Choosing a paint color for your bathroom can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. But if you’re looking for a soothing, peaceful ambiance in your bathroom, blue is always a classic and elegant choice. The range of blue hues is diverse – from soft powder blues to bold navy tones. Blue evokes feelings of tranquility and relaxation – exactly the vibe you want in a bathroom.
Here are 7 beautiful blue paint colors to consider for your bathroom along with tips on how to decorate with each shade:
1. Airy Blue
Airy blue is a pale, icy blue that immediately calls to mind clear skies and puffy clouds. It’s one of the lightest shades of blue you can choose for your bathroom walls. This icy blue shade gives your bathroom an open, airy feel.
When decorating with airy blue, opt for white trim and accessories. This keeps the look light and bright. Add touches of silver or metallic accents which complement the cool tone of the blue beautifully. Airy blue also pairs well with natural textures like woven baskets, rattan mats, and wood shelves.
Benjamin Moore’s October Mist is a perfect airy blue paint color for bathrooms.
2. Powder Blue
Powder blue is just a shade darker than airy blue. It’s a soft, delicate hue that whispers tranquility. Powder blue adds a vintage charm to bathroom walls.
Decorate powder blue bathrooms with white and pastel accents. Mint green, buttery yellow, and even soft peach complement powder blue beautifully. Add white wainscoting or beadboard to amplify the vintage charm. White roman blinds and some antique silver accessories complete the look.
Benjamin Moore’s Wickham Gray is a popular powder blue bathroom paint color.
3. Sky Blue
As the name suggests, sky blue makes you think of a clear blue sky on a summer day. It’s brighter and bolder than airy or powder blue and adds a fun, retro vibe to the bathroom.
Sky blue bathroom walls call for glossy white trims and fixtures to match their vividness. Accent with chrome or stainless steel faucets and accessories which contrast nicely against the blue. White window treatments also complement this classic blue.
Sherwin Williams’ Let It Rain is a stunning sky blue paint color for bathrooms.
4. Periwinkle Blue
Periwinkle is a bluish purple or purplish blue that deserves a spot on this blue bathroom paint colors list. It’s a versatile color that can lend a contemporary or vintage feel based on how you decorate it.
Play up the modern side of periwinkle blue by pairing it with white, gray and chrome accents. Or accent with antique brass fixtures and Victorian-style curtains for an old-world effect. Benjamin Moore’s Melville Blue is a popular periwinkle blue bathroom paint color.
5. Navy Blue
For a bold, dramatic look, you can’t go wrong with navy blue bathroom walls. Navy instantly gives bathrooms a cozy, enveloping feel. It’s ideal if you want a soothing spa-like ambiance in your bathroom.
Decorate navy blue bathrooms with contrasting white trims, wainscoting and window treatments. Add pops of yellow or green with towels, bath mats and accessories. Brushed gold, antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures also complement the navy beautifully. Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy is a classic navy blue paint color for bathrooms.
6. Duck Egg Blue
Situated between sky blue and teal, duck egg blue is a pale turquoise hue. It’s retro yet timeless, with a soothing quality. Duck egg blue adds a big dose of character to small bathrooms.
Pair duck egg blue walls with white subway tiles, vintage hardware and pastel towels for a charming bathroom redo. This versatile blue takes on a coastal feel with natural textures like rattan baskets and driftwood shelves. Farrow & Ball’s Duck Green is a famous duck egg blue bathroom paint color.
7. Mediterranean Blue
With green undertones, Mediterranean blue conjures up visions of the blue waters surrounding the Greek isles. It’s a refreshing, tranquil hue that works beautifully in bathrooms.
Decorate Mediterranean blue bathrooms with touches of green and white for a breezy, coastal vibe. Add some navy blue accents which complement the green undertones. Terracotta floor tiles also enhance the Mediterranean charm. Sherwin Williams’ Rainwashed is a stunning Mediterranean blue paint color.
Tips for Decorating Bathrooms in Blue
- Lighting is key when using blue paint colors. Opt for bright white light bulbs and plenty of windows to keep the space airy and fresh. Blue can start feeling dark and dreary without proper lighting.
- Don’t overlook the ceiling when painting. Painting the ceiling blue along with the walls creates an enveloping, cocooning effect.
- Add touches of white or neutral colors to balance out all the blue. White trims, tiles, window treatments and accessories keep the space light and refreshing.
- Incorporate natural textures and elements like woven baskets, rattan mats, driftwood shelves, stone vessel sinks etc. Natural textures complement and soften cool blue tones beautifully.
- Metallic fixtures and accessories in brushed nickel, chrome, stainless steel, antique brass etc. pair wonderfully with different shades of blue and add glamour.
- Don’t forget the flooring. Blue walls call for light-hued flooring. White marble, light wood or even weathered, whitewashed wood floors balance out the blue walls nicely.
- Choose shower curtains and towels in contrasting or coordinating colors for an accent. Navy blue walls, for instance, look amazing with a vibrant coral shower curtain.
- Finish with lovely decorative details – a tray of sea shells, starfish prints, driftwood frames etc. will enhance any beachy-blue bathroom.
Common Concerns About Blue Bathrooms
Blue may be serene, but some people have reservations about using it in bathrooms. Here are some common concerns addressed:
Are blue bathrooms too cold?
Deep shades of blue like navy can feel cold and dark if used alone. The key is choosing the right kind of blue for your needs and decorating accordingly. Light blue hues like powder blue feel crisp and refreshing rather than cold. Navy blue paired with warm wood tones, metallics and neutrals balances out the coolness. As long as you incorporate enough contrast, blue bathrooms won’t feel uncomfortably cold.
