Well-designed bathrooms are having a real moment right now—and color is a big reason why. The shades people are choosing this year tap into a craving for personal style, a little more calm, and a stronger connection to nature.
According to Kendra Sinclair, design trends expert at Thumbtack, the paint colors we’re seeing are influenced by bigger shifts in tile and materials. “Bathroom paint color trends are going hand-in-hand with some of the tile trends we’re seeing—organic shapes, vintage references, and earthy tones,” she says. Instead of defaulting to bright white, more people are leaning into natural, soothing palettes that make their bathrooms feel modern, cozy, and uniquely theirs.
So what shades are rising to the top next year? Here are the ones designers say you’ll be seeing everywhere.
Terracotta
Credit:
Farrow & Ball
Clay and terracotta tones are redefining what we think of as neutrals. Evoking everything from rustic Mexican adobe to sun-washed Tuscan villas, these muted, earthy reds feel both warm and sophisticated, and they work in bathrooms of any size.
“Warm neutrals like terracotta reds and muted taupes offer a more grounded, cocooning feel,” Sinclair says. And it’s true: The softness of the shade instantly brings warmth, helping balance out the cool, hard surfaces common in bathrooms.
Designers are pairing terracotta with matte black or brushed brass to give the look a modern vibe. And in rooms with plenty of natural light, terracotta practically glows throughout the day—a feature you can play up with thoughtfully placed textiles like towels, rugs, or even sconce shades.
Grassy Greens
Credit:
Sherwin-Williams
According to Dawn Ianno of Dawn Interiors, muted sage, khaki green, olive, and soft mossy tones are all having a moment. “These colors foster a calming, organic feel, especially when paired with natural materials like oak, marble, and warm brass accents,” she says.
Nature-inspired greens are perennial bathroom favorites, because they instantly connect the space to the outdoors. Their soothing, grounding energy is perfect for setting the tone before a busy day—or helping you unwind with a warm shower at night.
“This paint color picks up the greens in the natural stone and gives off a truly earthy, organic vibe,” Ianno adds. When paired with natural brown cabinetry, rattan baskets, and unbleached linen curtains, the result is effortlessly serene.
Off-White
Credit:
Benjamin Moore
What’s so new about off-white? Nothing—and that’s exactly why it never goes out of style. Creamy, soft tones are timeless, and you don’t need a stark, high-gloss white to make a bathroom feel fresh. An eggshell finish or a subtly speckled off-white creates an inviting, relaxed atmosphere.
Off-white walls also let your design moments shine. If you’ve splurged on statement features—think dual showerheads or a claw-foot tub—you don’t want the walls competing for attention. Instead, layer in removable accents for a hint of color. With a neutral backdrop, it’s easy to swap in new towels, shower curtains, or hardware whenever you want to shift the vibe from modern minimalism to classic comfort.
Stone
Credit:
Sherwin-Williams
If you want your bathroom to feel elegant with a bit of edge, stony shades like charcoal and slate gray are a great place to start. They bring an industrial vibe that’s easy to soften with the right accessories. Ceramic finishes, in particular, add a tactile balance to these deeper tones. And because these sultry hues act as a strong visual anchor, they help lighter, more delicate items—like soap dishes, mirrored vanities, or small organizers—look intentional instead of cluttered.
These colors also adapt well to different lighting conditions. If the shade feels a little flat in your space, introduce pops of color and texture. Raw wood accents and leafy plants can add warmth, while textured paint techniques—like mixing in sand or applying the paint with a sponge—can create dimensionality without overwhelming the decor.
Sea Blue
Credit:
Benjamin Moore
Bathrooms are the closest thing many of us get to a daily seaside escape, so it’s no surprise that ocean-inspired blues are ever-popular. As Sinclair notes, “When it comes to vintage vibes, we’re seeing bathrooms that reference old sports clubs and swimming pools, with light blues and yellows that pair beautifully with glossy penny tile or a mosaic grid.”
Sea blues bring a playful retro charm while still feeling elevated. When paired with muted accessories and soft textiles, light blue walls create an inviting, breezy look. Even deeper royal blues can work as an accent, especially in a small powder room. Just remember: The color itself is the nod to the ocean—there’s no need to lean into overt seashell motifs. With a thoughtful paint job, the sense of calm speaks for itself.
