Trending Bathroom Color Palettes of 2014
The bathroom, a space for relaxation and rejuvenation, saw a shift in color palettes in 2014, reflecting a move towards both classic sophistication and bold, contemporary design. From the enduring appeal of neutrals to the emergence of vibrant accents, 2014 witnessed a diverse range of bathroom color trends.
Classic Neutrals
Neutral colors like white, gray, and beige continued to dominate bathroom design in 2014, offering a timeless backdrop for various styles. Their versatility allowed for the incorporation of bold accents and decorative elements, while their calming nature created a serene atmosphere.
- White: White provided a clean and crisp canvas, reflecting light and creating a sense of spaciousness. Its classic appeal made it suitable for both traditional and modern bathrooms.
- Gray: Gray offered a more sophisticated alternative to white, adding depth and visual interest. It paired well with various accents, from bright pops of color to metallic finishes.
- Beige: Beige provided a warm and inviting feel, creating a cozy and comfortable ambiance. It was often used in combination with natural materials like wood and stone.
Bold Accents
2014 saw a rise in the use of bold accent colors to add personality and visual impact to bathroom spaces. These vibrant hues were often used in smaller doses, such as on walls, accessories, or even just a single statement piece.
- Navy Blue: Navy blue, a rich and sophisticated color, provided a dramatic contrast against neutral backgrounds. It was often used in combination with white or gray, creating a timeless and elegant look.
- Turquoise: Turquoise, a refreshing and invigorating color, brought a touch of the tropics to the bathroom. It paired well with coral, creating a vibrant and playful atmosphere.
- Coral: Coral, a warm and inviting color, added a touch of energy and excitement to the bathroom. It was often used as an accent color, complementing neutral backgrounds or providing a focal point.
Emerging Trends
Beyond classic neutrals and bold accents, 2014 saw the emergence of new color trends that reflected a growing interest in natural elements and global influences.
- Earthy Tones: Earthy tones like brown, green, and yellow, inspired by nature, brought a sense of tranquility and grounding to the bathroom. These colors were often used in combination with natural materials like wood and stone.
- Global Influences: Global influences, such as Moroccan tiles or Japanese-inspired minimalism, brought a sense of cultural richness and exoticism to the bathroom. These influences were often reflected in the use of vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
Factors Influencing Bathroom Paint Color Selection: Best Bathroom Paint Colors 2014
Choosing the right paint color for your bathroom is crucial, as it can significantly impact the overall ambiance and functionality of the space. Numerous factors come into play when making this decision, and understanding their influence will help you create a bathroom that is both visually appealing and practical.
Natural Light
Natural light plays a significant role in how paint colors appear in a bathroom. The amount of natural light entering a bathroom will affect how the colors are perceived.
- Bathrooms with ample natural light can handle a wider range of colors, including darker shades, as the light will prevent the space from feeling too gloomy.
- Bathrooms with limited natural light, on the other hand, require lighter colors to prevent the space from feeling cramped and dark. Light colors reflect light, making the room appear larger and brighter.
Room Size
The size of your bathroom is another crucial factor to consider.
- Smaller bathrooms benefit from light colors that create an illusion of more space.
- Larger bathrooms can accommodate darker shades, adding depth and drama to the space.
Personal Style
Ultimately, your personal style should guide your bathroom paint color selection.
- If you prefer a modern and minimalist aesthetic, consider using neutral colors like white, gray, or beige.
- For a more traditional and elegant look, opt for warm tones like cream, ivory, or soft blues.
- If you’re looking for a spa-like retreat, consider calming colors like light greens, blues, or lavender.
Paint Finishes, Best bathroom paint colors 2014
The finish of the paint can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your bathroom.
- Matte finishes are flat and absorb light, creating a soft and subtle appearance. They are ideal for hiding imperfections in the walls but may be more challenging to clean.
- Satin finishes have a slight sheen and are more durable than matte finishes. They are easy to clean and are suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Semi-gloss finishes have a higher sheen and are very durable. They are excellent for resisting moisture and are often used in bathrooms with high humidity.
| Factor | Description | Color Recommendation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Light | Ample natural light | Darker shades, such as navy blue, charcoal gray, or deep green | A bathroom with large windows and skylights could accommodate a navy blue paint color. |
| Room Size | Small bathroom | Light colors, such as white, cream, or pale blue | A small powder room could benefit from a white paint color to make the space feel larger. |
| Personal Style | Modern and minimalist | Neutral colors, such as white, gray, or beige | A modern bathroom with sleek fixtures could be painted in a cool gray color. |
| Paint Finish | High humidity | Semi-gloss finish | A bathroom with a shower or bathtub could benefit from a semi-gloss finish to resist moisture. |
Popular Bathroom Paint Brands and Products
Choosing the right paint brand and product for your bathroom is crucial, as it needs to withstand moisture, humidity, and potential mildew growth. Several leading paint brands offer specialized bathroom paints with advanced formulas and features to address these challenges.
Leading Bathroom Paint Brands
Choosing a reputable brand ensures quality and performance. Here are some of the leading brands known for their excellent bathroom paint products:
- Sherwin-Williams: Renowned for its wide range of colors and high-performance formulas, Sherwin-Williams offers a variety of bathroom paints, including its Emerald line, known for its durability and mildew resistance.
- Benjamin Moore: Another industry leader, Benjamin Moore offers a comprehensive selection of bathroom paints, including its Aura line, which boasts excellent stain resistance and a smooth, washable finish.
- Valspar: Valspar provides a cost-effective option without compromising on quality. Their Signature line features a mildew-resistant formula and a durable, washable finish.
- Behr: Behr is known for its user-friendly paints and wide color selection. Their Marquee line offers exceptional coverage and a mildew-resistant formula, making it ideal for bathrooms.
- PPG: PPG offers a range of bathroom paints, including its Diamond line, which is highly durable and resistant to moisture and mildew.
Types of Bathroom Paint
Bathroom paint comes in various types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the differences helps you choose the best option for your specific needs:
- Acrylic Latex: The most common type of bathroom paint, acrylic latex is known for its durability, moisture resistance, and ease of application. It dries quickly, is low in odor, and is washable.
- Epoxy: Epoxy paint is a highly durable and moisture-resistant option, often used in high-traffic areas like shower stalls and tubs. It forms a hard, non-porous surface that is resistant to stains and chemicals. However, epoxy paint can be more challenging to apply and may require professional installation.
- Oil-Based Paint: Oil-based paints offer excellent durability and moisture resistance, but they are less common for bathrooms due to their slow drying time, strong odor, and potential for yellowing over time. They are also more difficult to clean up than latex paints.
Latest Innovations in Bathroom Paint Technology
Paint manufacturers are constantly innovating to improve bathroom paint performance. Here are some of the latest advancements:
- Mildew-Resistant Formulas: Most modern bathroom paints include mildewcide additives that prevent mold and mildew growth on painted surfaces, ensuring a clean and healthy bathroom environment.
- Moisture-Resistant Formulas: Advanced moisture-resistant formulas create a barrier against moisture penetration, preventing paint from peeling, cracking, or blistering in humid conditions.
- Self-Priming Paints: Self-priming paints eliminate the need for a separate primer, simplifying the painting process and saving time and effort.
- Low-VOC Paints: Low-VOC paints emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reducing indoor air pollution and creating a healthier environment for you and your family.
