Imagine spending thousands on a bathroom remodel, only for buyers to shrug or, worse, cringe at your color choices. Sound dramatic? Not really. Color isn’t just about taste—it has a pretty sneaky way of swaying buyers’ brains and wallets.
Why Color Matters in Your Bathroom
Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces. For buyers and homeowners alike, they’re becoming retreats and places to relax. And color? It’s the first thing you notice. In a 2024 survey by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, nearly 72% of buyers said bathroom color influenced their purchase decision. That’s higher than kitchen benchtop material or even wardrobe space. Why is this?
Color instantly sets a mood. Light hues can make tight Wellington apartments look airier, while darks offer cozy spa-like vibes. But it goes beyond mood. Real estate data from Zillow (yep, even their US stats have value here!) showed in 2023 that homes with bathrooms painted light blue or soft grey shades fetched, on average, NZ$3,600 more than similar properties with plain white or dark red bathrooms. Agents here in Auckland report the same trend, especially with first-home buyers who want to move in and not repaint.
It’s not just about avoiding bold disasters—like neon green or bright pink—but about tapping into what today’s buyer wants. And most buyers? They don’t want to experiment; they’re looking for reassurance and calm.
The Colors That Attract Buyers (and Why)
Let’s get to the good stuff: which shades do buyers actually love—and which can send them running? Experts point to a few tried-and-true choices that stand the test of taste and time.
- Light Blue: Over 40% of Kiwi real estate agents picked this as the ‘safe bet’ for bathrooms. It has a tranquil, spa-like feel that makes small spaces look cleaner and bigger. Paint companies have even tagged shades with names like ‘Bathroom Bliss’ and ‘Serenity Sky.’ Not a coincidence.
- Soft Greys and Taupes: Grey isn’t just a trend—it’s versatile. Pair it with white fixtures, and you have a classic luxury hotel vibe. It works with modern or vintage decor, which means you aren’t scaring off buyers with very specific tastes.
- Whites and Off-Whites: Some call it boring, but white as a bathroom color has never gone out of fashion. It makes everything feel fresh and sanitized—two things buyers look for.
On the flip side, there are colors that consistently lower perceived value. Bright yellows, sharp reds, and bold greens might look cool in a magazine, but in real life, they limit appeal. In a 2022 Australian property review, homes with dark brown or mustard bathrooms had to slash listing prices to get offers. Why? Those colors make spaces feel cramped. And buyers see repainting as an annoying extra job.
Feeling brave? If you want personality without the risk, go for a statement wall (like a trendy navy or olive green) but keep the rest clean. That way, buyers can imagine changing just one wall, not redoing the whole space.
Data That Proves Color Increases Home Value
Let’s put numbers behind the color obsession. You might wonder: can simply painting a bathroom in the ‘right’ color really boost your home’s value—and is there data for New Zealand and Australia to back it up? Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening:
| Colour | Average Sale Price Increase | Buyer Interest Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Light Blue | +NZ$3,600 | +19% |
| Soft Grey | +NZ$2,800 | +15% |
| Off-White | +NZ$1,400 | +9% |
| Dark Brown | -NZ$800 | -7% |
| Bright Red or Orange | -NZ$1,000 | -9% |
These numbers come from a mix of local agent feedback, New Zealand Bank home price data, and the latest analytics from big real estate websites. The impact is strongest in mid-range homes, where buyers look for easy upgrades and move-in readiness. Luxury buyers might care more about tiles or fixtures, but for most Aucklanders, a fresh coat of paint in a welcoming color is a game changer.
Another trend worth mentioning: staged bathrooms in houses for sale almost always feature these ‘winner’ colors. Why? Because agents know they photograph well and appeal to a broad audience. And since 85% of buyers view listings online before visiting, those first photo impressions really stick.
Tips for Picking a Bathroom Color That Sells
Now for the practical bit: how do you pick the color that works for your space and gives the best shot at upping value? Here’s what Auckland renovators swear by:
- Test paint samples on the wall first. Lighting can warp how a color looks. A cool blue might turn icy grey under some bathroom LEDs, so check it morning, day, and night.
- Think about the undertones. Blue-greens can make whites look dirty, while warm greys pair well with both chrome and matte black fixtures.
- Consider your tile and cabinetry. If you’ve got pinkish tiles from the 1990s, a soft taupe or warm white helps modernize the space without clashing.
- Don’t get too trendy. Forest green is hot on Instagram, but will it age well? Stick with what buyers expect unless you know you’ll repaint soon.
- Keep ceiling and trim crisp white. This makes the space look finished and draws attention to clean lines—a big tick for buyers.
And here’s a local tip: in older villas or bungalows around Auckland, pushing too modern can feel off. Instead, look for period-appropriate hues like muted blue-greys or even soft sage—colors that blend in but gently lift the room’s mood.
Want to go bold anyway? Use accessories, not paint. Think towels, shower curtains, or art. They’re far less scary to swap out later—either for you or the new owner.
Making the Most Out of Your Bathroom Remodel
Painting is one of the simplest, cheapest ways to raise perceived bathroom value, but it only works if the space feels fresh and functional. Here’s how to make that new color really pop—and seal that extra value:
- Deep clean before painting. Buyers equate new paint with cleanliness, but not if they spot old mould or stains under a shiny blue wall.
- Fix small repairs—think leaky taps, cracked grout, or chipped tiles. The new paint will only highlight what’s not working.
- Don’t forget the ceiling. Painted ceilings in matching or slightly lighter tones open up the room without drawing eyes to bumps or old cornices.
- Upgrade the hardware if you can. Shiny new taps or towel rails in brushed nickel or matte black look amazing with those buyer-friendly colors.
- Light it right—the best color in the world looks drab under worn-out bulbs. Go for daylight LEDs, which keep the true colors shining and make the space more Instagrammable for that listing photo.
During open homes, stage the space like a boutique hotel. Fold fluffy towels, add a plant or two, and put out nice soap. This helps buyers imagine themselves there, and the right color just makes everything glow.
Most importantly, remember that trends change every few years, but human psychology doesn’t. Bathrooms are intimate, personal spaces, and buyers want to feel calm, clean, and ready to move in. That’s why a bathroom color that feels fresh and relaxing works every time—no matter the current fad.
