Green is a versatile and easy-to-use color that, in certain shades, never really goes out of style. In its softer incarnations, green is a recessive color, which means it gives an effect of feeling soothing and calming. It's no wonder then that green bathroom ideas are so popular.
But whether you go for near-neutral sages, or something a bit more deep, dark and dramatic, green has an energy that just suits a bathroom, and there's a million and one ways to use it.
If you’re exploring bathroom color ideas and are curious how green could look in your home, take a look at these spaces that are inspiring us right now for how to use this color cleverly in bathing spaces.
1. Paint the walls a calming green
The green used in this tranquil, spa-like bathroom designed by Clara Jung, founder of Banner Day Interiors has got to be one of the best colors for bathroom. The palette of calming green provides relief after even the most stressful day.
“The jumping-off point for this bathroom was the paint color,” explains Clara. “We wanted a soothing primary suite that wasn't entirely neutral. This color — Farrow and Ball Vert De Terre — was the chosen canvas. The marble throughout this space was specifically chosen because it was complementary to the green as well as having underlying green tones throughout. The result is a magical and restful primary bathroom space.”
2. Choose colorful, glazed wall tiles
Committing to color in a bathroom is for the brave, with bolder hues usually making their appearance through smaller accessories. However, those interested in a more personality-filled space can consider refreshing and fun ways to embrace color — perhaps via bathroom tiles. This is one of the winning green bathroom ideas because not only is it a well-designed space, but it's also practical. The glazed tiles inject color and are easy to clean, as the moisture slides off them.
“I wanted the tiling in this bathroom to be shimmering in the daylight, so I chose handmade blue-green glazed tiles,” shares Albert Mo Fraia of Albert Mo Architects. “The irregularity of their surface reflects and scatters light, while the stack bond pattern gives the irregularity some sense of order.”
3. Create an indoor-outdoor feel with a color drenched room
Everyone dreams of an outdoor shower but not every home (or even budget) allows for it. However, a few tricks can still give you the look you desire. This bathroom by Charlap Hyman & Herrero is a great example. The glass windows and ceiling create an outdoorsy vibe, and the green tiles that run across the floor, walls, and even the bathtub evoke the feeling of being nestled amongst trees. The color of the tiles is a nice, light green which isn’t overpowering.
“This bathroom was designed to blur the lines between the interior and exterior; it is part of the garden while also being part of the home,” says Andre Herrero of Charlap Hyman & Herrero. “We doubled the footprint of the space by adding a greenhouse-like structure at the rear of the home; each side of the greenhouse portion has a door that connects to the garden, where there are various cactus species and plants native to California. The bathroom consists of celadon glass tiles, steel (greenhouse structure), chrome (fixtures), cedar (ceiling), and bamboo (blinds).”
4. Introduce a green wallpaper
Sure, bold, large-scale-patterned bathroom wallpaper may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're thinking about designing your bathroom, but this is perhaps the most stylish, eye-catching way to do up the space. If you want to add that bold and unexpected touch to a formerly drab room or want to be more creative and adventurous in your color and pattern options, then this is the way to go. This style will particularly appeal to people’s maximalist tendencies. The only thing to keep in mind is choosing the right quality of wallpaper — vinyl ones are specially designed for bathrooms, as they are resistant to moisture.
"In this Georgian-style bathroom, we embraced timeless elegance through a rich green palette, using Sister Parish’s classic Dolly wallpaper to create an enveloping, cohesive design,” says Martha Lord, owner and principal designer of Boland Lord Design. “The wallpaper extends from just above the wainscot and flows seamlessly over the dormered ceiling, bringing depth and character to the space. This approach balances sophistication with tradition, making the bathroom feel intimate and grounded while adding visual interest. The result is a serene, green sanctuary that feels as if it’s been part of the home for generations, offering a beautiful blend of heritage and modern comfort.”
5. Layout green tiles in interesting patterns
Did you know you could create the illusion of depth and space by laying out bathroom wall tiles in horizontal or vertical patterns? You can also give the room a decorated look with these clever elements.
