A classic and versatile pairing, blue and white can be used to evoke an array of different styles, from cool coastal to elegant and luxurious. To help get you inspired to decorate in this two-tone combination, we’ve rounded up a host of blue and white bathroom ideas along with some handy bathroom color ideas and advice from interior design experts.
Blue and white bathroom ideas
Blue and white bathroom ideas can be introduced in so many ways, from bathroom wall tiles and paint ideas, to beautiful vanity units and statement baths, not forgetting finishing touches like accessories and window treatments. If you’re thinking of decorating with blue and white, one of the key things to consider is the shade of blue, as the tone and proportion in which it is used can have a big impact on the look and feel of a space. ‘Blue has an enduring appeal and is very versatile. Light blue can be very soothing whilst more saturated blues can be stimulating; desaturated blues are a great choice for a quieter backdrop for other colors within a space and brighter tones can also be the star of the show,’ explains Dominic Myland, managing director or Mylands Paints (opens in new tab).
1. Bring sophistication with navy blue and white
A high contrast combination of deep navy and white veined marble is ideal for those looking for a smart, luxury bathroom ideas. In this blue bathroom, a marble-topped double vanity unit, marble-clad shower enclosure and polished chrome fittings from Drummonds all sing out when set against deep navy walls painted in a gloss finish. Leaving the ceiling white prevents the space feeling too dark, while a large bathroom mirror teamed with elegant wall lights helps to further brighten the space.
2. Make a statement with a mural
If you’re lucky enough to have a large bathroom with tall ceilings, why not make the most of it by hanging a statement wall mural? A perfect feature for a master bathroom, this Trompe-l’œil wallpaper from Pierre Frey captures the traditional blue and white Portuguese azulejos tin-glazed tiles still found on the palaces of Sintra, Lisbon and Porto and looks particularly effective set against yellow and metallic accents.
3. Color block with blue and white
Adding mid-blue painted paneling to the lower half of the wall is a great way to break up a simple white bathroom and can also make a lovely backdrop to a luxurious roll top bath. When painting bathroom paneling, be sure to use a wipeable and water resistant paint finish such as an eggshell; satin; and semi- or high-gloss. A classic combination of blue and white is guaranteed to create a coastal feel, especially when combined with nautical wall decor – to keep the look feeling fresh try adding in red accessories.
4. Zone a shower area
Patchwork bathroom wall tile ideas are a great way to make a focal point in a bathroom as well as to zone a shower area. In this space, interior designer Fran Hickman (opens in new tab) has used textured zeillege tiles in myriad blue shades to create an eye-catching feature wall which brings color, texture and pattern to the simple space.
5. Introduce bold paint ideas
The ceiling is often overlooked when it comes to decorating, but painting it a bold color can be particularly effective in the bathroom as demonstrated in this scheme by Little Greene. Not only does this blue ceiling idea create a playful talking point, it also helps to draw attention to the height of the room. ‘If you’re someone who loves an indulgent bath, the ceiling is one of the most important considerations when it comes to color, opt for a shade that makes you feel calming and relaxed,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. (opens in new tab)
6. Embrace wallpaper
Wallpaper is a fabulous way to bring personality to the bathroom provided the room is well ventilated and it’s hung in an area that won’t have direct contact with water. Showcasing an over-sized poppy design in rich indigo blue, this Matilija Moonlight wallpaper y Lake August at The Fabric Collective (opens in new tab) makes a real statement and is perfect for bringing wow-factor to a master bathroom. Bathroom paneling painted in white gloss helps temper the bold design while the geometric floor makes a calming yet robust contrast to the blowsy floral and helps to anchor the scheme.
7. Create a serene feel with Chinoiserie
If you’re looking for a bathroom where you can really drift away from the stresses of the day then what could be better than a wallpaper that conjures the luxury and elegance of distant lands? Taken from an original Ming Dynasty Chinese scroll and featuring whimsical oriental landscapes in a delicate blue and white palette, this show-stopping Chinoiserie wall mural would make a stunning feature in a traditional bathroom.
8. Use decorative tiles in a wet room
Bringing personality to wet room ideas and small bathrooms can be a challenge due to their size – adding decorative bathroom wall tiles is a wonderful way to inject color and pattern, but is also useful for zoning shower areas in larger bathrooms. ‘Color, chosen well, can bring a sense of luxury to a bathroom, no matter its size,’ says Damla Turgut of Otto Tiles & Design. ‘And an accent wall is a great way to do this. Using a plain-coloured or patterned tile to define a zone can create a real statement.’
9. Use sleek lines for a contemporary feel
Pastel blue and white needn’t be reserved for country and coastal schemes, it can look super contemporary as this scheme by Doherty Design (opens in new tab) proves. The graphic band of oversized mosaic tiles that dissects the room makes for a bold and edgy statement, while black fittings, a sleek floating bathroom vanity and metallic sculptural light fitting all keep the blue and white palette feeling up to date.
