A coloured washbasin is the easiest way to give your bathroom personality – here is why, and how to choose the right one.
Why choose a coloured basin? Because it turns the most-used object in your bathroom into a focal point. A coloured ceramic washbasin adds character, ties the room’s palette together and makes even a small bathroom feel designed – while being just as durable and easy to clean as a classic white one.
For decades the bathroom was a white room by default. Today more and more homeowners, architects and interior designers are bringing colour back, inspired by the pastel and two-tone bathrooms of the 1950s and by the warm, earthy tones of Mediterranean homes. At Bleu Provence, the retro-style bathroom specialist, our ceramic basins, WCs and bidets are made in Italy and available in a wide palette of matt and glossy colours. Below we explain the main benefits and how to pick the right shade for your space.
6 reasons to choose a coloured washbasin
- It creates a focal point. In a neutral bathroom, a coloured basin draws the eye and gives the room a clear centre of attention.
- It expresses your personality. White is safe; colour tells a story – romantic, playful, elegant or bold.
- It connects the whole room. A basin can pick up the colour of your tiles, wallpaper, furniture or textiles and make the space feel intentional.
- It makes small bathrooms special. In a guest WC or compact bathroom, one coloured piece adds more impact than any accessory.
- It brings timeless retro charm. Coloured ceramics are part of bathroom history, from the pastel 1950s to Art Deco – a look that feels both nostalgic and current.
- It is just as practical as white. The colour is part of the ceramic glaze, so it does not wear off with daily use and cleans just like a white basin.
Is a coloured ceramic basin as durable as a white one?
Yes. On a ceramic basin the colour is not a paint applied afterwards: it is part of the glaze, which is fired in the kiln at high temperature together with the ceramic body. The result is a hard, non-porous and stable surface that resists fading and daily wear. Clean it as you would any ceramic basin – with a soft cloth and mild soap – and avoid abrasive powders or scouring pads.
How to choose the right colour for your bathroom
The best colour depends on the atmosphere you want and on the light in the room. These four families are a good starting point.
Soft pastels: romantic and luminous
Rosa Antico, Pesca Romantica, Verde Pastello and light blue bring softness and light. They suit classic and Parisian-style interiors, herringbone parquet, white panelling and gold or brass taps.
Earthy tones: warm and enveloping
Cacao, mustard and terracotta create a cosy, spa-like mood. Pair them with wood, natural stone, linen and brushed bronze or brass finishes.
Bold colours: graphic and contemporary
Red, yellow, black or deep green make a strong statement. They work beautifully in loft and industrial spaces, against exposed brick or white tongue-and-groove walls, with matt black or chrome taps.
Classic neutrals with a twist
If you are not ready for full colour, start with ivory, cream or a soft grey exterior combined with a white interior. It feels traditional, but softer and more refined than total white.
Two colours in one basin: inside and outside
Some of our collections, such as True Colors and True Colors Lite, let you choose a different colour for the inside and the outside of the basin. A white interior with a coloured exterior keeps a fresh, clean look where you wash your hands, while the exterior matches your décor. For a more daring result, combine two strong colours – such as a glossy black bowl with a red exterior.
Matching taps and accessories
Taps make or break the look of a coloured basin. Our washbasin taps and accessories are available in 18 metal finishes, so you can fine-tune the result. Some combinations we love:
| Basin colour | Recommended tap finishes | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Rosa Antico (Antique Pink) | Gold, brushed brass | Romantic, Parisian |
| Verde Pastello (Pastel Green) | Brushed brass, chrome | Botanical, vintage |
| Giallo Sole (Sun Yellow) | Matt black | Industrial, playful |
| Nero Lucido (Glossy Black) and Rosso (Red) | Chrome, nickel | Loft, graphic |
| Cacao (Cocoa) | Brushed bronze, brushed brass | Warm, spa-like |
| Bianco (White) and Yuta (Jute) | Gold, nickel | Classic, Provençal |
For a fully coordinated bathroom, choose the same ceramic colour for your WC and bidet, and the same metal finish for taps, towel rails and accessories.
Matt or glossy?
Glossy glazes reflect light, make colours look deeper and give a classic retro feel. Matt glazes look softer and more contemporary, and work especially well with earthy and pastel tones. Both are equally easy to clean.
Frequently asked questions
Will a coloured basin go out of style?
Coloured ceramics have been part of bathroom design for almost a century. Choosing a shade that matches the character of your home – rather than a passing trend – is the best guarantee of a look you will enjoy for years.
Can I match the basin colour to my tiles or wallpaper?
Yes. With a wide palette of matt and glossy colours, you can pick up a tone already present in your tiles, wallpaper or furniture. If you are unsure, our team can help you compare options.
Are WCs and bidets available in the same colours?
Yes. Collections such as True Colors Lite include basins, WCs, bidets and a urinal, all available in the same ceramic colours.
Does a coloured basin need special cleaning?
No. Clean it like any ceramic basin with a soft cloth and a mild detergent. Avoid abrasive products, which can dull the glaze over time.
Discover our coloured basins
Explore our retro-style sanitary ware, including the True Colors, True Colors Lite and So Fifties collections. Need advice on colours and finishes? Contact us or visit our showroom.