5 warm colors you should never use in the bathroom, say designers

When it comes to painting your bathroom, it might seem like anything goes in terms of color choices. However, it’s time to change your tune and start paying more attention to how your bathroom looks—after all, it’s where you get ready for the day and relax before bed, so you’ll want to prioritize the space so that it serves your functional needs and it appeals to your aesthetic.

Interior designers say there are a few warm shades you shouldn’t plan to use in your bathroom. Read on to learn more about which shades to skip in the bathroom and why.

Bold, saturated colors

Many people enjoy bringing bold colors into their homes, but you should plan to skip warm, saturated colors like red, orange, black and more when decorating your bathroom, notes Alexandra Aquardo, founder of AGA Interior Design. Many people crave a spa-like environment when they retreat to the bathroom, so the designer recommends opting to use louder hues elsewhere.

“The bathroom should be airy, clean and serene,” she says.

Victoria Holly, founder of Victoria Holly Interiors, also believes that black is simply not suitable for a bathroom as it can be overpowering and not great for natural light.

And from a functional perspective, it won’t hold up well to everyday use, adds the designer.

“Black also shows water stains, soap scum and dust easily, making it difficult to keep a clean look in high-use areas,” says Holly.

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Dark red

Although designers don’t like the idea of ​​using any kind of red in the bathroom, dark red in particular is one shade to avoid.

“Dark red is overwhelming and can make your bathroom feel smaller and more enclosed,” says Holly.

To create a bathroom space where you’ll enjoy spending time getting ready, opt for something airier like light blue.

“Your bathroom is most functional and benefits from colors that create a fresh and bright look, and dark red can often feel heavy and dated in these spaces,” explains Holly.

Brown

While brown can look luxurious in the right settings, it’s just not the right choice for a bathroom, says Madison Massaro, founder of Madison Lea Interiors.

“It doesn’t push the space into either ‘romantic and whimsical’ or ‘clean and modern’ design direction,” she says. “It just doesn’t work.”

Instead, try brown in the living room or dining room, where the color can look super sophisticated and cozy.

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Certain green

Greens have had a big moment in recent years, with many people bringing the outdoors into their homes and embracing the hues found in nature. Massaro notes that sage green and emerald green in particular have grown in popularity.

However, she notes that not all green is created equal, and some shades just aren’t suitable for the bathroom. The designer is not a fan of using chartreuse, neon green, sea foam, fern, mint or moss in the bathroom, to name a few.

Massaro explains how these shades can be too harsh and create an unpleasant feeling in the space, which is not at all welcome.

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Yellow with green undertones

Yellows with green undertones and bathrooms just don’t go together, says Holly.

For one thing, she explains, the color isn’t very flattering on many skin tones, and in the bathroom, you’ll want to feel your best while putting on makeup and trying out outfits as you get ready for the day.

Plus, there’s a place and time for a retro-inspired look, but the bathroom might not be the place. A yellow-green will take you back in time, and not in a good way because it can look dated, says Holly.

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