10. Add a color pop with a roman blind
If you want to keep a small bathroom feeling light and airy try decorating with white and using blue as an accent color? In this en-suite design by Sims Hilditch, a blue patterned fabric bathroom blind brings a welcome pop of color and an element of softness to the white space without being overpowering.
11. Create a blue feature wall
If wall-to-wall blue is too much, why not create a panel of blue with tinted stone effect wall tiles? ‘Advancements in tile manufacturing has meant that large format tiles lend themselves to printing techniques that replicate the look of naturally occurring materials such as marble. It also means that homeowners can have more fun by adding in color, along with elements associated with material such as marble, as seen here by the use of rich blues but with marbling veins,’ says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs (opens in new tab). ‘The look has been softened with BC Designs Bampton Bath in a marble finish. Homeowners can pick the color of the marble vein – choosing a blue vein for the bath here allows it to work in harmony with the other blue elements of the room.’
12. Decorate with chintz prints
If you love pattern and are looking to create a traditional bathroom, then you can’t go wrong with decorating in ornate heritage prints. Capturing an 18th-century Chinoiserie design, this Les Pecheurs wallpaper has the space to shine in this tall-ceilinged Georgian bathroom. It also comes in a co-ordinating fabric if you want to strengthen the impact with a matching bathroom window treatment. ‘Clients are seeking a multi-layered style with an emphasis on color and pattern,’ says Lee Clarke, director of Warner House (opens in new tab). ‘Using the same design on the walls and on blinds and curtains makes a dramatic statement and is a great way to inject personality into a space.’
13. Use blue as an accent in a shower area
Saturated indigo blue can dominate when used wall-to-wall in a bathroom – introducing it through a shower tile idea, while keeping the rest of the scheme white, is a great way to showcase the bold color without disrupting the calm. Featuring glazed tiles which vary in tone and texture, as well as a herringbone laying pattern, the shower enclosure of this bathroom by Four Brothers Design + Build makes a beautiful focal point. ‘This dark blue tile was the inspiration for the bathroom. My clients fell in love with the hue so we made all of the other elements and finishes in the bathroom neutral and white to help make this blue shine,’ says Sondra Zabroske, AIA, Architect + Team Leader at Four Brothers Design + Build. ‘If a color can make you this happy, why shouldn’t you be surrounded by it daily?’
14. Combine different shades of blue
Using just one tone of blue with white can look stark and lifeless, but layering an array of different blues is a wonderful way to bring life and depth to a bathroom. In this scheme by Sophie Eyeington, a mix of plain and geometric blue tiles are paired with pastel blue paintwork to create a space full of pattern and texture. ‘The brief here was to create a glamorous scheme with a nod to the nostalgia of 1930s Hollywood films,’ says designer Sophie Eyeington. ‘Geometric patterned tiles were used to highlight the bath and basin, with the look softened by the circular mirror and sphere lights.’
Is dark blue good for a bathroom?
Dark blue can work beautifully in a bathroom and can be introduced in many ways, whether you want to make a lasting impression with a bold paint idea or to introduce just a hint of color with dark blue accessories. When used wall-to-wall moody midnight hues or bolder royal navy tones are a wonderful backdrop for showcasing luxurious bathroom furniture, fixtures and fittings and create a pleasing contrast with white sanitaryware, metallic fixtures and marble. ‘Dark blues look instantly modern. What’s great is that this colour is perfect against white features, which are often found in the bathroom,’ says Polly Shearer, bathroom expert at Drench. As private spaces that aren’t used on a constant basis, bathrooms are great rooms for being bold with decor. ‘Bathrooms are somewhere you can indulge in strong pattern and color without upsetting the flow of your overall interior design,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. Using dark blues wall-to-wall as well as over the ceiling, woodwork, skirting and door frames can create real wow factor and bring a cozy and cocooning feel perfect for unwinding, this technique is often known as color drenching. ‘This cohesive modern approach delivers high impact by painting woodwork, radiators, the ceiling and doors the same color as the walls, says Ruth Mottershead. ‘The beauty of color drenching is that it can be applied to such a variety of different spaces. Whilst, you can’t make a small room larger, you can embrace the size of the space to create something that feels really engaging, inviting and contemporary. If painting all elements in one shade feels a little overwhelming, select a group of tonally coordinating colors and utilize across the room.’ Alternatively, for a gentler approach to decorating with blue, try introducing dark shades as an accent and using it over towels, wall decor and vanity ideas, or try it in a on wall tiles in a shower enclosure.
How do you lighten a blue bathroom?
Using plenty of white in combination with blue is a good way to lighten a blue bathroom. Opting for a pale blue paint on walls will bring color whilst keeping the space feeling light and airy, alternatively, if you prefer darker shades of blue, limit them to just the lower half of the wall or introduce them through accessories and furniture. If you have a bathroom with dark blue walls, consider keeping the ceiling white and introducing white bathroom floor tiles to lift the space. Hanging a large mirror opposite a window or light source will maximize the light in the room, making it appear larger and brighter. It’s also important to factor in plenty of bathroom lighting including ceiling and wall lights as well as lights in mirrors and cabinets will ensure the space is bright in the
