10 Reasons to Make a Splash With Coloured Bathware
Coloured bathware can lift the look of your bathing zone and fill it with personality, too
Crisp white and chrome bathroom fixtures are a popular choice for the bathroom, and rightly so. After all, they’re classic, classy, easy to accessorise, and come in an array of different shapes and looks, which means they can work in schemes of any style. However, if you wish to inject your bathroom with colour, character and show-stopping appeal – but want to try something a little different to other design tricks like covering your floor in patterned feature tiles, painting your walls a lively hue, adding a bold accent wall or introducing brightly toned accessories – it may be worth splashing out on bathware in hues that pop, shock and zing, rather than plain, colour-free fixtures. If you need some more convincing, here are my top 10 reasons why you should consider working a bold statement bathtub, basin, toilet or tapware into your bath zone. Take a look and see if you become a coloured bathware convert.
2. They can be a conversation-starting focal point
While the mosaic feature wall in this elegant bathroom makes a strong design statement, it’s the striking purple claw foot bath that’s the true hero – and conversation-starting element – of the space. The raised platform that the tub stands on also ensures that all eyes are on the accent piece.
Another lesson we can take from this bathroom is that you don’t have to choose bathware in a lively, look-at-me hue for the fixture to be a focal point, which is important to note if you have an aversion to bright tones or dreamy pastels, and prefer rich, more restrained colours. If this sounds like you, bathware in navy, emerald, maroon, grey, black and royal purple, as seen here, may be more to your liking.
While the mosaic feature wall in this elegant bathroom makes a strong design statement, it’s the striking purple claw foot bath that’s the true hero – and conversation-starting element – of the space. The raised platform that the tub stands on also ensures that all eyes are on the accent piece.
Another lesson we can take from this bathroom is that you don’t have to choose bathware in a lively, look-at-me hue for the fixture to be a focal point, which is important to note if you have an aversion to bright tones or dreamy pastels, and prefer rich, more restrained colours. If this sounds like you, bathware in navy, emerald, maroon, grey, black and royal purple, as seen here, may be more to your liking.
3. They add oomph to all-white and neutral spaces
Coloured bathware will instantly perk up all-white or neutral bathroom schemes. And the great thing is you don’t even have to add too much colour (for example, by installing a large, brightly-toned tub or more than one colourful fixture) for this design trick to be a success – a single pop is all you need.
This bathroom shows how it’s done. Here, a bold red rectangular basin makes a dramatic statement in this white bathroom and infuses it with a hearty dose of visual interest.
If you are keen to try this design trick at home, but are worried the result will look a little jarring and unfinished, a simple solution is to add a few small splashes of the same hue throughout your space in the form of bathroom accessories (like a soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, towels and candles), as this will create balance and visual cohesion.
Coloured bathware will instantly perk up all-white or neutral bathroom schemes. And the great thing is you don’t even have to add too much colour (for example, by installing a large, brightly-toned tub or more than one colourful fixture) for this design trick to be a success – a single pop is all you need.
This bathroom shows how it’s done. Here, a bold red rectangular basin makes a dramatic statement in this white bathroom and infuses it with a hearty dose of visual interest.
If you are keen to try this design trick at home, but are worried the result will look a little jarring and unfinished, a simple solution is to add a few small splashes of the same hue throughout your space in the form of bathroom accessories (like a soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, towels and candles), as this will create balance and visual cohesion.
Coloured tapware is another great option for those who don’t want to add big (or even basin-sized) blocks of colour to their space. As you can see here, although the resulting look is a little more restrained, it still oozes energy and packs a visual punch.
Kaa handheld shower and showerhead in Orange: Agape
Kaa handheld shower and showerhead in Orange: Agape
4. They can support other standout design elements
While coloured bath fixtures do offer head-turning appeal, they can also blend into the background and let other design features have their moment in the spotlight, as this striking bathroom proves. Here, a chic black pedestal sink and toilet complement and emphasise the stunning green marble-like tiles that line the walls, rather than command all of the attention. Notice how the emerald green pops against the black bathware, which also echo the dark, almost midnight slicks of green that run through some of the tiles and ensure the fixtures don’t look out of place or too heavy for the scheme.
Memoirs pedestal sink: Kohler
While coloured bath fixtures do offer head-turning appeal, they can also blend into the background and let other design features have their moment in the spotlight, as this striking bathroom proves. Here, a chic black pedestal sink and toilet complement and emphasise the stunning green marble-like tiles that line the walls, rather than command all of the attention. Notice how the emerald green pops against the black bathware, which also echo the dark, almost midnight slicks of green that run through some of the tiles and ensure the fixtures don’t look out of place or too heavy for the scheme.
