Blue is one of the most popular colors for bathrooms because of its ability to create a refreshing, relaxing vibe.
For each idea, we will discuss the different shades of blue that work best, tips for complementing and accessorizing the blue elements, and the overall effect the blue color scheme creates.
Read on for inspiration to add a pop of this calming hue to your bathroom!
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Blue Subway Tile
Subway tile is a classic choice for bathrooms, but instead of basic white, opt for light or navy blue rectangular tiles laid in the traditional brickwork pattern.
This creates a vintage yet refreshed look, with the blue adding a subtle splash of color.
Pastel blue subway tiles are ideal for creating a soothing, spa-like atmosphere.
Darker navy blue tiles make more of a statement and pair well with brass fixtures and accessories.
When selecting blue subway tile, look for a glossy finish, which helps the blue color pop.
Matte tiles in a pale blue can look dated.
For the grout, white or very light gray works best—you want the blue tile to take center stage.
In terms of placement, blue subway tiles work well as an accent wall, on the lower third of walls, or covering entire walls and even the shower.
Use white or neutral tiles on the floor and ceiling to prevent the blue from feeling overwhelming.
To complement the blue subway tiles, metallic finishes like brass and gold add warmth.
Natural elements such as stone, marble and wood also beautifully balance the cool blue tones.
For a contemporary vibe, try open shelving in black metalwork fitted with colorful ceramic vessels, glass jars, rolled towels and more.
Vibrant Blue Wallpaper
For a bold, artistic statement, adorn one wall (or more) with vibrant blue wallpaper.
An eye-catching wallpaper design not only adds visual interest but also allows you to layer in different shades, patterns and textures of blue.
From a chic Chinoiserie print to abstract watercolor waves to a graphic damask motif, blue wallpaper offers so many ways to incorporate color and unique style.
When selecting blue wallpaper for your bathroom, consider the size and layout of the space.
Small powder rooms can handle very vibrant, saturated blue tones, while larger bathrooms tend to look best with lighter and more subtle blue hues.
Also pay attention to the wallpaper’s sheen—some papers with a high-gloss finish can look cheap in a bathroom’s damp environment.
A matte or lightly textured wallpaper holds up better and refracts light beautifully.
It’s also important to properly prime and prepare the wall before installing wallpaper.
Any flaws will likely show through.
Use high-quality, commercial-grade wallpaper and adhesives so that the paper doesn’t peel or bubble, which is common in steamy bathrooms.
Complement your electric blue wallpaper with brass fixtures, black wood accents, white marble countertops and gold mirror frames.
The contrast will be striking.
For a more Zen look, pair powder blue wallpaper with pale wood cabinets, creamy marble, woven baskets and rattan mats.
Blue Painted Vanity
Give your bathroom vanity a quick mini-makeover by painting it in a shade of blue.
Painting wood or laminate cabinets is an budget-friendly update that can transform the whole look of the room.
And since blue is so versatile, you can select a tone that complements your existing tile, floors and accessories.
Some of the best blue hues for vanities include ocean blue, navy, powder blue, duck egg blue and periwinkle.
Matte and eggshell finishes hide flaws and stand up to moisture better than high-gloss.
Always properly prep and clean cabinets, sand rough areas, and apply primer before painting for a smooth, long-lasting finish.
To accent your newly painted blue vanity, change out the hardware to an eye-catching brushed gold, chrome or matte black.
Install new modern sconce lights too.
Inside the cabinets, add some colorful character with textured blue and white towels stacked on shelves along with rolled white washcloths tied with jute string.
A vintage-style vanity in robin’s egg blue looks charming with distressed wood flooring, marble counters, and antique gold mirrors and sconces.
Or make a statement with a navy blue vanity paired with leathered granite countertops, black metal framing on the mirror and pendant lighting.
No matter your bathroom’s style, blue painted cabinets can provide the perfect pop of color.
Go for crisp white walls and neutral floors to let the vanity really stand out.
Blue Mosaic Tiles
Tiny glass, porcelain or ceramic tiles arranged in mosaic patterns add beautiful texture, depth and visual interest to bathroom walls, showers and floors.
