Interior experts reveal 6 colours to avoid in tiny bathrooms, they shrink them and ‘suck light out like a hungry vacuum’
IT'S often a forgotten room in the house and usually has the least amount of decorating time spent on it.
But your bathroom actually holds a lot of potential for creative expression to make it into your own personal haven.
Design experts Abbas Youseffi, the Design Director of independent tile specialists Porcelain Superstore, and Brian Athey, MD of heating and bathroom specialists Renaissance at Home, say certain colours can undermine your space making it feel cold, garish and even small.
Here they reveal the six colours to avoid in your bathroom and what ones to opt for instead.
Aubergine
While aubergine might seem sophisticated, its deep purple undertones can shrink your space and suck the light out of the room like a hungry vacuum.
It's not a colour for the dewy serenity you sometimes crave after a long day.
Abbas said: "Instead of aubergine, embrace serenity with spa-like blues.
"Sky blue evokes the endless horizon, while turquoise whispers of tropical serenity.
"For a touch of luxury, try a dusty denim paired with creamy accents."
Bright Red
Brian says red does not work in your bathroom.
He recommends avoiding using it in your bathroom altogether and opting for a more subtle colour like sage green.
He says: "Red is not a colour I would recommend using in a bathroom.
"Applying makeup in a room that resembles a blushing bride is a recipe for disaster.
"And those rosy streaks on the shower curtain? Not a good look.”
Brian says sage green offers a grounding, earthy vibe, while mint green brings a burst of invigorating freshness.
And for a touch of personality try olive green paired with pops of ochre.
Black
While it might seem edgy, black in a small bathroom is just downright oppressive.
It casts long shadows, walls up light and creates a gloomy fortress where you would probably rather not linger.
Instead, Abbas suggests experimenting with white and beiges.
He says: "Let light dance with whites and beiges.
"Crisp white is classic for a reason - it reflects light, opens up space, and creates a clean canvas for your personal touches.
"For warmth go for a creamy beige or a pale taupe."
Neon Yellows
Lemon yellows work better in a kitchen, not in a bathroom.
They throw off your make-up shades and can cast everything in a sickly glow.
You'll be left looking like you've just finished a marathon, not a relaxing bath.
Brian says it is better to inject a dose of sunshine with golden hues.
He said: "Pale yellow hints at the warmth of the sun without the overpowering intensity.
"Pair it with crisp white or sandy tones for a beachy vibe.
"For a touch of luxury, tr honey gold with rich wood accents."
Bright Orange
Orange is a bit too stimulating for a relaxing bathroom environment.
It doesn't give the pick-me-up shot or orange you would expect and can be too overbearing.
Your bath time should be a wind-down, not a workout.
Abbas recommends choosing more relaxing, tranquil colours like blues and greens to still give a natural vibe.
He says: "Channel the tranquillity of the sea with blues and greens.
"Deep, serene blues like navy or slate offer a cool, calming vibe, while teal blends the serenity of blue with the earthy calm of green."
Not All White
White might seem like a safe choice, but all-white bathrooms can feel sterile and uninviting.
Homeowners need to think more spa and less sanitation.
Brian says: "Warm up clinical white spaces with textures and pops of colours.
"Add natural wood elements, fluffy towels, and plants.
"Break up the white with colourful tiles, artwork, or path accessories."
Abbas says your bathroom can have just as much character as the rest of your home.
You can experiment, have fun and choose colours that help you to feel relaxed, refreshed, and ready to face the world.
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He said: "Your bathroom is an extension of your own personality.
"Let it become a haven of colour that reflects your unique inner sunshine."