It can be quite tricky to decide on the best color for your guest bathroom. These spaces are usually small with limited space to make a design impact, so color really becomes the focal point.
And if you are redecorating your guest bathroom any time soon, you're probably searching for inspiration that suits your taste and will also impress guests. Not always an easy balance to strike.
5 Colors Interior Designers Always Use in Guest Bathrooms
There are so many beautiful colors to consider for your guest bathroom. Just a glance at this year's trending bathroom colors leaves you with so many options. Some colors make a bathroom look more expensive, and others are centered around certain design styles.
So if you're suffering from decision fatigue, rest assured, you're not alone. But to help you start on the right foot, here are a few guest bathroom colors worth considering, all of which lend themselves to artful layering and timeless decorative details.
1. Bold, Moody Shades
On the other end of the spectrum, the guest bathroom is the perfect opportunity to experiment with bolder colors – in particular, moody hues. Consider it a confidence zone, somewhere to create a design that wows.
'A guest bathroom is the perfect place to create a jewel-box effect with a bold, dramatic shade. Colors like Evening Sky 833 or Hidden Falls 714 make a striking statement,' says Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore
'For maximum impact, consider color-drenching the space by painting the walls, trim, and ceiling in the same hue to blur boundaries and make the room feel more expansive. Balance the richness of these colors with light and reflective surfaces, whether through natural light or thoughtfully placed mirrors and glass accents.'
Guest towels are a great way to bring in moodier colors if you are opting for a jewel box design – this set of 2 comes in this striking burgundy hue with a loop for hanging.
Your mirror is super important to your guest bathroom designer. If you're going moody with colors, add a large vanity mirror to maximize light and drama
Something as simple as this dark green marble tray can make all the difference to your guest vanity. It keeps products tidy and adds a deeper accent color to the space.
2. Soft Nature-inspired Colors
Adding color doesn't have to be ultra bold if that isn't your style. You can't go wrong with taking inspiration from nature – these soft, organic shades instantly appeal to the senses, creating a calmer, more relaxing feeling.
'I always recommend guest bathroom paint colors that are serene in nature – think warm whites, soft blues, and light earthy greens. These kinds of paint colors create a calming atmosphere and provide a relatively neutral backdrop that’s particularly ideal when guests are getting ready for the day,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo.
In this guest bathroom, paneling painted a soft green hue has been paired with a charming floral wallpaper, green vanity lighting, and an unexpected red mirror. It feels fun and playful, yet still sophisticated and elevated in style. It's the perfect balance of timeless and personality-filled.
Your shower curtain is a brilliant way to introduce green accents to your space, and this linen design ticks the box for both style and function in a guest bathroom.
How elegant is this soap pump? With tinted green glass and a brass top, it creates a chic moment while elevating your whole vanity display – it's sure to impress guests.
Guests always notice the towels they are provided, whether they are left at the end of the bed or hung in the bathroom. This cotton design is perfect for a luxe option.
3. Warm Neutrals
Neutrals are a classic and safe bet in a guest bathroom, as long as you stick to warmer shades. For designers, it creates a calming atmosphere that instantly invites you in, making your guests feel welcomed and comfortable. And it's also incredibly versatile.
'Stick with warm neutral paint colors to keep the environment universally appealing. This also lets you change the personality of the room through towels or small accessories for those pops of color, even trendy ones if you want,' suggests Robin Burrill, CEO and principal designer at Signature Home Services.
'If you prefer a softer look, create a neutral oasis with timeless, easy-to-love hues such as Swiss Coffee OC-45, Pale Oak OC-20, or Morning Dew OC-140. These colors bring a sense of calm and versatility, making them ideal for a serene, welcoming space,' adds Hannah.
For interior designer Rebecca Hughes, the chicest guest bathrooms are elevated by striking brass details, as shown in her project pictured above. Warm, rich neutrals are classic, but it's the metallic accents that create a sense of luxury in the design.
'Timeless neutrals in a guest bathroom are a staple. They pair well with any other decorative features in the space and can be instantly elevated by brass or gold fixtures. In our recent St John’s Wood Town House project, we incorporated a beautiful brass grid design to screen the shower off from other elements in the bathroom,' she explains.
'With fixtures, fittings, and hardware, I always say to invest in the best possible. Hardware is the jewelry of a space – those subtle details that elevate a bathroom from functional to fabulous. In this project, whilst some elements are more subdued, the golden elements add a beautiful sense of warmth.'
A beautiful vanity will instantly elevate your guest bathroom, and this warm neutral hue is a chic option. It's elegant, features a luxe marble top, and offers ample storage.
There are so many ways to bring brass into your guest bathroom, starting with the faucet. A classic shape like this one in a gold or brass finish looks so sophisticated.
Don't leave ugly plastic packaging on display. This pretty soap dispenser makes those essential products look far nicer while adding a timeless color to your guest space.
4. Heritage Hues
If you want to introduce a guest bathroom color that will still feel utterly classic and stylish in ten years or so, looking to heritage palettes is a great place to start. These shades have already been around for decades, with no signs of falling out of favor.
'Soft, heritage-inspired tones like warm taupe, soft blue, and sage green work beautifully in guest bathrooms. These colors are serene, universally appealing, and can give even a small space a sense of retreat. They create a feeling of sanctuary without overpowering the room,' says interior designer Laura Hammett.
'As with every space, it’s important to layer textures, finishes, and tones so the guest bathroom feels considered yet effortless. Consider pairing these tones with brushed brass handles, stone-effect vanity countertops, and wooden vanity units to soften and warm the space further.'
Nothing says you've made an effort like a playful bath mat. The blue and white color combination, paired with the subtle wavy design, is a charming addition.
A blue bathroom vanity will never go out of style, and is an easy way to bring a timeless color into your guest bathroom. This option has plenty of storage and feels so classic.
If you prefer to provide a bar of soap for your guests, a pretty soap dish is an essential. To stick with the color theme, this blue design is a unique and totally stylish choice.
5. Playful Patterns
It's not just the color alone to consider in a guest bathroom. When choosing the right shade for your space, you might also need to reach for a standout material or statement pattern – especially if you are bringing in color through wallpaper or tiles.
'Selecting the right scheme for a guest bathroom is more than just picking a color – it's about achieving lasting beauty and harmony throughout your space, says Rebecca, who recommends adding something a bit more striking in a small guest bathroom. A full tile layout or a busy wallpaper, like in this design, can instantly elevate the look.
'I tend to embrace classic English influences with a relaxed, layered approach – creating spaces that feel effortless and comfortable yet still beautifully curated. I’m a firm believer that design should have longevity, rather than feeling too trend-driven.'
Love the tonal look? This green floral design is a striking choice for a small guest bathroom, adding rich color and a timeless repeat print.
If you prefer classic blue and white, this more abstract design is surely eye-catching. It actually has a landscape scene – the more you look, the more you see.
A guest bedroom is a great place to experiment with darker colors, and this wallpaper depicting peacocks and greenery is a playful option for an unexpected feature.
When it comes to guest bathroom colors, designers always recommend embracing classic colors rather than trending ones. Whether you embrace neutrals, experiment with earthier tones, or go bold with a darker hue, it's about selecting palettes that stand the test of time, while giving your guests the sense that the design has actually been considered, rather than an afterthought. Don't forget to stock up on guest bathroom essentials before visitors come to stay. The little things are always the most memorable.