While often seen in neutral tones, blue mosaic tiles in shades ranging from soft powder blue to brilliant cobalt make an eye-catching statement.
Glass blue mosaic tiles have a luminous, glittering quality from the reflections of light.
The color appears to change subtly throughout the day.
These tiles work best on smaller feature walls rather than floors, as the glass can scratch and lose its luster over time.
Porcelain and ceramic mosaic tiles are more durable, easy to clean and suited to both walls and floors.
Install blue mosaic tiles around the tub or in the shower enclosure to recreate a relaxing spa vibe.
Use varying shades of blue tiles together to create a mosaic reminiscent of rippling water.
For the shower floor, a smaller mosaic pattern provides better traction.
On bathroom walls, install a decorative blue mosaic border tied together with classic white subway tiles.
Pair blue mosaic tiles with natural elements like stone and driftwood, galvanized metal buckets and bins, and woven textures.
Include brass, gold or chrome accents and accessories to contrast with the blue tones.
Also let the blue mosaic be the star—keep the walls, cabinetry and floors simple.
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Blue Tile Floor
Laying cool blue ceramic or porcelain tile on the bathroom floor instantly livens up the whole space.
Since the floor is such a prominent part of any bathroom, opting for blue tile instead of basic white or neutral colors makes a bold stylistic statement.
From pale sky blue to vivid navy and everything in between, find a blue floor tile in a hue you love.
Blue works particularly well on smaller square, penny round or hexagon-shaped tiles, but also looks modern and crisp on larger format tiles.
To prevent the blue from feeling too overwhelming, break it up by creating a decorative border of white, marble or neutral tiles.
Or stick to blue only in a central stripe or section of the floor.
This helps anchor the space while also adding accent color.
Atmospheric blue-green glass subway tiles on the floor evoke refreshing ocean waves.
Rich blue encaustic cement floor tiles look striking against white cabinetry.
Moroccan-inspired patterned blue tiles laid in geometric patterns infuse exotic flair.
The options are wide ranging.
Just be sure the blue tile you select is rated for floors and has a non-slip finish.
Let other bathroom elements like walls, cabinetry, countertops and fixtures stay simple to highlight your stunning blue tile floor.
Add in natural wood accents, greenery and creamy marble to balance out the cool blue tones.
Powder Blue Walls
Painting the walls in a soft, powdery shade of blue is one of the easiest ways to incorporate color into a bathroom.
Pale blue walls provide an instant sense of tranquility and relaxation to the space.
Unlike making a bold blue tile or vanity commitment, powder blue walls feel subtle yet still striking.
And if you later tire of the blue, it is a relatively simple paint job to change it.
Some of the most inviting powder blue hues for bathrooms include baby blue, robin’s egg, sky blue, cloud blue and periwinkle blue.
These muted shades pair beautifully with crisp white trims and ceilings.
You can also paint just one accent wall in a deeper navy blue tone for some added drama.
Walls painted in soothing powder blue create the ideal backdrop for vintage clawfoot tubs, antique-style faucets and classic subway tiles.
Or keep the rest of the bathroom design sleek and modern with polished chrome hardware, marble countertops and streamlined wood vanities to contrast with the soft blue walls.
No matter what your bathroom’s decorating style, powder blue walls serve as a lovely neutral base.
Accent with white and wood textures, pops of green from plants, brass or gold finishes and natural elements to enhance the Zen-like vibe.
Blue Bathroom Cabinets
Giving bathroom cabinets a coat of blue paint or switching out drab cabinetry for brand new blue cabinets makes a splashy style statement.
Bathroom cabinets provide prime real estate to inject color into your space.
To add a light blue hue, simply paint existing cabinetry using semi-gloss or high-gloss enamel paint.
Or install new ready-to-assemble cabinets and choose a blue shade for doors and drawers.
Many companies like IKEA also sell cabinet fronts and hardware so you can create customized blue cabinets.
For a more luxurious option, invest in custom blue bathroom cabinets built with high-quality hardwoods.
