The Common Mistake Everyone Makes With Color In The Bathroom (& How To Avoid It)

No one likes a bathroom that is cramped, outdated, or unwelcoming. If your bathroom fits any of these descriptors, it is definitely time for a refresh. Whether you plan to completely redesign your room and add new bathroom fixtures or simply add a few decorative touches, your bathroom is the ideal place for color in your home. Unfortunately, it is easy to accidentally make your bathroom look too kitschy by making the simple mistake of overdoing it with one single color. So, before you grab your paintbrush or go out shopping, learn how to use color in the bathroom the right way.

Once you get an idea of a color in your head, it can be tempting to go overboard and buy every décor item you see in that shade, plus some paint, and maybe some towels, too. You might even start looking at new bathroom fixtures in your desired hue. While the monochromatic look can work in some rooms, it can also look a bit boring and dated, which is probably not the result you are trying to achieve. Instead, limit yourself to three items in each color you choice. This rule will ensure that the shade stands out in the room instead of becoming an overwhelming presence. The overall effect will be a clean, calming room with a delightful pop of vibrancy to bring some energy to the space. Now that you know this design tip, it is time to figure out where in your bathroom you want to add your three colorful accents and which colors are best for the job.

From rugs and soap dispensers to walls and toilets, you can add color to your bathroom through almost any item. There are plenty of options, but it can be hard to choose your accent pieces while avoiding the decorating mistakes everyone makes with their half bath and full bath. For the biggest impact, add a large accent by painting your vanity or the walls in your shade of choice. You can also add colorful elements in the form of tile to the walls of your shower, or bathroom fixtures. These larger changes will dramatically change the look of your bathroom, but they will also take the most labor and likely be the most expensive. They can also be difficult to replace in the future if you decide to change your color scheme down the line. So, you might want to think twice before committing to a colorful toilet or bathtub.

For more easy changes with subtle effects, look to the accessories. Colorful artwork, a mirror frame, a set of towels, or a candle can bring life and personality to the room without being overpowering. Décor pieces are also easier to move around the bathroom to find the right balance of color; you can replace them with other hues if desired in the future. Smaller accents also look more balanced in a small bathroom. You can exclusively use small accessories to add a pop of color, or you can add in one or two of the larger accents.

If you have not yet chosen the colors you wish to incorporate, there are some tips that can help you make the best decision. First, remember that you can choose multiple colors for your bathroom. Just limit the use of each one to three to keep the bathroom more understated. When choosing the right one, you can find your perfect color palette using the color wheel. This will ensure that your choices complement each other, whether you are combining one bold tone with neutrals or working with multiple pops of color. Also, consider the moods that colors set. Reds and yellows are typically energetic, while blues and greens are more calming. The shades you choose should also influence how you incorporate them. Bolder tones can be more overpowering, so use them for smaller accent pieces. Softer hues are a better choice for walls and tiles.

Of course, all of these are suggestions. If you find a fourth small accessory that you feel will complete the space, you can certainly experiment with it, especially if you have a larger bathroom. With a palette you like and strategically chosen décor, you can create the bathroom of your dreams and avoid the mistake of overusing a color that ends up overpowering your bathroom. So, if you want to have a perfectly curated bathroom that will not look dated, give this rule of three a try in your next redesign.