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Good colors to paint a small bathroom


Paint Color Ideas for a Small Bathroom

By

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 11/22/21

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Bathrooms are usually the smallest rooms in our homes, but that doesn't mean you can't experiment with color and decor. Even the smallest bathrooms can easily get away with bright, bold colors if done correctly. Plus, whether you have ample natural light or not, the right paint color can open up the space and help create the illusion of a well-lit room.

Your first step in decorating your bathroom is to understand what lighting options you have (natural? accent? overhead?) and what vibe you want to aim for in your bathroom.

Once you know what color or palettes you're interested in, here are our favorite 14 paint colors perfect for any small bathroom.

18 Small Bathroom Paint Colors We Love

Ah, the age-old design myth that crisp white paint will make teeny-tiny rooms like small bathrooms and powder rooms feel so much larger. Sure, it sometimes rings true, but it's most definitely not the only option. Sometimes the best way to make a small bathroom feel more spacious is to embolden it with dark, bright, or experimental paint colors. To open everyone up to the whole wide world of small bathroom paint colors, we're spotlighting our top favorite shades below. From neutrals to moody tones and vibrants pops, you'll find a small bathroom paint color idea to inspire your weekend home project (because small space = less painting time so you can really do it in a day!).

1

Mellow Purple

Heidi Caillier Design

Color-blocking is a great way to play with color if you don't want to cover the entire room in one experimental shade. Here, Heidi Caillier chose a soft purple for below the chair line to give the rustic farmhouse-style bathroom a more romantic touch.

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2

Light Gray

House Beautiful

For a powder room this small, a mirror hung at an angle above a corner sink maximizes every inch (and clutter can be stashed behind the fabric skirt). The Wedgwood plates and round accent table help counteract the boxiness, and add charm. To add a bit more polish and intrigue, the walls are painted in a light, soothing gray.

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3

Forrest Green

Fiona Lynch Studio

With a slim cylindrical sink and lone pendant light, this bathroom is perfectly proportioned. But since there's no room for any decorative extras and even the essential pieces can't take up too much space, the only way to make a power move design-wise is with a bold paint color. We're digging the forest green hue Fiona Lynch Studio chose.

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4

Wine Red

LAURE JOLIET

This bathroom designed by ETC.etera for Firehouse Hotel is the perfect balance between serious and quirky, upscale and funky. The red wine-hued cabinets are the clear focal point of the bathroom, which are accentuated by the marigold zellige tiles. Together, they create a warm color story.

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Exotic Red, $80

5

Crisp White

Alexander M. Reid

Okay, we know we said we were going to stay away from white, but here's proof that sometimes it really is the best choice for small bathrooms. Alexander M. Reid opted for a crispy, bright white for this traditional bathroom and then added splashes of blue for a classic combo. The graphic floor tiles liven it up and the white walls serve as a perfect backdrop for the gallery of artwork.

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6

Light Green

Max Kim Bee

The floral skirted sink vanity and complementary painted green walls make everyday feel like a fresh spring morning in this cheerful bathroom by Madcap Cottage. The two tones of green paint speak to the many shades in the floral fabric skirt as well as the wallpaper.

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7

Baby Pink

House Beautiful

We love the eclectic artwork against the baby pink walls of this powder room. A teeny tiny bathroom is the perfect place for a playful paint color since there's not room for any other decorative statements. In this bathroom, the pink backdrop makes the traditional portrait gallery fun and whimsical.

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8

Dark Eggplant

Farrow & Ball

Whether used in a bohemian space or somewhere more traditional, a super dark, almost black eggplant purple is instantly enriching. It boasts Victorian vibes in this bathroom against the crisp white and gilt frames.

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9

Chalky Off-White

Tamsin Johnson

When you want to use a neutral hue but also want to spice things up texturally, use a specialty finish. Something chalky, super matte, or ultra glossy will do. In this bathroom, interior designer Tamsin Johnson opted for a clay-like oatmeal paint, which compliments both the edgy concrete and modern glass accents as well as the earth tone of the fabric skirt.

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10

Steel Blue Gray

Kent Johnson

Designer Nina Farmer made the retro sink feel new again by adding a gorgeous Robert Crowder & Co marble-effect wallpaper. The original wainscoting was painted in Farrow & Ball's Plummet, which complements the paper and makes the powder room feel more formal.