“We wanted to create movement through the pattern and hues of the tile while also acknowledging the history of this multi-century home,” shares Michelle Gage of Michelle Gage Interiors. “We rotated a traditional herringbone pattern 45 degrees to tile the wall in deep greens with the black tile boarders and lighter grout lines accentuating the pattern on the walls. This rotated herringbone and impression of undulating movement also vibes with the snake motifs in this primary suite. The floor tile in a black-white rosette design is grounded in its geometric regularity and flows seamlessly into the shower.”
6. Pair bold green tiles with antique fixtures
A great way to add a glistening touch to a dark bathroom with deep green tiles is to add jewel-toned fixtures to it. Think antique brass, gold, or silver faucets, and light fixtures.
“I approached the design with an element of playfulness, selecting a palette of color and materials that gave a unique authenticity to the space, applied against a backdrop of new and existing architectural features that reflect the provenance of the building in a contemporary and relevant way,” says Rachel Usher of Rachel Usher Interior Design Studio. “In this luxurious en-suite, I used gold colored brassware and wall lights, deep squid ink colored faceted tiles, and a traditional under-mount bath with marble top slip blending timeless design elements within a contemporary application."
7. Give a heritage touch with sage green paint
Green is a hue commonly used in heritage interiors — it creates an authentic color scheme for a period home but also feels elegant and perfect. This beautiful Victorian bathroom suite in dusky mint green is resplendent with glossy white contrasts in the marble sink, ceramic bath, and vintage milk glass bathroom lighting. The pretty shade also accentuates the nostalgic curve of the arched wall
"This is the main bath of a Victorian townhome," says Kevin Bennert designer at Oak Design Project in Philadelphia. 'We wanted to use a color that felt "of the era" but still contemporary. It also needed to be a strong enough green to balance all the marble, but not be overpowering. We love the end result!"
8. Create a tactile sanctuary with varied green textures
It makes sense to us that bathrooms should have an underwater quality, be transportive, and be enveloped in cocooning dark hues. This is one of the lushiest green bathroom ideas — a collaboration between tile brand Bert & May and paint company Little Greene featuring the paint brand’s classic chalky colors on Bert and May’s tactile cement squares, giving the space a crafted and spa-like feel.
"I love to embrace a small bathroom and create a dramatic and intimate interior with intense cocooning colors such as ‘Livid’", says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. "Which is a deep, moody yet restful shade, sitting somewhere between blue, green and gray."
9. Team pink and green for a quirky combination
In terms of colors that go with green, we are of the opinion that pink and green should always be seen, so use this complementary color coupling to create chic room. This tactile bathroom features gelato shades of pink and pistachio green. The space is tiled in creamy shades to tie in with the softness of the space.
"Imagine bathing in a warm clear pool, surrounded by lush forest...this is what green does on the walls of your bathroom," says Marianne Shillingford, the creative director at Dulux. "There is nothing like green to create a soothing relaxed atmosphere. It is the most tranquil color in the spectrum and instantly instills a sense of balance and calm. Team it with pink accessories for a bit of fun, or try different shades of green for a more subtly dynamic look."
10. Design a dreamlike shower with pastel green hues
Dream a little dream by pairing glossy green surfaces with textured glass in a walk-in shower area to create tranquil and transporting morning rituals. This small shower unit is encased with floor-to-ceiling mint green metro tiles and a ribbed glass shower. Both the glossy surface wall tiles and the sheen on the glass create a pretty dreamlike space.
"Greens are one of the most versatile colors for any room in the home but are especially a great option for a bathroom," says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow and Ball. "From gentle, cool pastels of Mizzle or Cromarty for something clean, bright, and fresh for a sun-drenched bathroom, to the richer depths of Calke Green, with shrub green notes a classic counterpoint to white sanitary ware."
11. Try a green wallpaper in a powder room
Powder rooms and bathrooms seem to be the natural space for tropical wallpaper. The accepted wisdom in interior design is that small spaces are the best places to do big and bold things. Here a delicate jungle-inspired motif of large green leaves and lemony fruits brings a completely different energy to the room. Smart gray paneled walls, elegant fixtures, and a minimal mirror keep the space sophisticated with an element of restraint.
