Recently, a number of 70s and 80s-inspired interior trends have been making a resurgence, with vintage, colourful bathrooms being the latest one.
According to Mira Showers, one of the main reasons for the shift towards this style is people wanting to move away from the minimalist, grey and all-white trends of the past few years. Instead, people are wanting to switch up their homes to make them feel warmer and more individual – something the trends from these eras provide.
Other influences that have made people consider these design choices include TV shows and films from this era like The Rivals, Stranger Things and Saltburn, all of which have been popular in the last few years and have had distinct 70’s and 80’s influence.
To help people decide whether they should buy into the latest bathroom trend, Mira’s Bathroom expert, Emily Robertson, has provided some decision-making advice.
Is colourful sanitaryware a passing trend?
Emily says, “Coloured bathrooms aren’t just a trend; they are a part of a wider movement where people are setting out to create warmer, more inviting spaces in their homes. With much more importance placed on wellness in recent years, people are spending more and more time in their bathrooms, which means they are now more than just a functional space.”
Should you invest in a colourful bathroom suite?
Emily explains, “This shift, however, doesn’t necessarily mean homeowners should rush out and invest in a brightly coloured bath, basin or shower enclosure. Sanitaryware is designed to last, so it’s important you really consider whether you will still like your design choices in a few years before investing.
“Bathrooms are one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home, so it’s worth thinking carefully before committing to a trend. While coloured bathroom suites can look good online on the likes of Pinterest and Instagram, many people don’t realise that design choices like that don’t suit every bathroom in the same way, so first you need to assess the space’s shape and size.
“If you have a large family bathroom, one brightly coloured suite can look lost in the space – because of this, it may be best to consider colour-drenching and co-ordinating the whole room, match the suite to the tiles, paint and fixtures to make a real statement.
“Equally, on the other hand, adding a coloured suite to a small bathroom, like an ensuite, can run the risk of making the room feel overcrowded and dark. This is where you should consider pairing the suite with lighter and contrasting features as well as good lighting and mirrors to open up the space.”
How to style a colourful bathroom suite
“Colourful sanitaryware can create a stylish, luxurious bathroom if done correctly. The key is to avoid overwhelming the room by pairing deeper shades with lighter, natural materials, and brighter shades with neutral tones and timeless finishes. This way you can add colour and personality without overpowering the space.
“Good lighting is also an important consideration. Make sure to add mirrors and layered lighting like lamps and wall lighting to help make the room feel both open and warm and inviting.”
Other ways to add colour to your bathroom
Emily says, “If you’re interested in adopting the trend without committing to replacing your whole bathroom suite just yet, it’s far more cost-effective to start with replacing your fixtures and fittings.
“Try swapping out fixtures like your taps, shower or showerhead, cabinet handles, or lighting. Swapping these can help you completely transform the space without investing in a full bathroom renovation. Making smaller changes like these also gives you the flexibility to adopt other trends more easily in the future.
“Other ways to add colour to your bathroom are by updating the paint on the walls, adding coloured towels and accessories or considering some feature tiles; these are some much less permanent choices that can be easily updated later on and don’t involve having to mess with any plumbing.”
If you’re investing in a bathroom renovation, our advice is to think about what you consider to be a timeless choice and use fixtures, fittings and decor to adopt new trends.
Emily Robertson is an in-house shower and bathroom expert at Mira Showers, with specialist knowledge across the brand’s showering and bathroom solutions. She provides trusted guidance on product selection, bathroom design considerations and the latest innovations, helping homeowners make informed decisions when planning, upgrading or renovating their bathrooms.
Emily’s author page: https://www.mirashowers.co.uk/blog/authors/emily-robertson