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Plummett, $110

11

Light Orange

ETC.etera

The vibrant tangerine-painted cabinets in this bathroom designed by ETC.etera bring out the orange undertones in the pink stone vanity topper, which also ties in the pink floor tiles and area rug. The lesson? Match your cabinets to yoru natural stones and tiles.

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Dutch Orange, $110

12

Rich Blue

Victoria Pearson

We love the classic blue paint Reath Design chose for this space. It adds richness and complements the soapstone countertops without being too over-the-top, should the occupants want to switch out accent pieces like rugs and mirrors over the years.

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Ultramarine Blue, $110

13

Black Lacquer

ALISON GOOTEE/STUDIO D

For a high-impact contrast, paint your trims with a glossier finish. The black, white, brown, green, and gold color scheme in this bathroom is the perfect example to follow if you love glammed out interiors.

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14

Sky Blue

Arent & Pyke

You can't go wrong with sky blue, especially in a small bathroom. Here, Arent & Pyke brought some grownup polish to the light-hearted, cheery color with sharp black accents, an ornate Art Deco area rug, and grayscale-speckled floor tiles.

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15

Cream

Laure Joliet

Reath Design opted for a creamy off-white paint color in this bathroom for a softer version of bright white. It pairs nicely with the fun, geometric area rug and the green-painted window frames.

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16

Dark Gray

Heidi Caillier Design

It's all about layers, textures, color in this warm bathroom designed by Heidi Caillier. She transformed a rustic green dresser into a sink vanity which is polished off with a natural stone countertop for a sleek touch. the most transformative element of the space is definitely the dark gray paint, which strikes a cozy mood.

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17

Dusty Rose

Farrow & Ball

If you love the romantic, sweet qualities of light pink but also want something that feels slightly edgier, opt for a dusty rose. This one has a mysterious smokiness to it and the sharp marine blue contrasting door sharpens it up.

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18

Chocolate Brown

Robert McKinley Studio

We're loving the offbeat yet neutral clay color scheme in this grounded bathroom designed by Robert McKinley Studio. The combination of mocha painted walls, a woven lampshade and blinds, and natural stone countertop create an earth-inspired oasis.

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Cattail, $80

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

Small bathroom design. Color selection. Design. Sherwin Williams Paints

The bathroom is usually one of the smallest spaces in our homes, but that doesn't mean it's useless to experiment with color and decor. Even in the smallest bathrooms, bright and bold colors will be quite appropriate, provided everything is well thought out. And, whether there is enough natural light or none at all, the right paint color can open up a space and create the feeling of a well-lit room.

The first step is to understand what kind of light sources are there and how they are located, as well as what kind of atmosphere you want to create in the end in your bathroom.

Whether the decision to use certain shades is confirmed or not yet, take a look at the selection of paint colors that are ideal for any small bathroom.

White - Alabaster (SW 7008)

It's no secret that bright white paint makes any room visually more spacious, adding light and air. Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams will be very appropriate here - it is ideal for rooms with small footage. This color is incredibly versatile - it's cool enough to make up for the lack of light and, on the other hand, contains enough warmth to create a cozy atmosphere.

Ancient Marble (SW 6162)

Ancient Marble is a wonderful beige with a slight green tint reminiscent of antique marble that adds a little more texture and depth to cramped spaces. Without being too light, it is perfect for a small bathroom in a classic style. This color allows you to decorate the room in various styles with bright and not very accents, suitable for different tastes and ages.

Decisive Yellow (SW 6902)

Although bright yellow can be harsh in small spaces, it can add light and cheerfulness to a half-paneled or tiled bathroom. Decisive Yellow by Sherwin-Williams is a sunny yellow with warm, golden undertones. It will look good both in bathrooms with lots of natural light and without it, and goes well with light warm shades.

Bright - Intense Teal (SW 6943)

If you're worried that such a bold color just doesn't suit a small bathroom, then know that many designers will disagree with you. Using rich hues like Intense Teal blue-green helps to add some flair to a small space. Combined with other bright colors, this “teal color” can look very impressive.

