softer and warmer feel underfoot, but it also means there is a wider range of designs at a more affordable cost compared to many other materials.
6. Work It With Wallpaper
Can you really wallpaper a bathroom? The answer is YES!
Wallpaper can look stunning in a bathroom, but it needs to be able to handle humidity. The safest choice is vinyl wallpaper, as it’s naturally moisture-resistant and easy to wipe clean.
If you’ve fallen in love with a design that isn’t vinyl, don’t panic — you can still use it. Just make sure it’s sealed with a clear, durable varnish once it’s completely dry.
This extra layer of protection will help prevent moisture from seeping in and keep your wallpaper looking fresh for longer.
Try Decorator Varnish by Polyvine. This durable overcoat is available in dead flat, gloss, and satin.
7. A Colourful Vanity
Vanity units are an effective storage solution for the bathroom and an equally good way to hide the ugly pipework underneath a sink.
These days, you can find all sorts of vanity units, traditional or modern ones, floor-standing or wall-hung ones, and double or single ones, but rarely do we see colourful ones.
Not often do we see vanity units in a bright colour or pattern, so why not inject some personality into the bathroom with an eccentric piece of furniture?
8. Team With Checkerboard
Checkerboard tiles have made a big comeback — and it’s easy to see why. They strike the perfect balance between classic and contemporary, adding instant character without overpowering a space.
A monochrome palette always looks elegant, but soft neutrals, muted greens, or even blush and ivory combinations can make the pattern feel fresh and modern.
To keep the look cohesive, limit bold contrasts elsewhere — let the flooring (or a feature wall) take centre stage.
Checkerboard works beautifully with brushed brass fixtures, minimalist mirrors, and warm lighting, giving your bathroom a timeless charm that still feels on trend.
9. A New Splash Of Paint
Aside from accessories and furniture, a fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable ways to revive your bathroom.
Here’s what it can do:
Create a Focal Point: Painting one wall in a striking colour, such as emerald green or deep blue, can serve as an eye-catching focal point. This technique adds depth and interest to the room, making it feel more dynamic and stylish.
Enhance Mood and Atmosphere: Bold colours can significantly impact the mood of the bathroom. For example, green hues evoke a sense of nature and tranquillity, while rich blues and reds can add a luxurious and calming feel. These colours can help transform the bathroom into a relaxing oasis.
Add Visual Interest with Patterns: Combining vibrant colours with patterns, such as geometric shapes or floral designs, can create a unique and lively atmosphere. This approach can break up the monotony and make the space more engaging.
Complement Existing Features: A bold paint colour can highlight and complement existing features like tiles, fixtures, and accessories. For instance, pairing a bright wall colour with neutral tiles or metallic fixtures can create a balanced and cohesive look.
10. Bold New Tiles
Tiles are essential in a bathroom, particularly behind the sink.
They protect your walls from water damage, toothpaste and make-up smudges, but that doesn’t mean they should be dull; they can be very decorative too, so make a splash!
You can choose to tile the entire space or create a colourful backsplash behind the sink or bathtub.
Try tiles with unique patterns, vivid colours, or unconventional shapes like the Corsica Hex tiles by Porcelain Superstore that form a fun honeycomb pattern together.
11. Get Greenery In
There’s no denying that plants have the power to enhance any room of the home, however, we often forget that plants can have a place in the bathroom as well.
Here are a few good reasons to have plants in the bathroom:
Surround yourself with nature while bathing
Accentuate other bold colours in the room
They are energising and boost positive emotions
Some of the obvious concerns about having foliage in the bathroom are low light, and too much humidity and warmth, but there are actually quite a few plants out there that thrive in these conditions.
According to Gardening Know How, some of the best plants for the bathroom are Aloe Vera, Lucky bamboo, Orchid, Snake plant, Spider plant, Begonia, Cast iron plant, and Boston fern.
RELATED: 12 Best Plants For The Bathroom
12. Paint The Wall Panelling
It’s easy to find wall panelling inspiration for the bedroom and living room, but they are not as common for the bathroom and yet they have so many benefits for a bathroom.
Here are a few benefits of having panelling in a bathroom:
Water Resistance: Bathroom panelling, especially if it’s made of materials like PVC, fibreglass, or acrylic, is resistant to water. This helps prevent damage from moisture, reducing the risk of mould and mildew growth.
Easy to Clean: Panelling typically has a smooth surface that is easy to wipe down, making cleaning a breeze. Unlike tiles, there are no grout lines to scrub, which can be a breeding ground for mould and dirt.
Aesthetic Appeal: Bathroom panelling comes in a variety of styles, colours, and textures, allowing you to achieve the desired look for your bathroom. Whether you prefer a modern, sleek appearance or a more traditional, rustic feel, there’s panelling available to suit your taste.
Insulation: Some types of panelling can provide additional insulation for your bathroom, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature and potentially reducing energy costs
13. Bathe In Colour
If you could peek inside a hundred homes, how many bold, colourful bathtubs do you think you’d actually find?
