Colour in School Washroom Design from Early Years to Secondary
- Education
The choice of colours in school washrooms goes well beyond aesthetics. Research shows how thoughtful colour choices support wellbeing, behaviour, and inclusion across all age groups, from early years and primary pupils through to secondary school students.
At Venesta, we work with schools and architects to design environments that are not only practical but also psychologically supportive. Design decisions, such as whether to specify soft greens or bold yellows, can have a measurable impact on children’s comfort, independence, and behaviour. When colour is used thoughtfully, washrooms become more than functional spaces, they become part of the learning environment.
Colour Shapes Mood, Focus and Behaviour
Studies in environmental psychology show that colours affect children’s emotions and cognitive states. According to a 2023 review published in the International Journal of Modern Culture and Educational Research, warm tones such as yellow can stimulate creativity and optimism, while softer cool tones like blue and green promote calm and concentration.
In school washrooms, particularly for younger children or anxious teenagers, this matters. The right palette can help children and young adults feel at ease, and create environments that feel age-appropriate, inclusive, and supportive of good hygiene habits.
Different age groups respond to colour in different ways. While younger children may benefit from bright, engaging tones that support learning and confidence, secondary pupils often prefer more muted, sophisticated palettes that align with their growing need for privacy, identity and autonomy.
For Early Years and Primary: Use soft blues or greens to calm and reassure, with pops of yellow or orange to add warmth and optimism.
For Secondary: Muted blues, greens and neutrals help reduce overstimulation and promote a sense of calm, while avoiding overly juvenile or high-saturation tones.
Getting the Balance Right: Bright vs. Overwhelming
Creating the right palette is about balance. Too much colour can feel chaotic, but a carefully layered scheme brings both energy and calm to a space.
Muted, nature-inspired tones are often specified to strike the right balance, particularly when paired with light-reflective finishes that make the space feel brighter and more open.
Practical Colour Choices: Beyond Psychology
Colour also plays a vital role in the day-to-day use of washrooms. A well-considered palette can support:
Wayfinding: Colour-coded doors and partitions help younger children navigate independently.
Contrast: Strong contrast between surfaces also supports pupils with visual impairments. As a guide, aiming for a 30 point difference in Light Reflectance Values (LRV) between elements like the floor and cubicle door, or the wall and pilaster helps important features stand out.
Cleanliness: Mid-tones hide marks better than extreme darks or lights
Inclusivity: Neutral palettes help create gender-neutral washrooms that feel safe and welcoming for all children
Reflecting school identity: When used carefully, school colours can help reinforce a sense of pride and connection across the learning environment.
Venesta's Commitment to Colour-Confident Design
Our education cubicle ranges are built to support wellbeing as well as functionality. Every design is safety-led, age-appropriate and available in a wide choice of finishes.
For Early Years and Primary (Ages 2–11)
Genesis: Designed specifically for children aged 2–11, with four height options and built-in safety features including anti-finger-trap hinges and emergency-release indicator bolts.
Lollipop: Bright, engaging and safe, Lollipop cubicles feature soft curves, two door heights and bold colour options—ideal for EYFS and younger pupils.
Award (Low-Level): Available in three height options, Award includes a low-level configuration for younger children, with 34 colour options and the flexibility to meet a wide range of specifications for early years and primary settings.
For Secondary and Higher Education Environments
Award (Full Height): A robust option for older pupils, Award is also available in full-height to suit secondary schools.
Fusion: A floor-mounted, overhead-braced system offering strength and clean design, well suited to mid-to-high traffic secondary washrooms.
Titan: Built for durability and impact resistance, Titan is ideal for demanding environments where resilience is key.
Centurion: A full-height, flush system offering privacy and longevity, particularly for busy secondary schools and sixth forms.
Unity: Our most privacy-focused design, Unity features full-height, flush-fronted doors with a minimalist finish and concealed fittings—perfect for inclusive, contemporary washroom spaces.
Materials That Support Design and Durability
Our cubicles are available in three robust material options, specified for durability to suit different school settings:
Melamine Faced Chipboard (MFC): Ideal for dry environments with low risk of vandalism, offering a cost-effective solution without compromising on style.
High Pressure Laminate (HPL): Suitable for areas with higher usage, HPL panels are resistant to heat, scratches, and impact.
Solid Grade Laminate (SGL): Impervious to water and exceptionally tough. Ideal for wet rooms, high-impact areas, and where hygiene is critical.
Thoughtful Design Starts with Insight
Integrating colour psychology into the design of primary and secondary school washrooms can change how children feel about washrooms and how confidently they use them. It can reduce anxiety, support independence, and create a more inclusive, accessible environment.
At Venesta, we combine research-informed thinking with decades of product knowledge to help schools design spaces that truly support their pupils.
Next Steps
Read more about our education cubicle ranges
Explore our colour and material swatches
Get in touch to discuss your next washroom specification.