Dark - In The Navy (SW 9178)

There is a common misconception that dark paint is bound to make a small room seem even smaller. But practice shows that deep colors like SW 9178 make a small space visually more spacious, adding depth to surfaces. This rich navy blue tone is perfect for a nautical-themed bathroom. Sure, it's not a neutral color, but it's subdued enough not to be overpowering.

Gray - Big Chill (SW 7648)

Gray is a versatile interior paint color and definitely one of the best choices for a small bathroom. Big Chill is a light, neutral gray that looks best in bathrooms with little natural light. The more natural light, the colder this gray will be. It goes well with black, white or shades of green.

Blue - Stream (SW 6499)

This is a lively, light and cool blue that is perfect for small bathrooms without much natural light. It's light enough to make any small space feel more spacious, yet rich enough to be noticed. Suitable for a chic bathroom or "powder's room".

Gateway Gray (SW 7644)

It may seem strange that the choice of brown fell on a color that has the word “gray” in the name, but it is actually a very light taupe color that is perfect for a somewhat “old-fashioned” bathroom. SW 7644 has cool undertones and looks almost like chalk or lime paint on most walls. This is the perfect option for a traditional bathroom without any stylistic frills.

Green - Rock Bottom (SW 7062)

Those who love natural tones will love this dark earthy color with a hint of green. It looks different depending on the lighting: lighter in bright light, darker and more saturated in low light. This is a good color for a small modern bathroom, especially when paired with teak or bamboo accents and crisp white towels.

Black - Black Magic (SW 6991)

Don't be afraid to use black paint in a small bathroom. Try a color like Black Magic on an accent wall or over a bright white tile or panel in the upper half of the walls. Or paint the longest wall in a small bathroom black to accentuate its length and make it look bigger.

Veiled Violet (SW 6268)

Purple is a great color for bathrooms. Veil Violet by Sherwin-Williams is a muted purple, sophisticated and elegant. It has a slightly warm gray hue and is a great choice for shared bathrooms because while it's neutral, it's not too boring.

Intense - Regatta (SW 6517)

This bright, intense shade is perfect for a cozy bathroom. It makes a beautiful pair with cool and neutral undertones. Also looks great with copper or gold accents.

Aqua - Window Pane (SW 6210)

Highly diluted aqua. Would work well in a small, well-lit bathroom as it has a noticeable blue-green tint, albeit a rather subdued one. Try using it in combination with dark green or bright white to complement or accentuate.

Dark Brown - Manor House (SW 7505)

This is a deep, sophisticated color that will give a sense of depth to the walls in your small bathroom. It's a little warm, a little heavy, but it can add zest to a small space. Try pairing with khaki or olive green for a natural, natural vibe that fits in any home.

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What color to choose for the bathroom: photos and tips

Content

  • How to choose the color for the bathroom
  • The value of color in the interior, its psychological perception
    • White
      • Black
    • Red red blue Orange
    • Yellow
    • Violet and its shades
    • Brown
  • Feng Shui color palette selection
  • Possible color combinations: the secret of designers
  • Bathroom wall painting techniques
  • Texture roller for creating patterns on the walls: video
  • Wall color in the bathroom interior: photo

Choosing a color palette is one of the main tasks of design. And if we talk about the combination of colors in the bathroom or bathroom, then there is no definite answer. But some recommendations, tips, ideas and photos will certainly help you choose the best option.

Bathroom design with painted walls has long ceased to be an example of a budget renovation. In many cases, it is the best suited for the implementation of complex design ideas.

Many designers offer original painting of the walls as a “highlight” of the bathroom interior

Of course, there are situations when long-term repairs are not included in the immediate plans, but only a slight renovation of the interior is required. Or coloring is part of a combined finish. In any case, you need to decide on colors, shades and their possible combinations.

How to choose a color for a bathroom

The choice of a color palette is always influenced not only by personal preferences, but also by other equally important factors:

  • Visual perception of space. It is known that light shades contribute to the visual increase of the room, while dark ones, on the contrary, reduce it visually.
  • Human psychological perception of color.
  • Matching style. Each style has its own set of colors and shades that match its concept.

The meaning of color in the interior, its psychological perception

White

On the one hand, it is a pure classic, but on the other hand, it may seem simple, cold. But it is worth remembering that there are many shades of white: pearl, milky, ivory, smoky, etc. And if you work on their combination, then the white interior will look great both in a spacious bathroom and in a small room. White color is universal, it is combined with any other colors and shades.