Memoirs pedestal sink: Kohler
Alternatively, if you desire a scheme that’s even more subdued in style, work pastel-toned bathware into your space instead. The fixtures will still lift the look and add interest to your all-white or neutral palette, but with a softer touch.
How to make timber work in the bathroom
How to make timber work in the bathroom
5. They distract the eye from unappealing design elements
Colourful bathroom fixtures are masters of disguise and can help distract the eye from the shortcomings of your bathroom. This quirky, traditional-style bath area shows how it’s done. Here, an attention-grabbing red claw foot tub works in tandem with the zebra-print wallpaper to distract guests from the diminutive dimensions of the room, as they command attention and don’t let the eyes wander. Take note of how the white basin and toilet offer balance and help lighten the scheme, and ensure it doesn’t look too busy or cramped.
Colourful bathroom fixtures are masters of disguise and can help distract the eye from the shortcomings of your bathroom. This quirky, traditional-style bath area shows how it’s done. Here, an attention-grabbing red claw foot tub works in tandem with the zebra-print wallpaper to distract guests from the diminutive dimensions of the room, as they command attention and don’t let the eyes wander. Take note of how the white basin and toilet offer balance and help lighten the scheme, and ensure it doesn’t look too busy or cramped.
6. They inject kids’ bath zones with fun and playfulness
There are two things about this zesty green freestanding sink that appeal to me: its quirky, vibrant colour (I’m not sure if it reminds me more of Kermit or Shrek; anyone else want to weigh in on this?) and its eye-catching, sculptural shape. These two elements combine to create a basin that oozes personality, playfulness and kid-friendly appeal, which makes it the perfect addition to this children’s bathroom.
White walls fulfil two roles in this space; they allow the basin to remain the hero of the scheme, and ensure that the room doesn’t look too cutesy. Also, take note of how the black penny tiles cut through and help balance the heavy helping of green, and add a hint of sophistication and grown-up appeal to the bathroom, too.
More cheerful ideas for kids’ bathrooms
There are two things about this zesty green freestanding sink that appeal to me: its quirky, vibrant colour (I’m not sure if it reminds me more of Kermit or Shrek; anyone else want to weigh in on this?) and its eye-catching, sculptural shape. These two elements combine to create a basin that oozes personality, playfulness and kid-friendly appeal, which makes it the perfect addition to this children’s bathroom.
White walls fulfil two roles in this space; they allow the basin to remain the hero of the scheme, and ensure that the room doesn’t look too cutesy. Also, take note of how the black penny tiles cut through and help balance the heavy helping of green, and add a hint of sophistication and grown-up appeal to the bathroom, too.
More cheerful ideas for kids’ bathrooms
7. They can anchor light, airy schemes
Light, airy bathrooms can sometimes feel a little incomplete as they can lack depth and visual stimulation. One way to get out of this decorating jam is by introducing coloured bathware to your scheme, a design move used in this Scandinavian-style room. Here, a striking black tub infuses this bathing area with visual interest, and helps anchor and define the soft, pared-back space. For this design trick to work, it’s best to stick with larger fixtures (or install a whole suite of coloured bathware) in moody tones like black, grey, navy and deep purple.
La Rochelle painted French bateau bath: The Cast Iron Bath Company
Light, airy bathrooms can sometimes feel a little incomplete as they can lack depth and visual stimulation. One way to get out of this decorating jam is by introducing coloured bathware to your scheme, a design move used in this Scandinavian-style room. Here, a striking black tub infuses this bathing area with visual interest, and helps anchor and define the soft, pared-back space. For this design trick to work, it’s best to stick with larger fixtures (or install a whole suite of coloured bathware) in moody tones like black, grey, navy and deep purple.
La Rochelle painted French bateau bath: The Cast Iron Bath Company
8. They create high-impact contrast in colourful spaces
While bright bath fixtures work a treat in all-white and neutral spaces, they can also help ramp up the visual drama in bathrooms that are already awash with colour. Take this contemporary bath zone, for example; it features wall-to-wall turquoise mosaic tiles (and turquoise-painted walls above that), along with a high-energy and high-contrast lime green bathtub, which has been introduced to cut through the blue-green palette, create visual drama and make the scheme sing.
If you’re not sure what hues you should pair together, look to the colour wheel for guidance. Shades on opposite sides of the colour wheel work well together (think blue and orange or pink and green), as do contrasting tones from the same colour family (for example, navy and cobalt blue).