If this look piques your interest, you can go for deep jungle, exotic palm trees, rustic forest motifs, or something more floral; each wallpaper will create a slightly different nuance.
12. Go graphic with green stripes
We love this candy stripe wet room in an unexpected pastel green colorway. These striking half-half tiles in natural green add a verdant feel and the versatility of the pattern means you can play about with modern formations or go traditional with green checkerboards.
"Green and white is a particularly clean and energizing combination, making it perfect for showers and wet rooms," says Fired Earth's Creative Director Colin Roby-Welford. "The bold geometric design of Fired Earth's Alalpardo Green tiles from the Bert & May collection adds to the energy of this fresh combination and ideal for creating contemporary bathroom walls and floors."
13. Mix green and black for a glamorous look
Emerald green walls and black accents give this miniature ensuite bathroom by Beata Heuman bags of character and an old Hollywood charm. We love contrasts and this bold combo of jeweled green walls with jet-black wooden trims is a winner.
This theatrical bathroom features an unusual Neo-Classical-inspired black mirror with playful wall lights with miniature shades on each side. The sink is a classic white design showing the possibilities of transforming an existing simple bathroom suite on a small budget.
14. Cocoon with calming botanical prints
Bringing nature indoors with botanical patterns and pairing it with green is a spectacular way to cultivate a space for restoration. This impressive wallpaper by Graham & Brown featuring white leaves cascading on a soft green background behind a huge stone bath is simple and striking, and brings nature right in.
"Your bathroom should be a space reserved for relaxation and what better color to achieve this than with a peaceful green?" says James Greenwood of Graham & Brown. "Reflecting the shades found in nature, green has calming properties and effortlessly brings the outdoors into your home. We recommend using our gentle shade a deep green Uluwatu with biophilic patterns for a soothing atmosphere."
15. Color block with a squeeze of lime
For a zesty feel opt for this bright and breezy shade! Lime green bathroom ideas can feel like a breath of fresh air and look fabulous especially when the space has bright white elements. Color blocking is a quick way to completely transform the look of a room and inject that shot of green you're craving.
"For the bathroom, paint is a great way of personalizing a traditional clinical space," says Judy Smith of Crown. "Try something a little different by using a really bright color such as an orange or leaf green on the ceiling so the color visually spills onto plain white walls below."
16. Go all over with chevron green tiles
The chevron pattern is guaranteed to make an impact, especially when used with confidence, in a large format. Hypnotizing and high impact, this zig-zag green bathroom goes maximalist with tiles in a trio of black, white, and green marble in chunky chevron compositions. The intense combination covers almost the entire bathroom; it's perfect for a master bathroom that needs a big personality.
Bright white sanitary ware brings out the hue of the white tiles and chrome fixtures give the space a contemporary edge. All surfaces are glossy and gleaming, creating a reflective space full of energy.
Is green a good color for a bathroom?
Green is a calming, centering tone; the color of rejuvenation so it's a great choice for bathrooms. From emerald to sage, this color can provide a moment of calm before you start your day or as you get ready for bedtime.
Green is an incredibly versatile and flexible color, perfect for modern bathrooms or classic ones. It is the most tranquil shade in the spectrum and instantly instills a sense of balance and calm. Team it with pink accessories for a bit of fun, or try different shades of green for a more subtly dynamic look.
What color goes with green in a bathroom?
Lime green pairs well with yellows, grape purples, and traditional black and white for a striking contrast. Green works particularly well when offset against neutrals like white, cream, and beige.
Sage green pairs well with crisp white and black, rich metals, and clean lines. For something a little offbeat a muted red or terracotta is a complementary color for sage green and creates a space reminiscent of Italy. Purple, orange and blue are nearly opposite sage green and also work as good complementary colors.
As for olive greens, more earthy tones of browns, taupe and maroon go well. You can also pair this color with stone and wood tones to create a warm atmosphere.
