Grey has become an increasingly popular color choice for bathrooms in recent years. Its versatile neutral tone allows it to work well in both contemporary and traditional settings. While grey can look stunning in a large, airy bathroom, some may wonder if it is also a good option for small bathrooms. There are several factors to consider when choosing a color palette for a small bathroom. In general, grey can be an excellent color for small bathrooms, but the shade and tone should be selected carefully to maximize the feeling of space.
Benefits of Using Grey in Small Bathrooms
There are several advantages to using grey in a small bathroom:
Expands the Feeling of Space
Grey is a neutral color that recedes, helping walls visually recede to create the illusion of more space. This effect can make a small bathroom feel larger than it is. A light to mid-tone grey is ideal for opening up the space.
Provides a Clean, Spa-Like Ambiance
Grey has a crisp, clean look reminiscent of spas and zen spaces. This can give a small bathroom a relaxing vibe perfect for a sanctuary from busy routines. Cool grey tones complement this minimalist aesthetic.
Acts as a Blank Canvas
With grey as a base, small bathrooms can take on a variety of styles with art, accessories, and pops of color. Grey creates a neutral backdrop that allows other elements to take center stage.
Matches Well with Most Colors
Thanks to its versatility, grey coordinates beautifully with many color schemes. Vivid hues like teal or mint green can pop against grey backgrounds. Warm metals, wood tones, and whites also complement grey nicely.
Contemporary and Timeless
Grey bathrooms have a contemporary, trendy look but also a classic timeless feel. Unlike stark whites or bold colors, grey does not scream of one era over another. This helps a grey bathroom remain stylish for years to come.
Considerations for Small Grey Bathrooms
While grey has many advantages, there are a few considerations when using it in small bathrooms:
Avoid Dark Greys
Very dark greys can make a small space feel closed in and heavy. Light greys open up the space, while medium greys add subtle interest without overwhelming. Save the darker dramatic greys for larger bathrooms.
Watch Undertones
Greys can take on blue, green, violet, or brown undertones. Cool-toned greys with blue undertones can feel chilly and sterile in a small windowless bathroom. Warm greys with tan or taupe bases create a cozier ambiance.
Add Visual Interest
Large expanses of plain grey can become monotonous. In a small bathroom, too much grey could feel boring. Add visual intrigue by pairing grey with contrasting white trims, vivid accents, or varied textures.
Include Warm Metallics
Warm metals like brass, copper, and gold enliven a grey bathroom. Cool silver tones can match nicely but avoid making the space feel too cold. Metallic fixtures, mirrors, and accessories all sparkle against grey.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Natural wood, rattan, greenery, and stone add warmth. These elements break up grey and keep the space from appearing too sterile. Don’t overwhelm the space but use natural accents for a welcoming vibe.
Choosing the Best Grey Tones for Small Bathrooms
With the right shade, grey can be gorgeous in small bathrooms. Here are some of the best grey tones and colors to consider:
Soft Grey
A very light grey, just a step above white, opens up a small bathroom without sacrificing the soft elegance of grey. Benjamin Moore Crystalline or Sherwin-Williams Mindful Grey are beautiful choices. Paint the whole space in soft grey or just use it on the upper half of the walls.
Dusty Blue-Grey
For a soothing, spa-like look, try a grey with faint blue undertones like Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue or Sherwin-Williams Rain. This creates a tranquil retreat-like ambiance.
Warm Taupe-Grey
Greys with tan or greige bases add cozy warmth to small bathrooms. Consider Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter or Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige. Pair with wood accents and textures.
Heather or Platinum Grey
The palest silvery greys create an airy, illuminated effect. Benjamin Moore Horizon or Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray are silvery greys that avoid looking sterile. Use sparingly on one or two walls.
Charcoal Grey
Deep charcoals instantly create drama, so use judiciously. Charcoal vanities, tile accents or painted ceilings make bold statements against lighter grey walls. Define the space and add moodiness without closing in a room.
Best Paint Finishes for Grey Bathrooms
The paint finish impacts how grey tones look and affect the ambiance. Here are top paint finishes for small grey bathrooms:
Matte Finish
Flat or matte finish paint absorbs light, helping open up a small bathroom. The muted look works well with soft greys. However, flat paint shows scuffs and is not ideal for moist bathrooms. Use sparingly on walls or ceilings.
Eggshell Finish
Slightly glossier than flat, eggshell creates soft subtle sheen. It hides imperfections better for bathrooms and washing. Mid-tone greys look sophisticated in eggshell.
Satin Finish
With a smooth, velvety appearance, satin finish has gentle luster. It’s easy to clean and great for bathrooms. Cool greys look refined and elegant in satin.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss has a brighter sheen that reflects light around a small bathroom. It’s durable and ideal for trim, creating contrast against walls. Use it sparingly on dark grey accents.
Avoid high-gloss, which can look slick and magnify imperfections. Combining grey paint finishes creates visual interest and depth.