Stock cabinet companies like Thomasville often offer stains in various blue hues from powder blue to peacock blue.
Work with designers to incorporate special details like glass fronts, open shelving, hidden storage and inset doors for a custom blue look.
Tie everything together by painting the walls, mirror frames and other woodwork the same blue tone as the cabinets.
Or let the vibrant blue cabinets pop against bright white walls and marble countertops.
Finish the look with chrome or matte black hardware and sconce lighting.
No matter what shade or style you choose, blue bathroom cabinets make a seriously stylish and refreshing design statement.
Navy Blue Accents
Not ready for a whole blue bathroom makeover?
Start small by layering in navy blue accents throughout the space.
A touch of rich navy blue through towels, rugs, shower curtains, artwork and more makes an instant impact.
Navy also pairs beautifully with both cool and warm color palettes.
Here are some easy ways to work this versatile deep blue hue into your bathroom:
- Hang a navy blue shower curtain with white polka dots or another fun pattern.
Choose a fabric with water-repellant treatment so it doesn’t mildew.
- Roll up groups of plush navy blue bath towels and stack them in a wall-mounted ladder shelf or basket.
- Toss a classic navy and white ticking stripe rug in front of the tub for a casual nautical vibe.
- Use peel-and-stick wallpaper to line the back of shelving with a navy print.
- Display blown glass vessels, ceramic canisters or decorative boxes in deep navy blues.
- Add a navy blue laundry bag, wastebasket and soap dispenser for coordinating pops of color.
- Frame an oversized vintage map or botanical print in navy matting and hang above the toilet.
The natural next step is to bring in metallic accents of brushed gold, chrome and nickel to contrast with and complement the dark navy tones.
Navy blue and white with natural wood tones also look fresh and beachy.
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Blue Bathroom Accessories
An easy, affordable approach to work more blue into your bathroom is by way of accessories like towels, shower curtains, rugs, wall art and storage items.
Swapping in blue bathroom accessories allows you to refresh the look without renovating.
Plus, you can switch them out seasonally if your blue phase passes!
Some memorable ways to accessorize with blue include:
- White towels monogrammed in cobalt blue stitching.
- A striped shower curtain in shades of blue and white or blue and gray linen.
- Cozy navy blue bath mats to sink your toes into after showering.
- Candles in light blue, sea glass and peacock-hued containers.
- A set of blue glass canisters for cotton swabs, cotton balls and other necessities.
- Sculptural blue glass or ceramic vessels for storing soaps and bath salts.
- Bright pop art or abstract blue and white prints in acrylic or aluminum frames.
- Laundry and hampers in woven seagrass or linen in light or navy blue.
- A wooden wall rack filled with rolled blue towels and washcloths.
Keep the blue bathroom accessories cohesive by limiting the selection to one or two complementary blue tones.
For a relaxed vibe, focus on navy blues and whites with natural wood and rattan accents.
Or create a more vibrant, eclectic look with assorted bright blues mixed together.
Blue Bathroom with White Trim
Pairing vivid blue walls or tile with crisp white trim and accents makes the blue really stand out.
The contrast adds great visual interest while also keeping the space light and airy.
White trim also complements both light and dark blue hues equally.
All-white tub surrounds, window frames, baseboards, ceiling and cabinetry allow electric blue wallpaper or mosaic tile to take center stage.
For spaces painted entirely in darker navy hues, bright white trim prevents the room from feeling cave-like or too overwhelming.
Continue the blue and white color pairing throughout the bathroom:
- White marble, quartz or granite countertops with a backsplash of blue glass subway tiles
- White shaker-style cabinetry topped with blue painted or stained wood countertops
- White pedestal sink and tub contrasting vividly with blue encaustic cement floor tiles
- White linens stacked on open shelving painted a cheery light blue
- White wainscoting or chair rails paired with vivid blue on upper walls
Keep other finishes like faucets and lighting fixtures in polished chrome, nickel or satin brass.
Avoid introducing any wood tones to prevent muddying the clean, crisp blue and white pairing.