White color in the bathroom creates a feeling of purity and harmony

Green

The positive effect of green is recognized by all psychologists in the world. As a rule, it is used to create lively, fresh and individual interiors. Green color has a calming effect, and at the same time, in combination with other colors, it gives a positive emotional mood. Perfectly harmonizes with white, orange and yellow.

Green color is able to balance the psychological state of a person

Black

Black interior color is not in great demand. You can use it only in spacious rooms and very carefully, because excessive blackness will negatively affect the mental state of a person. For those who do not like the classic combination with white, black can be combined with gray, gold, peach. It looks very expressive with red or yellow.

Black makes the interior luxurious and strict

Red

In combination with other shades, red always takes on a dominant role. It activates, invigorates and excites, and therefore is completely unsuitable for creating an oasis of relaxation and peace in the bathroom. The most successful red color will be in a room where there is no shortage of space. You can combine it with white, gray or orange.

The red color of the interior excites and invigorates

Blue

Blue seems cold and uncomfortable to many, but in fact it is great for the bathroom interior. The main thing is to choose the right accompanying warm tones. You can combine it with white, orange, beige. Wood and other natural materials fit perfectly into the blue interior.

Blue makes the bathroom "cooler"

Orange

It's no surprise that warm and cozy orange is often chosen for bathrooms. In small rooms, light peach looks better, and in more spacious, richer, deeper tones will be appropriate. You can combine orange with white, green, gray, cream or blue.

Orange color adds coziness to the interior

Yellow

Yellow is the color of the sun, warmth and energy, but such a bright environment in the bathroom is not for everyone. A positive color will be a great addition to other shades, but it is rarely used as the main background.

Yellow will bring "sunshine" to the interior

Violet and its shades

Light shades of purple look very gentle and calm in the interior, perfect for small rooms. Such an environment will not be too tiring or emotional. The larger the area of ​​the bathroom, the deeper and brighter shades can be used. If we talk about combinations, then all shades of purple are harmoniously combined with each other, they can be supplemented with green, yellow or white.

Shades of violet make the interior expressive

Brown

Brown is warm and cozy, goes well with all related shades and white. But in view of the abundance of other possible options, brown interiors are becoming rarer.

Interior in chocolate tones looks noble and unusual

Choosing a Feng Shui Color Palette

Recently, many design based on the principles of oriental geomancy, in other words, choose the color and layout of the bathroom according to Feng Shui.

According to the rules of Feng Shui, the interior involves painting the walls with natural colors.

According to Taoist teachings, the bathroom is designed to cleanse a person from fatigue, stress and restore strength, so the walls here should not be very bright, and the ceiling is left white and even. The best colors are pastel shades of green, blue, purple and white. Black, gray and brown are considered undesirable. It is very important to make contrasting accents. It can be ornaments, borders or friezes on the walls, furnishings. For them, you can choose bright shades of yellow, red, green, blue or purple.

Possible color combinations: the secret of designers

Designers have one secret that allows them to always choose the right combinations of colors and shades, whether it is a bathroom or any other interior to be painted - this is the so-called Johansen Itten circle. To work with it, it is enough to know four simple formulas.

Johansen Itten Color Matching Circle
  • The two best matching colors are opposite each other (eg blue and orange).
  • A classic in three colours. Choose colors that are at an equal distance from each other (for example: blue, red and yellow).
  • Analog triad. Choose any 3 shades located side by side (for example: yellow-orange, yellow and yellow-green).
  • Contrasting triad. One color will be the main one, and two shades are added to it, which are adjacent to the opposite (for example: the main purple, and additional ones: yellow-orange and yellow-green).

Important! On surfaces that are more susceptible to moisture (near the bathtub, sink, shower), it is recommended to use more moisture-resistant materials, for example, we combine painting with tiles or plastic panels.

Bathroom wall painting techniques

Bathroom wall painting rarely involves one shade, which means that when choosing primary colors, it is worth thinking about how they will be combined in the interior.

  • The horizontal separation of two colors can be even arc-shaped, wavy, etc. The border can be decorated with other materials: planks, laths, moldings, mosaics.
Horizontal color separation in the bathroom