A Fresh Coat of Paint

A Fresh Coat of Paint White is the most Googled ‘bathroom paint’ in the UK but psychologist says it’s ‘uninspiring, particularly for females’

The bathroom is where most people start and finish their day, but how important is the paint colour on the walls? Very - according to Shower Enclosure Experts, who have partnered with Psychology and Wellbeing Consultant Lee Chambers MSc MBPsS to highlight what paint means when it comes to the powder room.

Key Findings • light greys, blues and greens, can help us feel assured in ourselves • natural materials are grounding, such as metallic, stone and wooden elements • reds, oranges and yellows have the power to make us feel energised

First, Shower Enclosure Experts used search volume tool Ahrefs* to extract the number of times per month Brits research different paint shades - from white, to purple and metallic. Then, Lee Chambers MSc MBPsS provided expert commentary on the psychology behind some of the shades ranked.

1. White: 8,400 searches 2. Grey: 5,700 searches 3. Green: 5,100 searches 4. Blue: 4,800 searches 5. Pink: 1,500 searches 6. Black: 1,300 searches 7. Purple: 1,000 searches 8. Yellow: 700 searches 9. Brown: 300 searches 10. Orange: 280 searches 11. Cream: 160 searches 12. Red: 120 searches 13. Metallic: 20 searches

White The analysis found that ‘white bathroom paint’ ranks top and is searched for in Google over 8,000 times a month [8,400] - almost double the number of searches for ‘blue bathroom paint’ [4,800]. Additionally, experts have claimed Farrow and Ball’s ‘All White’ [No. 2005] to be among the best shades of white paint to choose. It contains no other pigment except for white, creating a soft and sympathetic colour palette.

But, despite many DIYers opting for white paint, as it’s typically viewed as a clean and timeless shade, Lee Chambers notes: “An all-white bathroom is very clinical, clean and spacious, but lacks character and can be uninspiring, especially for females, studies have shown.”

Greys and Greens Following, ‘grey bathroom paint’ and ‘green bathroom paint’ rank in second and third place - with 5,700 and 5,100 searches per month, respectively. Indeed, “When it comes to helping us find a calmer moment of serenity in the evening, or as you rush around in the

morning, cooler colours that still have vibrant elements, such as light greys, blues and greens, can help us feel assured in ourselves and convey a message that we can handle the day’s challenges.”

Black Interestingly, ‘black bathroom paint’ ranks mid table, with over 1,000 Brits searching for the hue per month. But colour psychologist, Chambers, warns: “Dark bathrooms can feel enclosed and uninviting unless the lighting is beneficial, and mirrors are used to create the perception of space.”

Metallics ‘Metallic bathroom paint’ ranks last - with 8,380 less [20] Google searches per month than the top colour white.

Although, according to the analysis, metallics in the bathroom are seemingly unpopular with Brits, Lee Chambers notes it’s worthwhile to consider thinking outside the box and incorporating metallic shades and texture too: “Consider patterns and textures; natural materials are grounding, such as metallic, stone and wooden elements, and they can help us to feel more connected to ourselves.” Reds and oranges Other paint shades ranking low in the table are red and orange [120 and 280 searches per month, respectively]. However, Chambers adds although unusual - a bold shade could be just what your bathroom [and you] needs: “If you want to start the day with a stimulating boost, bold shades of warm colours like reds, oranges and yellows have the power to make us feel energised, and this can be incorporated through accessories and decoration on a more muted colour palette if preferred.”

If you are bold enough to opt for reds, Alan Boswell Landlord Building Insurance recently discovered Farrow and Ball’s ‘Sulking Room Pink’ [No. 295] to be this autumn’s trendiest paint colour, with romantic muted rose hues, it’s supremely versatile.

Things to consider Finally, Lee Chambers shares: “The last thing to consider is your colour preferences. If there’s a particular shade that you feel expresses you, you have a personal connection, and that is powerful when deciding what colour to use. Just ensure that the colours you choose let you have that moment of peace in a place that feels like home.” n

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