Probably not that many, and yet they are just perfect for a modern and exciting bathroom.
A bright-coloured bath can enhance a bathroom in several ways:
Visual Focal Point: A brightly coloured bath immediately draws attention and becomes a focal point in the bathroom. It can serve as a statement piece that anchors the entire space, adding personality and character to the room.
Injecting Vibrancy: Bright colours have the power to inject vibrancy and energy into a space. In a bathroom, where functionality often takes precedence, a pop of colour can breathe life into the room, creating a more inviting and lively atmosphere.
Optical Illusion: In smaller bathrooms, a brightly coloured bath can create an optical illusion of space, making the room feel larger and more open. Lighter colours, in particular, reflect more light and can visually expand the perceived size of the bathroom.
14. Bold Radiators & Towel Rails
In the past, radiators were just about practicality, providing the home with a source of heating, but as time has gone on, they have evolved into being both a statement of aesthetic appeal and practicality, especially for radiators in the bathroom.
These days, you can find matte to mirrored, vertical to horizontal or multi-column radiators to tubular radiators, and the default white radiators that we are used to seeing are slowly being faded out by the growing demand for colourful radiators.
Luckily, a good selection of shops, including DQ Heating, Big Bathroom Shop, BestHeating, and Designer Radiators Direct, offer a wide range of colourful radiators to help you add a touch of glam to your bathroom.
15. Use Statement Mirrors as Artwork
A mirror doesn’t have to be purely practical — in a bold bathroom, it can double as a piece of art.
Swap out a standard square or rectangle for something sculptural, like an arched, scalloped, or bobbin design. Mirrors with tinted glass or brass trim add warmth and depth, especially against colourful tiles or painted walls.
Try grouping two smaller mirrors side by side for an unexpected twist, or hang one oversized shape to make a small space feel more considered.
The right mirror can elevate your bathroom instantly, reflecting both light and personality.
16. Accent Wall
When we consider adding an accent wall to our home, the bathroom might not be the first place that comes to mind.
After all, it’s often the smallest room in the house, and we tend to focus more on functional aspects rather than design.
However, in recent years, the idea of creating an accent wall in the bathroom has gained popularity, and for good reason.
Imagine walking into your bathroom and being greeted by a bold, eye-catching wall that immediately commands attention. It’s a daring choice, no doubt, but it can also be incredibly striking.
This simple addition has the power to completely transform the space, elevating it from mundane to extraordinary.
Not only does an accent wall serve as a focal point, but it can also tie the room together by anchoring key elements of furniture or fixtures.
17. Continue The Tiles
Seamlessly matching the floor and wall tiles together creates an uninterrupted flow of space that tricks the eye into perceiving the room as larger than it actually is.
If you’re someone who enjoys the luxury of a wet room, this coordinated tile scheme becomes even more appealing.
The continuity of design not only amplifies the sense of spaciousness but also adds a touch of elegance to the wet room experience.
The featured Alalpardo green porcelain tiles from Bert & May perfectly balance colour with neutral.
The lush green hue injects just the right amount of colour to invigorate the space, while its white stripes ensure that the overall atmosphere remains balanced and sophisticated.
18. Modernise Monochrome
Black-and-white bathrooms will always be timeless, but the trick to keeping them modern is to soften the contrast.
Introduce texture through fluted tiles, terrazzo details, or checkerboard flooring for a touch of character.
Natural wood, brushed brass, or rattan accents bring warmth, stopping the palette from feeling too stark.
If you want something bolder, add a splash of colour through artwork or towels — even a small injection of rust, sage, or blush can make a monochrome scheme feel fresh and lived-in.
19. Play With Stripes
Stripes are the quiet power move of bathroom design — simple, graphic, and endlessly adaptable.
Vertical stripes can make the room feel taller and more elegant, while horizontal ones bring a sense of calm and balance to narrow spaces.
Painted stripes above half-tiled walls feel fresh and modern, while striped wallpaper can introduce colour and character without feeling over the top.
For something more subtle, try striped towels or a shower curtain to layer in pattern without committing fully. It’s a timeless look that still feels bold, polished, and a little unexpected.
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FAQs
It depends on the mood you want to create, but the key is finding balance.
Soft neutrals like warm white, clay, and stone pair beautifully with bolder tones such as teal, mustard, or terracotta — they stop the space from feeling too stark while still keeping things calm.
If you’re after something more playful, try colour-blocking complementary shades like blush pink and forest green, or cobalt blue with a touch of coral.
The trick is to repeat accent colours through smaller details — think towels, artwork, or even grout — so the palette feels intentional rather than overwhelming.
Light, reflective shades are your best friend in a small bathroom.
Soft whites, pale greys, and gentle neutrals like oatmeal or warm beige help bounce light around, creating the illusion of more space.
If you prefer a bit of colour, muted pastels — think powder blue, sage, or blush — can open up a room without feeling cold. Gloss or satin finishes also work well, as they reflect light and add depth.
To keep things cohesive, try using the same shade on both the walls and ceiling; it blurs boundaries and makes the space feel taller and more seamless.