Bathroom Colour Schemes That Work: 2025 Ideas and Inspiration for Australian Homes

As the manager at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, I’ve helped thousands of Perth homeowners choose the perfect tiles, paint colours, and finishes for their bathroom renovations. And one thing I know for sure—bathroom colour schemes can make or break the final result.

The right colour palette does more than just look good. It can make a small bathroom feel bigger, a tired space look fresh, or a plain ensuite feel like a spa retreat. Colour affects how your bathroom feels to use every day—and it plays a huge role in how light moves around the space, how clean it looks, and how well it ages over time.

Today, I’ll walk you through some of the most practical and popular bathroom colour schemes in Australia, including trending tones for 2025, smart tips for small bathrooms, and how to match paint, tiles, and fixtures for a cohesive look. I’ll also share real-world advice from the showroom floor, plus ideas on using Ross’s colour-categorised tile range—whether you’re chasing a neutral palette or something bold and dramatic.

Tips for Choosing a Bathroom Colour Scheme

Choosing the right colours for your bathroom isn’t just about what’s on trend—it’s about creating a space that looks good, functions well, and feels right for your home. Over the years, I’ve seen how much of a difference smart colour choices can make, especially when paired with the right tiles and finishes.

Here are five practical tips I frequently share with customers to help them choose a colour scheme for their bathroom.

Consider the Size of Your Bathroom

If you’re working with a compact space, colour choice becomes critical. Bathroom colour schemes for small bathrooms should prioritise light tones that reflect rather than absorb light. Soft whites, pale greys, light beiges, and pastel blues can all help visually expand a tight layout and create a feeling of openness.

Using glossy surfaces—like polished porcelain tiles or a high-gloss vanity finish—can bounce natural or artificial light around the room. Our white tiles and light grey tile ranges are popular for this reason. Pair these with a simple mirror and integrated lighting to maximise brightness and space perception.

Think About the Lighting

Lighting plays a major role in how your chosen colour palette will actually appear in the space. In bathrooms without windows or skylights, you’ll need colours that lift and brighten rather than dull and darken. High-gloss surfaces, lighter grout colours, and reflective finishes are all great tools for bouncing light around.

In these scenarios, glossy white tiles or light beige tiles work particularly well—especially when paired with warm LED lighting that softens the tone of the room. Light grout colours also help unify your space visually, making tiled walls or floors feel larger and less segmented. If you’re unsure which grout will match your tile choice, check out our guide on choosing grout colour.

Match Colours to Your Bathroom Style

Your bathroom’s overall style should always influence your colour choices. For instance, coastal or Hamptons-style bathrooms work beautifully with a palette of soft blues, crisp whites, and brushed chrome fixtures. Industrial-style bathrooms lean more toward darker tones like charcoal tiles, matte black tapware, and concrete-look flooring.

If you’re unsure where your bathroom fits style-wise, look at our Australian Bathroom Design Style Ideas. Whether you’re drawn to modern, traditional, or organic design, every style has a colour palette that enhances it. Starting with a defined look can help guide your choices and create a more cohesive result.

Start With Tile Colour First

In a bathroom, the most dominant and permanent surface is the tile. That’s why I always recommend customers start there when developing a bathroom colour palette. Once your floor and wall tiles are chosen, selecting complementary paint, vanity, and fixture colours becomes much easier.

At Ross’s, we’ve made choosing tiles by colour easier than ever. Our collection includes:

• White Tiles – timeless and easy to pair with any design
• Beige Tiles – ideal for creating neutral bathroom colour schemes
• Grey Tiles – perfect for modern bathrooms with grey colour schemes or adding a cool base
• Charcoal Tiles – bring bold contrast and depth
• Black Tiles – dramatic and luxurious in the right lighting
• Green Tiles – trending tones for spa-like or biophilic spaces
• Blue Tiles – great for coastal, calming bathrooms

Choosing a tile from one of these categories is the fastest way to start building a colour combination for your bathroom that will work from the ground up.

Use the 60-30-10 Rule

One of the simplest ways to create a balanced bathroom colour scheme is by following the 60-30-10 rule. This interior design principle helps organise your colour use into three parts:

• 60%: The dominant colour (usually your wall tiles or paint)
• 30%: The secondary colour (often your vanity or floor tiles)
• 10%: The accent colour (tapware, towel rails, grout, or feature tiles)

For example, in a grey bathroom colour scheme, you might use a pale grey tile across walls (60%), a darker charcoal on the floor (30%), and introduce brushed gold fixtures or coloured grout as the 10% accent. Accent colours don’t need to be loud—they just need to add visual interest and help the space feel intentional.

These tips are a great starting point when planning your bathroom colour schemes in Australia. Whether you’re keeping it neutral or experimenting with bold tile colours, choosing with purpose ensures a result that feels cohesive and timeless—no matter the size of your space.

