Perfect Blue
Though the whole world is wrapped in soothing cerulean sky and vibrant teal ocean, most cultures only pinned a name on blue after they had named the rest or the colors on the spectrum. That’s probably because it’s so ever present, it can almost escape notice. Which is why blue is also a wonderfully calming color—not in your face, just there. Perfect for the place where you most want peace and quiet: the bathroom.
We here at This Old House happen to love blue bathrooms. And we do see a lot of them; it’s probably the most common bathroom color out there. So if you’re thinking of going azure, indigo, sapphire or robin’s egg in your favorite washroom, we’ve picked out some of our favorites to give you inspiration.
Aqua Bliss
A backdrop and border of aqua Penny-round tiles add cheer to an alcove for a sleek sink.
See more on how this bungalow bath came to be.
Simply Twilight
Twilight paint tops a classic white-and-black tile pattern, keeping a cottage bath cozy.
See before and after images of this cottage bath.
Aqua Stonework
Aqua-blue covers countertops and corrals the shower area, grounding the space’s palette of sage and warm hues from the wood and tiles.
In a similar TOH project, homeowners Marcia Goodman and Hiroyoshi Noto worked with architect Kathryn Quinn to create a master bath where aqua glass wall tiles and beige limestone on the vanity, tub surround, and floor recall the calming colors of a beautiful sand beach. Decorative dark wood trim ties into the Arts and Crafts style of the rest of the house. As Marcia explains: “We didn’t want a period look, yet it had to harmonize with the rest of our home.”
Get more background on the renovation of this spacious master bath.
Antique Feel
Glacier-hued walls complement the red of the antique Chinese sink cabinet and mirror.
See more on the vintage details that give this bath its charm.
Classic Space
A piece of sky tops the beadboard wainscoting in this classic bath.
See the transformation of this classic bath, which was originally a bedroom.
Mirrored Beauty
Cerulean—and plenty of mirrors to reflect the optimistic shade—make for a space that will leave you bright-eyed and ready to face the day.
Homeowner Tip: Alys Protzman of Pittsboro, N.C., discovered a practical perk of her mirror placement: “Leaning the sink mirrors on the wall creates welcome cover for electrical outlets.” It’s a simple move that keeps a blue bathroom’s clean lines uninterrupted.
Expert Advice: Cillesa Ullman, owner of Cillesa Interior Design & Space Planning, suggests: “Try orienting rectangular wall tiles vertically to emphasize the height of a space and give it a visual lift. It’s a twist on tradition that creates a refreshing, modern aesthetic.”
Read more about the architect’s plan for this bath.
Muted Turquoise
Muted turquoise beadboard complement the warm-hued wood floor and brown paint on the bath’s exterior. A smattering of cobalt blue bottles and marble shelves and a backsplash for the sink punch up the look while keeping it spare.
Learn more about the design of this vintage bath.
Soft Blue
Soft walls offset the beautiful details in the bathroom’s woodwork.
Check out more on this budget, spa-like retreat.
Stormy Hue
A mosaic tile border and floor echo the steely shade of distant storm clouds.
See what gives this bath its vintage feel.
Victorian Vibe
Gunmetal Venetian plaster walls heighten the period detail of this Victorian-style bath.
Here’s how this Victorian bath came to be.
Blue as the Sky
Putty-hued wainscoting warms sky-colored walls. The colors together emphasize the stylized lines of the sink, toilet, and medicine cabinet.
See the homewhere this charming bath is located.
Gray Meets Blue
Warm gray-blue paint and deeply veined marble bridge the way from the espresso stain of the cabinetry to the porcelain white bath and trim.
Get more details on this bath’s design and the house where it’s located.
Blue Delight
A natural choice for a vaulted ceiling reaching skyward.
See more about the paneling used in this traditional bath.
Elegant Floral
A classic floral wallpaper in seafoam, patterned after Chinese porcelain, contrasts with the modernity of the room’s clean lines (only try wall covering in a very well-ventilated bathroom).
Get more details on this bathroom’s stunning wallpaper.
Crisp Periwinkle
The brightness of crisp white beadboard wainscoting and Carrara marble vanity top balanced by swaths of medium periwinkle.
Read more about how the owner of this bath upgraded it on a budget.
Pale Blue
A pale hue keeps the focus on the unusual structure of this old-school bath.
Read more on the color combinations used in this bath.