Does blue make bathrooms look smaller?
Again, it depends on the shade of blue. Soft, light blue hues like airy, powder and sky blue make small bathrooms look open and airy. However, darker blues like navy can close in on the space, making it feel smaller than it is. Stick to pale blue hues for tiny bathrooms.
Is blue not suitable for all bathroom styles?
While blue works wonderfully in coastal, farmhouse, vintage and modern bathrooms, it may not suit more ornate traditional or Old World-style bathrooms as well. Dark wood trims, elaborate wallpaper and baroque-style light fixtures don’t mesh as seamlessly with cool blue tones. But for most casual decor styles, blue is versatile enough.
Doesn’t blue feel masculine for bathrooms?
Blue is traditionally considered a “masculine” color, but that notion is outdated. Today, blue is used in women’s and kids’ bathrooms as well to create different moods. Soft powder blue feels feminine and vintage-inspired. Vibrant turquoise blue adds a fun, punchy vibe. Blue works well in gender-neutral and family bathrooms too.
So don’t shy away from blue thinking it’s best suited for masculine spaces. Decorating with the right accessories and details will make any blue bathroom feel inviting.
Isn’t blue supposed to be calming? Then why does it feel energizing?
It’s true that lighter blue shades are thought to have a calming effect. However, brighter blues like sky and turquoise blue feel crisp, clear and energizing rather than tranquil. So the exact shade of blue and how light or dark it is will determine whether it has a soothing or energizing vibe.
7 Beautiful Blue Paint Color Schemes for Bathrooms
Here are some stunning blue color schemes for bathrooms that are sure to inspire:
1. Periwinkle Blue + White
Periwinkle blue walls serve as a gorgeous backdrop for all-white trims, subway tiles, framing the tub and roman blinds. The bright white contrasts beautifully with the purple-tinged blue for a dreamy, elegant bathroom.
2. Powder Blue + Peach + White
Soft powder blue walls complemented by peach towels and accessories create a warm, welcoming ambiance. Crisp white trims, tiles and window treatments balance out the colors.
3. Sky Blue + Yellow + Gray
Punchy sky blue walls make a cheerful statement tempered by cool gray floors. Sunny yellow towels and accessories inject more color and vibrancy.
4. Duck Egg Blue + Rattan + Driftwood
Duck egg blue walls with natural rattan mats, baskets and driftwood frames and shelves exude breezy, coastal charm. Whitewashed floors complete the beach house vibe.
5. Navy Blue + Wood + Brass
Rich navy blue paired with warm wood flooring, trims and antique brass fixtures makes for a cozy, welcoming bathroom. The wood elements temper the coolness of the navy.
6. Airy Blue + Marble + Chrome
Airy blue walls complement gorgeous white marble countertops, tub surround and backsplash tile. Sleek chrome fixtures add to the light, airy elegance.
7. Mediterranean Blue + Terracotta + White
Earthy terracotta floor tiles and decorative accents pop against soothing Mediterranean blue walls. Crisp white trims and fixtures keep the look feeling light and beachy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Bathrooms
Here are answers to some common FAQs about decorating bathrooms in different shades of blue:
What are the most popular shades of blue for bathrooms?
The most popular blue bathroom paint colors include:
- Powder blue – Soft, subtle, vintage
- Sky blue – Vibrant, retro, cheerful
- Periwinkle blue – Dreamy, elegant, versatile
- Navy blue – Cozy, enveloping, dramatic
- Airy blue – Crisp, clear, refreshing
These 5 shades of blue suit most decor styles and provide a serene backdrop.
What color should I pair with navy blue in my bathroom?
Navy blue looks beautiful paired with:
- Crisp white trims and subway tiles
- Warm wood flooring and wainscoting
- Accents of yellow, coral, or mint green
- Metallic finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass
What tile colors go well with blue bathrooms?
Some tile colors that complement blue bathrooms include:
- White subway tile
- Light gray stone or marble
- Terracotta
- Weathered, whitewashed wood
- Bold patterned tile as an accent
Light-colored or neutrals work best with blue walls.
Should I paint the ceiling blue as well as the walls?
It depends on the look you’re going for. Painting the ceiling blue creates an enveloping, cocoon-like effect. It emphasizes the serenity of blue. Keeping the ceiling white makes the space feel more open. Both options work beautifully.
What flooring options look good with blue bathroom walls?
Some flooring ideas that complement blue bathrooms are:
- White marble or quartz
- Weathered, whitewashed wood
- Light gray wood
- Multi-toned stone
- Terracotta tile
- Concrete with blue aggregate
Light, neutral flooring balances out blue walls nicely.
Conclusion
Blue is a charming choice for bathroom walls, no matter what the shade. When chosen and decorated well, it can add style and character to this essential room. Light blue hues have an airy, soothing effect. Navy blue makes a dramatic style statement tempered with wood tones. Soft vintage blues add charm.
Just keep in mind proper lighting and balance cool blues with warm metallics, wood elements and bright whites. Don’t shy away from blue thinking it may seem too cold, masculine or energizing. Decorated with care, blue bathrooms are welcoming sanctuaries.
So if you’re looking to add some elegance, tranquility or style to your bathroom, blue is a beautiful direction to take. Keep the tips and stunning color schemes here in mind, pick a blue that appeals most to you and transform your bathroom into a relaxing retreat.
