5 Colors You Should Never Paint A Bathroom, Say Experts

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

In any home, the bathroom is an essential space that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. When it comes to designing or remodeling a bathroom, one crucial aspect to consider is the color scheme. The choice of colors can greatly impact the overall ambiance and mood of the space. While there is a wide range of colors to choose from, it is important to be mindful of certain colors that may not be suitable for bathroom walls.

In this article, we will explore five colors that experts recommend avoiding when painting a bathroom. These colors can have a negative impact on the overall atmosphere and may not be conducive to creating a relaxing and rejuvenating environment. By steering clear of these colors, you can ensure that your bathroom remains a soothing sanctuary for your daily self-care routines.

Bright Red

Bright red is a bold and vibrant color that can elicit strong emotions and create a stimulating environment. While it may be enticing to incorporate this fiery shade into your bathroom design, experts advise against it. The intensity of bright red can be overwhelming in a small space like a bathroom, leading to a sense of agitation rather than relaxation.

Red is known to increase blood pressure and heart rate, making it less than ideal for a room that should be a sanctuary for calmness and tranquility. Additionally, bright red can visually shrink the space and make it feel cramped, especially if your bathroom is on the smaller side.

Instead of using bright red on the walls, consider incorporating it in small, subtle accents such as towels, accessories, or artwork. This way, you can still enjoy the energy and impact of the color without it overpowering the entire space.

Dark Brown

Dark brown is a rich, earthy color that can evoke a sense of warmth and coziness in a room. However, when it comes to bathroom walls, experts advise against using dark brown for a few reasons.

First, dark brown can make a small bathroom appear even smaller and more confined. The deep hue absorbs light, creating a cave-like effect that can feel claustrophobic. In a space that already tends to be compact, it is best to opt for lighter, brighter colors that will help open up the area and create an illusion of spaciousness.

Moreover, dark brown can also create a heavy and somber atmosphere, which is not typically desired in a bathroom. Bathrooms are often associated with cleanliness, freshness, and rejuvenation – qualities that are better suited to lighter and more uplifting color palettes.

If you are drawn to the warmth of brown tones, consider using lighter shades such as beige or tan instead. These can still provide a cozy and inviting feel, while maintaining a lighter and more spacious visual appeal.

Bright Yellow

Bright yellow is a color that exudes energy, positivity, and cheerfulness. While these may be desirable qualities in certain areas of the home, using bright yellow on bathroom walls is generally not recommended by experts.

The intensity of bright yellow can be overpowering in a small space like a bathroom, creating a visually stimulating environment that may not promote relaxation. It can also cast a harsh and unflattering light on the skin, making it less than ideal for tasks such as applying makeup or shaving.

Additionally, bright yellow can have a tendency to reflect light, which can be overwhelming in a room that is often exposed to natural and artificial lighting. This can lead to eyestrain and discomfort.

However, if you still desire a touch of yellow in your bathroom, consider opting for softer, muted shades like pastel yellow or pale lemon. These lighter variations can add a touch of warmth and brightness without overwhelming the space.

Alternatively, you can incorporate pops of yellow through accessories such as bath mats, shower curtains, or artwork, allowing you to enjoy the vibrancy of the color without it dominating the entire room.

When choosing a paint color for your bathroom, consider light, neutral tones like soft grays, pale blues, or light greens. These colors can help create a calming and spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom.

Neon Green

Neon green is a bold and eye-catching color that can instantly grab attention. While it may be a trendy choice for certain applications, experts advise against using neon green on bathroom walls.

The intense brightness of neon green can be overwhelming in a small space like a bathroom. It can create a visually jarring and chaotic environment that is not conducive to relaxation and tranquility. This vibrant color can also be visually fatiguing and may lead to a sense of restlessness.

In addition, neon green can be difficult to coordinate with other colors and decor elements in the bathroom. Its boldness can clash with more subtle or neutral tones, creating an unbalanced aesthetic. This can make it challenging to create a cohesive and harmonious design scheme in the space.

If you still want to incorporate touches of green in your bathroom, opt for softer and more muted shades of green such as sage green or mint green. These shades can still add a refreshing and calming element to the space without overwhelming the senses.

Consider using green in the form of accents like towels, shower curtains, or potted plants. This allows you to introduce the color in a more controlled and subtle manner, while maintaining a cohesive and soothing bathroom atmosphere.

Pure Black

Pure black may be sleek and dramatic, but it is generally not recommended for bathroom walls. While black can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to a space, using it excessively or without the right balance can have some drawbacks.

First and foremost, black walls can absorb light, making a small bathroom feel even more cramped and enclosed. The lack of light reflection can create a dim and gloomy atmosphere that is not ideal for a room that should be well-lit and inviting.

Moreover, black can also show every single speck of dirt, dust, and water droplets, making it challenging to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the bathroom. This can result in a constant need for cleaning and maintenance to keep the walls looking presentable.

If you still want to incorporate black into your bathroom design, consider using it sparingly as an accent color. For example, you could use black for accessories like towel racks, faucet fixtures, or even a vanity cabinet. This way, you can still achieve the elegant and modern look you desire without overwhelming the entire space.

Alternatively, if you enjoy the idea of a dark color scheme, consider using deep, rich tones like navy blue or charcoal gray instead. These colors can offer a similar sense of depth and sophistication, while still maintaining a more inviting and manageable bathroom environment.

By carefully considering the choice of colors for your bathroom walls, you can create a space that is both visually appealing and conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation. Remember to take into account the size of the bathroom, the desired ambiance, and the overall functionality to choose the colors that best suit your preferences and needs.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing colors for the walls of your bathroom, it is essential to consider the overall ambiance and functionality of the space. While personal preferences play a significant role, there are certain colors that experts recommend avoiding for bathroom walls.

Bright red, with its intense vibrancy, can create a sense of agitation rather than relaxation in a small bathroom. Dark brown, while warm and cozy, can make the space feel even smaller and create a heavy atmosphere. Bright yellow, although cheerful, can be visually overwhelming and cast unflattering light. Neon green, with its intensity, can create chaos and clash with other decor elements. And pure black, while sleek, can make the space feel dim and require constant cleaning to maintain its appearance.

Instead of using these colors on the walls, consider incorporating them in smaller accents or accessories, allowing you to enjoy their impact without overpowering the space. Opt for lighter, more soothing colors such as soft pastels or muted shades of green, yellow, or brown to create a serene and inviting atmosphere in your bathroom.

Remember that your bathroom should be a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. By carefully selecting the color scheme, you can create a space that promotes tranquility, cleanliness, and a sense of well-being. Take into account the size of the bathroom, the desired ambiance, and the functional aspects to make an informed decision about the colors you choose for your bathroom walls.

So, next time you embark on a bathroom remodeling or redesign project, keep these expert tips in mind to create a bathroom that not only meets your needs but also provides a visually appealing and soothing environment for your everyday self-care routines.