10 of the Best Bathroom Colour Schemes

If you’re stuck on where to start, here are ten tried-and-tested 2025 bathroom colour schemes that balance style with practicality. Whether you’re planning a spa-like ensuite or a statement main bathroom, there’s a combination here that suits your space—and most can be easily matched with our in-stock bathroom tile colours.

1. White and Charcoal

A clean, timeless pairing with bold contrast. White wall tiles, particularly white subway tiles, and charcoal floor tiles create a visual structure without overwhelming the space. Works beautifully with black tapware and accessories.

Learn about the pros and cons of using white subway tiles in bathrooms.

2. Grey and White

A go-to for modern homes. Soft grey wall or floor tiles paired with gloss white cabinetry and chrome fixtures create a calm, understated feel. This combination is ideal for modern bathroom colour schemes and more traditional homes needing an update. Looks great with brushed nickel or chrome tapware and accessories.

3. Sage Green and White

Inspired by nature, this pairing brings spa-like serenity to the space. Use green tiles for a feature wall or floor, and balance with white tiles or paint for brightness. Best suited to bathrooms with warm LED mirrors and brushed gold tapware and accessories.

4. Terracotta and Beige

Perfect for creating a warm, grounded palette. Combine beige tiles on the walls with terracotta or burnt-clay tones on the floor. A natural fit for matte tile finishes and feature tiles from brands like Lifestyle Decorations, which we stock at Ross’s.

5. Navy and White

This coastal-inspired combo works beautifully with white tiles on the walls and navy vanities or cabinetry. It’s a standout in federation or Hamptons-style bathrooms. Pair with chrome or gold tapware and accessories for a fresh, bright finish.

6. Muted Blue and Soft Grey

This cool-toned scheme brings a sense of stillness and clarity to a bathroom. Pair blue tiles or paint with light grey tiles to create an oceanic, calming effect. Finish with brushed chrome fittings and soft-white lighting for a refined atmosphere.

7. Olive and Timber Accents

This earthy colour scheme works beautifully in minimalist or rustic bathrooms. Use green tiles as a backdrop or on the floor and pair with floating timber vanities or shelving. Ideal with white walls and matte black tapware for contrast.

8. All White with Stone

An all-white palette always delivers if you’re chasing a clean, minimalist bathroom. Use a mix of white wall tiles, white bathroom vanity and stone-look floor tiles in subtle greys or beiges to prevent the space from feeling too clinical. Layer in texture with brushed metal handles or timber accents.

9. Black and Cream

Bold but balanced. Use black tiles or cabinetry sparingly and offset with soft cream walls or tiling to keep the space from feeling too dark. Ideal colour scheme for large bathrooms with lots of natural light or tall ceilings.

10. Soft Blush and White

For a touch of romance, soft blush tones pair effortlessly with white tiling or stone. Think pink feature tiles, white gloss walls, and brushed gold tapware. Great for adding personality without overwhelming the room.

These bathroom colour palettes are flexible enough to suit different layouts and lighting, but distinct enough to make a statement. Whether you’re going for muted, earthy, or bold, starting with your tile colour will help lock in the look—and we’ve got every shade covered in-store and online.

Bathroom Paint and Tile Colour Combinations

Once you’ve chosen your tiles, selecting the right bathroom paint colour is the next step in tying your colour scheme together. Paint sets the tone—literally—and it needs to work with both your floor and wall tiles to create a cohesive feel. Whether you’re after warmth, contrast, or something subtle, here’s how to get it right.

Paint Colours That Work with Common Tile Colours

White tiles are the most versatile base and pair well with almost any paint colour. For a soft, spa-like feel, go with pastel tones like dusty blue, sage, or blush. If you want contrast, charcoal or deep navy will create a crisp, modern edge. Neutral tones like warm taupe or soft greige also work beautifully in this palette, especially with timber vanities.

Grey tiles, whether mid-tone or dark charcoal, pair best with warm whites, soft beiges, or mushroom-toned paints. These combinations keep the space from feeling cold while still maintaining a modern edge. Avoid very cool blues unless you’re aiming for an intentionally sharp look.

Coloured tiles like green, blue, or terracotta need a softer paint companion. Match with warm neutrals (like clay, cream, or sand) or tone-on-tone pairings using lighter versions of the tile colour. For example, muted sage green tiles look great with a pale eucalyptus wall colour.

Matching Paint to Tile Finish

The finish of your tile can also guide your paint choice. If you’ve chosen gloss tiles, consider a low-sheen or matte paint to balance the shine and prevent visual overload. If you’re using stone-look tiles with a natural texture, pair them with warmer whites or earth-based tones to create harmony.

For matte tiles, you can be more adventurous with paint—think moody tones, textural effects, or rich colour blocking. Just be sure to keep some contrast between the tile and paint so the space doesn’t fall flat.

For more help planning finishes and layout, check out our guide on How To Design a Bathroom: Expert Design Tips!

Pairing paint and tile correctly takes a bit of thought, but it’s one of the easiest ways to make your bathroom feel like a complete, finished space, especially when working with subtle tones and textures.

