Bathed in Color: When to Use Green in the Bath
Splash some spring-conjuring green paint, tiles or accessories around your bathroom for natural appeal
While browsing the latest offerings at my local tile showroom recently, I was struck by the abundance of green products, especially wall tiles. Soft sage and celery greens have been popular colors for home interiors for years now, but along with watery blue-greens, they’re sharing the stage with lively leafy and lime greens more and more.
I like using green as much as blue in bathrooms, because its association with nature makes it a relaxing color — unless you opt to use a jolting shade of shocking chartreuse, in which case it can help to wake you up in the morning!
Here are eight of my favorite green paint colors for bathrooms, along with some gorgeous green baths to inspire you.
I like using green as much as blue in bathrooms, because its association with nature makes it a relaxing color — unless you opt to use a jolting shade of shocking chartreuse, in which case it can help to wake you up in the morning!
Here are eight of my favorite green paint colors for bathrooms, along with some gorgeous green baths to inspire you.
This grass-green tiled wall is cleverly recessed, which allows the light fixtures to be tucked up and out of sight. A top-notch tile job is crucial, however, if you are going to install wall-grazing light over tile, as any areas of unevenness will be very noticeable. This use of mirrors is a smart way to spread even more light around the room and give it a nice, open feel.
If you aren’t keen on committing to a colorful wall tile for your bathroom, check out your options in wallpaper. It can be a more budget-friendly wall covering and is usually easier to replace than tile should you grow tired of it down the road. Just be sure you have adequate ventilation in your bathroom so you don’t steam up the wallpaper and cause it to loosen from the wall.
Painting the exterior of a vintage claw-foot bathtub is also a brilliant way to bring color into a bathroom. If you do it, I say go big and opt for a dramatic hue, such as the chartreuse used here. You can always repaint later if you stop loving the color.
Painting the exterior of a vintage claw-foot bathtub is also a brilliant way to bring color into a bathroom. If you do it, I say go big and opt for a dramatic hue, such as the chartreuse used here. You can always repaint later if you stop loving the color.
This may be a very clean-looking and simple bathroom, but it is no less eye catching. The warm wood contrasts nicely with the cool gray floor tile. The soft green wall tile works well with both materials and is a nice departure from ubiquitous white subway tile.
I love this bright green floor. It's the perfect choice for this otherwise all-white bathroom — making what could be a cold and sterile space a fun and happy one. With such a bold flooring material, I think it was smart to go with less showy tiles for the walls.
If you are fortunate to have a generous tile budget, pick out a tile in your favorite hue and clad the entire wall. It's the perfect wall covering for a wet environment.
For those who want a more contemporary look or who are seeking an alternative to wall tile, check out this stunning bright green back-painted glass wall. This is a terrific choice for a shower when you don't want to see a grid of tile grout lines but still need a waterproofed wall. I imagine a good installation job is crucial, though, to make sure the seams stay watertight.
This handsome space has a lot going on, but because of the restrained color palette — really just green, white and brown — it's interesting without feeling busy and overworked.
Don't be afraid to mix two equally bold colors. Just pair them with other light neutrals, such as white, beige or gray, and minimize the decorative accessories.
Of course if you prefer to display artwork and accessories, take a cue from this bathroom and stick to lighter hues — they're less busy and distracting. The soft green on these cabinets is a great choice, as it adds just a touch of color. However, the hue is not so bold that your eye is pulled away from the other nice elements in the room, such as the delightful wall tile.
If you want to bring in a darker green, make sure your bathroom has a good amount of natural light, or use the color sparingly so the room doesn't end up feeling cave-like. I like that this fetching wall tile was installed above as well as below the mirror — it makes a great feature wall in this fantastic modern bathroom.
Tell us: What's your favorite green for a bathroom?
More: Ideas for using blue in a bath | Houzz guides to color
Tell us: What's your favorite green for a bathroom?
More: Ideas for using blue in a bath | Houzz guides to color
Green paint picks for bathrooms (clockwise from top left):
1. April Showers 149-2, Mythic Paint
2. Gloaming Green 6001-6A, Valspar
3. Honeydew Melon 209-2, Pittsburgh Paints
4. Gleeful SW6709, Sherwin-Williams
5. Grape Green 400B-5, Behr
6. Green Apple Peels KM3375-3, Kelly-Moore Paints
7. Frog Belly 20-27, Pratt & Lambert
8. Palm Coast Teal 733, Benjamin Moore