For an extra dose of brightness, paint the ceiling vibrant white and include a skylight or window.
The result is a refreshing and timeless blue and white bathroom oasis.
Blue and Green Color Scheme
Analogous colors like blue and green are made for each other, creating a soothing, spa-like bathroom palette.
Layering light sage greens and aquas results in a watercolor blue-green color scheme reminiscent of tropical lagoons.
Or make a bolder statement by pairing deep forest greens and navy blue.
Some ideas for rocking the blue and green pairing:
- Pale blue walls with decorative green tiles in the shower enclosure
- Vintage green and white patterned linens combined with blue glass canisters and vases
- A wooden green vanity and medicine cabinet with a blue mosaic tile backsplash
- Luxurious teal and aqua colored tiles swirled together on the floor
- Deep navy or peacock blue cabinets topped with a verde green marble countertop
- Blue accent tiles on the lower walls contrasting with green on upper walls
Bring in natural, textural elements like rattan baskets, driftwood shelves, woven rugs and fiddle leaf fig plants to complement the colors.
Brushed brass hardware and metallic finishes give this fresh color scheme a hint of glam.
For a truly tranquil vibe, keep the blue and green color pairing soft and muted.
Blue Bathroom with Wood Accents
The natural warmth of wood beautifully balances out cool blue tones in the bathroom.
Select a wood finish in a neutral tone like oak or walnut so as not to compete too much with the blue features.
Some ideas for incorporating wood accents into a blue bathroom include:
- A classic oak wood vanity topped with blue marbled quartzite
- Open teak wood shelving fitted with rolled blue towels and stacked white dishes
- White shaker cabinets with a walnut stained island featuring blue mosaic tile inset
- Distressed wide-plank oak flooring paired with a navy blue area rug
- Sleek floating wood shelves mounted on a vivid blue accent wall
- Rattan laundry baskets lined with blue and white striped linen
- A whitewashed wood ladder repurposed into a towel rack
For a light and airy aesthetic, finish wood accents in a weathered gray wash that allows the blue tones to pop.
Or keep wood furnishings stained in a rich walnut or mahogany tone to ground the space with cozy warmth.
Incorporate other natural elements like woven baskets, linen fabrics, marble counters and stone sinks to complete the organic look.
The blue connects it all in a soothing, inviting way.
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Mid-Century Blue Bathroom
The mid-century modern style pairs perfectly with splashes of blue throughout the bathroom.
Vintage color schemes from the 1950s and 60s often combined sky blue, turquoise and teal tones with hints of mustard yellow and orange.
Revisiting this retro color palette in a modern way results in a bathroom that’s chic, stylish and unique.
Some mid-century modern blue bathroom ideas include:
- A retro blue tile floor laid in a geometric harlequin or herringbone pattern
- Sleek mint green cabinets topped with an electric blue solid surface countertop
- Walls painted in a retro Robin’s egg blue paired with bright white trim
- Mustard yellow towels, rugs and artwork for pops of contrasting color
- A round blue shag bath rug and matching tufted floor mat
- Vintage looking globe pendant lights over a clawfoot tub
- A combination of square navy tiles and round aqua tiles in the shower
- White paneled built-in shelving fitted with colorful enamelware
Have fun with bold 50s inspired prints and patterns for shower curtains, roman blinds and window treatments.
Incorporate mid-century details like floating vanities, splayed legs, tapered hardware and atomic starburst mirrors.
The blend of blues with retro yellows, pinks and greens result in playful, quirky style.
Blue is truly one of the most versatile, timeless colors for bathrooms.
No matter your preferred style or budget, there are countless options for infusing this refreshing, tranquil hue through tiles, paint, cabinetry, accessories and more.
Experiment with light and dark blue tones, layering textures, patterns and complementary colors for a look that’s distinctly yours.
Always remember light reflects blue beautifully, so maximize windows, mirrors, pendant lighting and sconces.
Bring the spa home by creating your own private blue bathroom oasis.
Any of these 13 stunning blue bathroom ideas will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.
