Can a Bathtub Be a Different Color Than a Toilet & Sink?

Having a bathtub that matches the other elements in your bathroom, such as the toilet and sink, depends entirely on your preferences. Although it's common for the bathtub to match the toilet and sink in most bathrooms, this is not a firm rule. With the right accents, the three important bathroom elements do not need to be the same color.

Matching the color of your bathtub to the toilet and sink is common because these three elements are typically produced in the same colors. In the case of bathtubs and toilets, white and off-white are common. Matching these elements is a safe way to give your bathroom a consistent appearance. Since white is somewhat drab, add color to the room with bright paint or wallpaper, towels, art and other bathroom-related accents.

If you choose to have a bathtub in a color different than the toilet and sink, opt for a color of tub that complements the room. For example, if the toilet and sink are white and the room is decorated in white and pink, do not purchase a pale blue bathtub. Instead, in the example of a white and pink bathroom, a rose-colored bathtub is appropriate.

If you move into a home in which the bathtub, toilet and sink do not match, paint the tub an appropriate color. The process of removing the existing tub and installing a new one is expensive and time consuming, while painting the tub gives you the exact color at a fraction of the price. Don't use any type of paint for the tub; buy a tub-painting kit at a home improvement store.

Sometimes, a minor color difference between the bathtub and the sink and toilet can be detrimental. If the toilet and sink are pure white, an off-white tub has the perpetual appearance of being unclean. In this case, it's better to have a tub that is a completely different color to avoid this issue. If the tub is the ideal color, consider changing the toilet and sink. The process of installing a new toilet is simple, while sinks are available in styles to complement any bathroom.