Bathroom Colour Trends to Watch in 2025

If you’re planning a renovation or looking to modernise your space, 2025 is all about warmth, depth, and natural influence. According to Dulux and other leading forecasts, we’re moving away from all-white bathrooms and embracing textured, layered colour schemes that feel more inviting and lived-in.

Trending Bathroom Colours

Expect to see more of:

• Sage green – a calming, spa-inspired tone perfect for walls or tile accents.
• Terracotta and cinnamon – earthy hues that add instant warmth and pair well with brushed gold tapware or timber vanities.
• Muted blues and blush tones – soft and sophisticated, these work beautifully with stone-look or matte tiles for a serene effect.
• Mushroom and warm greys – subtle neutrals that offer a more modern take on beige, and work with dark and light accents.

These modern bathroom colour schemes suit a wide range of tile styles, especially those with tactile finishes. Stone-look tiles from brands like StoneWorld (which we also stock at Ross’s), or soft-brushed surfaces and natural textures, are ideal for this shift toward layered, earthy design. Pair them with soft metal fixtures and organic shapes for a bathroom that feels both timeless and on-trend.

We’re also seeing a rise in coloured tiles—especially in green, blue, and earthy clay shades—as a way to bring personality into the bathroom without relying on paint alone. These bathroom tile colours are often used selectively—on a feature wall, niche, or floor—then balanced with lighter tones for contrast.

To dive deeper into what’s trending, check out our guide to Colour Trends to Follow in 2025. It’s full of inspiration and practical advice for choosing the best tones for your renovation.

If you’re ready to move beyond the basics, 2025 is the year to experiment—just a little—with colour.

Small Bathroom Colour Schemes That Make a Big Impact

When space is tight, smart colour choices can make your bathroom feel bigger, brighter, and better to use. At Ross’s, we regularly help customers working with compact layouts—whether it’s a small ensuite, guest bathroom, or a powder room—create rooms that feel far more spacious than they are.

Here are some colour-focused tricks that really work.

Stick with Light and Bright Tiles

The easiest way to open up a small bathroom is to lean into light tile colours. White tiles are a classic choice, but pale beige tiles and soft grey tiles can also lift the space while adding subtle depth. These colours reflect light and reduce visual heaviness on the walls or floor, making the room feel larger and more open.

Glossy finishes are especially effective in tight spaces, helping to bounce natural or artificial light around the room. Pairing these with a light-coloured ceiling and streamlined fittings further enhances the sense of openness.

Browse our white tile collection or explore our grey tiles for light-reflective options that work well in any layout.

Use Vertical Zoning and Large Tiles

To give the illusion of height and flow, apply vertical colour zoning. Keep your floor tiles slightly darker and run your wall tiles or paint in a lighter tone to draw the eye upward. This visual technique helps elongate the room and gives your bathroom a taller, airier feel.

Opting for large-format tiles also helps by reducing grout lines and visual interruptions—making the walls and floors feel more seamless and less cluttered.

Choose Paint Colours That Expand the Space

Soft, light colours are your best bet for walls. Look for bathroom paint colours for small bathrooms like warm whites, soft blush, muted sage, or pale stone. These shades can soften the space while still keeping it light and fresh.

Use light grout colours to blend your tiles together and reduce harsh visual boundaries, especially on feature walls or shower niches.

For more space-maximising advice, see our full guide on Smart Tips for Small Bathroom Renovations. It’s packed with layout tips, product picks, and styling tricks designed for tight spaces.

With the right small bathroom colour scheme, you don’t have to sacrifice style to get a room that feels functional and inviting. The trick is using colour, light, and surface finish to your advantage—something we’d be happy to help you with in-store.

Final Advice from Ross’s

The best bathroom design colour scheme is one that works for you—your space, your lifestyle, and the way you want your bathroom to feel. Whether you’re going for relaxing and spa-like, warm and earthy, bold and dramatic, or crisp and clean, colour is a powerful tool that helps shape the mood of the room.

And the best part? You don’t have to get it perfect the first time. Paint colours can be refreshed, tapware can be updated, and tiles can be layered with feature walls, textures, or accessories over time. If you’re just starting out, begin with your tiles—walls and floors—and build your scheme from there.

If you’re unsure which colour combination for your bathroom will work best, start by exploring our colour-filtered tile categories online. From white and grey tiles, to warm tones like beige and more daring options like green or blue, you’ll find tiles that suit every style and size.

Need more guidance? Don’t miss our advice on Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Wall Tiles and our Bathroom Floor Tile Buyers Guide to help you narrow down your tile selections confidently.

Or better yet, come and see us in person at our Guildford showroom at 57 James Street. Bring in your inspiration boards, colour samples, or just a photo of your current bathroom—we’ll help you visualise your bathroom colour scheme and choose the right tiles and finishes to bring it all together. With in-stock products and honest, experienced advice, we’ll help you get it right the first time.