Whether tackling an extensive renovation or simply looking to give your bathroom vanity a fresh coat of paint, knowing what’s on trend is a great place to start. Based on designer insights, one thing is clear: natural colors and finishes are in, and finishes and colors that feel cold and unnatural are out. Think gray-toned wood stains, high-gloss finishes, sterile white hues, and more.
Ultimately, if you love it, it doesn’t matter if it’s considered ‘out of style.’ However, if you’re looking to update your bathroom vanity to better suit the times, here are seven outdated bathroom vanity colors designers say you should definitely avoid.
Meet the Expert
- Elizabeth Drake is the founder and principal designer of Elizabeth Drake Interiors, an interior design firm based in Winnetka, Illinois.
- Caroline Kopp is the founder and principal designer of Caroline Kopp Interior Design, a full-service design firm based in Westport, Connecticut.
- Magda Callery is an interior designer based in Newbury, UK.
Bright White
Bright white vanities were popular in the 2010s’ all-white-everything-era, where they were regarded as minimalist, clean, and sophisticated. Today, however, bright white vanities and all-white bathrooms can have a cold and clinical feeling, says interior designer Elizabeth Drake.
Instead, opt for warm whites and creamy off-whites if you’re looking for a clean, simple look. These warmer tones will help make your space feel calming, relaxing, and modern.
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Gray
Like white, gray enjoyed a boom in popularity during the 2000s and 2010s. From gray flooring to gray paint and furniture, this neutral shade was seemingly everywhere, including the bathroom. However, designers say its time in the spotlight is officially over.
However, there’s a catch—not all grays are created equal. The pros specify that cool-toned grays and gray wood stains are the real culprits here, as warmer grays and complex hues like greige and mushroom tones are still popular choices.
Cherry Wood Stains
As far as outdated bathroom vanity colors go, all the designers we interviewed agreed on cherry wood stains.
Often associated with traditional design, dark to medium cherry wood finishes exploded in popularity in the 1990s. Homeowners loved their regal appearance, and they were regularly used in kitchens and bathrooms. However, today, this reddish wood finish is considered stuffy and outdated—like something you’d find in your grandma’s home.
“Cherry wood stains can make a bathroom feel heavy and dark, while lighter, more natural woods like oak or maple provide a brighter, more inviting alternative,” says Drake.
Orange-Toned Finishes
Similarly, designers are cautious to steer clear of orange-toned finishes. These once-popular vanity colors now feel artificial and tired.
“In my mind, anything that looks orangey whether that is a wood stain or a paint, is likely to make your vanity look dated,” says interior designer Caroline Kopp.
Instead, opt for more natural hues and finishes. For paint, cool colors in soft tones are popular right now if color is what you’re after—think muted blues and earthy greens. For wood stains, stick to cooler finishes in more natural tones.
High-Gloss Black
Once regarded as sleek and modern, designers say high-gloss black vanities are officially out. Not only are they dated, but the glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet, making them high-maintenance and impractical for most households, says interior designer Magda Callery.
However, you don’t need to avoid black entirely if you want a high-contrast or moody space. Simply opt for a less glossy finish, like satin or eggshell. Alternatively, you can incorporate black into other areas of your bathroom (like the walls, ceiling, countertop, or fixtures) and choose a natural wood finish for a more timeless and classic look.
Dark Brown Espresso Finishes
Dark brown espresso is another outdated vanity finish designers always avoid. Similar to cherry red and orange-toned finishes, dark espresso has an artificial look and feel to it that just doesn’t fit with modern tastes. This is especially true when the stain is applied so heavily that it’s hard to make out the wood grain and texture underneath.
Lighter wood tones have been on trend for a while now, but if you want something darker, try medium-to-dark toned chocolatey brown finishes like walnut, dark oak, or teak. The key to making dark wood stains feel modern is to let the wood’s character and texture shine through and be the focal point.
Dusty Pinks
Using pink in the bathroom is a fun way to add some personality to the space, but choosing the right shade is important. According to Callery, dusty pinks and mauves are also included in the list of outdated bathroom vanity colors to avoid.
These gray-toned pinks were popular in the 1990s, but today, they’ve fallen in favor of softer, warmer pink hues. Muted, barely-there pinks are also popular for a more mature and sophisticated look.