While bright bath fixtures work a treat in all-white and neutral spaces, they can also help ramp up the visual drama in bathrooms that are already awash with colour. Take this contemporary bath zone, for example; it features wall-to-wall turquoise mosaic tiles (and turquoise-painted walls above that), along with a high-energy and high-contrast lime green bathtub, which has been introduced to cut through the blue-green palette, create visual drama and make the scheme sing.
If you’re not sure what hues you should pair together, look to the colour wheel for guidance. Shades on opposite sides of the colour wheel work well together (think blue and orange or pink and green), as do contrasting tones from the same colour family (for example, navy and cobalt blue).
9. They can help tie a scheme together
The salmon pink tub is key to this room’s success; it not only serves as a striking accent and adds another layer of interest to the bath zone, but it also visually anchors the space and ties the different elements of the scheme together tonally, wrapping them up in a neat little, impeccably styled and coordinated bow. As you can see here, the colour of the tub echoes the salmon-toned triangular tiles that dance across the floor, and complements the dusty blush paint that covers the walls. Take note of how the rosy undertones of the salmon bathtub tie in beautifully with the rich brass tapware, warm timber cabinetry, and white and pink floral patterned curtains, too, resulting in a cohesive look that offers balance and visual harmony.
Roll-top spey cast iron bath: Drummonds
The salmon pink tub is key to this room’s success; it not only serves as a striking accent and adds another layer of interest to the bath zone, but it also visually anchors the space and ties the different elements of the scheme together tonally, wrapping them up in a neat little, impeccably styled and coordinated bow. As you can see here, the colour of the tub echoes the salmon-toned triangular tiles that dance across the floor, and complements the dusty blush paint that covers the walls. Take note of how the rosy undertones of the salmon bathtub tie in beautifully with the rich brass tapware, warm timber cabinetry, and white and pink floral patterned curtains, too, resulting in a cohesive look that offers balance and visual harmony.
Roll-top spey cast iron bath: Drummonds
10. They make bathrooms easier to navigate for people with low vision
Compared to white bathware, which tends to blend into the background of predominantly white or neutral schemes, brightly coloured bathtubs, basins and toilets are highly visible and will ensure people who suffer from a vision impairment can move around and use their bathroom with ease (in particular at night or if their space is poorly lit), without the risk of tripping over or bumping into fixtures they may struggle to see.
Compared to white bathware, which tends to blend into the background of predominantly white or neutral schemes, brightly coloured bathtubs, basins and toilets are highly visible and will ensure people who suffer from a vision impairment can move around and use their bathroom with ease (in particular at night or if their space is poorly lit), without the risk of tripping over or bumping into fixtures they may struggle to see.
Installing coloured tapware is another way to make your bathroom easier to use for family members and guests with low vision, as they are easier to see and grasp. If your walls are white, tapware in any bright, easy-to-see colour will do the job just fine. If, however, you have block bright or colourful patterned walls, choose taps in a high-contrast hue instead. Shades that sit on opposite sides of the colour wheel work well together and look good, too, as will taps in stark black or crisp white that pop against the wall.
Top bathroom tapware choices
Top bathroom tapware choices
TELL US
Are you a fan of coloured bathware, or do you prefer classic white bathroom fixtures? Tell us your thoughts in the Comments.
And if you have bright, bold bathware in your bath zone, we’d love to see it, so post photos of your colourful space in the comments section, too!
MORE
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Are the Pastel Tides Turning on the Pink Sink?
What’s Your Bathroom Design Style?
Seize the Day: Bathrooms That Dare to Be Different
Are you a fan of coloured bathware, or do you prefer classic white bathroom fixtures? Tell us your thoughts in the Comments.
And if you have bright, bold bathware in your bath zone, we’d love to see it, so post photos of your colourful space in the comments section, too!
MORE
Go Shopping for Bathroom Fittings … Without the Stress
Are the Pastel Tides Turning on the Pink Sink?
What’s Your Bathroom Design Style?
Seize the Day: Bathrooms That Dare to Be Different
Coloured bathroom fixtures work wonders when it comes to breathing life into a space that’s lacking personality and visual appeal, which this bath zone has in spades, thanks to the quirky, smile-inducing orange tub and basin. The cheerful colour also lends a warm, welcoming vibe to the otherwise neutral scheme – a quality that is enhanced by the translucent material the tub and basin are made from, which appears to glow, thanks to the overhead lights that illuminate the room. Strip lighting also runs along the base of the basin and vanity to enhance this effect.
When choosing coloured bathware for your bathroom, choose a colour you love and that captures your personality, rather than a hue that’s ‘on trend’. After all, bathware is a big investment (as is renovating your bathroom), so you want to make sure you love the space and can see yourself using it for years to come.