Choosing Grey Grout and Tiles
For small bathrooms with grey tones, carefully choose grout and tile colors. Bright white grout stands out boldly against grey. Soft grey, light beige or ivory grout blends in for a seamless look. Match the tile color to your grey walls or contrast it. Here are attractive options:
White Subway Tile
Classic white subway tile paired with grey grout is clean and timeless. Use sparingly or mix with marble, stone or wood looks.
Hexagon Grey and White Tile
A grey and white geometric or fishscale hexagon tile pattern adds visual intrigue without overwhelming a compact bathroom.
Grey Stone Tile
Natural stone tiles in greys bring subtle variation. Travertine, slate, or limestone have beautiful grey coloration with depth.
Wood Look Plank Tile
For warmth, wood-look plank tiles in similar grey tones complement the walls. Add texture without taking up more visual space.
Avoid large swathes of dark grey tile, which can be overpowering. Use grey tile judiciously or break it up with other materials.
Using Grey in a Small Bathroom with No Natural Light
Bathrooms without windows present a special challenge. Too much grey could make an already dark space feel dreary and closed in. Here are some tips to make grey work in a small windowless bathroom:
– Include white or off-white: Bright white trims, towels, shower tiles and accessories keep the space feeling open, even if you use grey paint on the walls. White tile grout also illuminates.
– Incorporate warm metals: Brass, gold and copper finishes bring a cozy glow and sparkle. Metallic finishes bounce light around.
– Add pops of color: Vivid accent colors like teal, yellow or mint green perk up the space. Use color in towels, rugs, stools or prints.
– Use plenty of lighting: Install adequate overhead lighting plus sconces, vanity and undercabinet lighting. Place mirrors strategically to maximize reflection.
– Include natural texture: Natural fiber rugs, wicker baskets and live plants prevent a cavernous feeling.
– Paint one grey wall: Rather than grey everywhere, use it as an accent wall to define the room without overwhelming it.
Complementary Colors for a Grey Bathroom
While grey has a versatile neutral character, pairing it with the right accent colors creates a polished, pulled-together look. Here are pleasing color combinations for a grey bathroom palette:
Crisp White
Classic and clean, white pops against grey backgrounds in fixtures, trims, tiles and linens.
Pale Blue
Soothing, peaceful shades of blue complement grey for a tranquil spa-like ambiance.
Earthy Browns
Rich chocolate browns, tans and wood tones add cozy warmth against cool greys.
Vibrant Turquoise
An energizing splash of turquoise or aqua blue enlivens the grey palette.
Fresh Green
Leafy greens like sage and mint accent grey elegantly, especially with brass accents.
Sunny Yellow
A touch of yellow brings brightness and a cheerful note against grey’s moody vibe.
Bold Black
For contemporary contrast, matte black finishes and artwork make greys pop.
Natural Greige
Complementary greige and taupe-grey walls match seamlessly.
Best Flooring Options for a Grey Bathroom
Flooring can make or break a small grey bathroom. Here are excellent flooring ideas that complement a grey color scheme:
Porcelain Tile
Grey porcelain or ceramic tile is versatile and water-resistant. Pair with matching grey grout for a seamless look. Add texture with mosaic tiles.
Marble Tile
Carrara, gray vein and foggy grey marbles have beautiful veining that brings depth. Use large-scale marble tiles or intricate marble mosaics.
Slate Tile
Natural slate tile in dark greys adds wonderful variation. The texture plays well against smooth grey walls. Use a classic grid pattern.
Wood Look Plank
Wide-plank faux wood floors warm up the space visually and literally underfoot. Opt for similar grey wood tones.
Concrete Tile
Concrete flooring offers grayish undertones for an edgy, urban feel. Acid-staining can introduce color variations.
Vinyl Sheet
Waterproof gray vinyl sheeting is affordable and easy to install. Choose stone and wood look patterns.
Avoid high-contrast floors like gleaming white tile or red tones, which clash with grey walls. Ensure floors don’t overwhelm the compact space.
Fabrics and Textures for Grey Bathrooms
Fabrics play an important role in tying together a cohesive grey bathroom. Use textiles to infuse warmth and enhance the palette.
Wool Rugs
Plush wool rugs in neutral patterns add softness underfoot. Layer them over tile or vinyl floors for comfort.
Cotton and Linen
Natural fiber bath mats, shower curtains and towels bring texture. Absorbent linen paired with grey is relaxing.
Chunky Knits
Thick, cozy knit blankets in matching greys can complement wall tones. Drape them on a hook or stool.
Faux Fur
For glamour, use lavish faux fur rugs in gray and white. Introduce bold patterns or animal prints.
Woven Accents
Incorporate woven baskets, wall hangings and shades in rattan, jute or seagrass to warm up the grey.
Silk
Luxurious silk flowers, pillows and prints provide a glossy accent against matte grey walls.
Softer natural textures prevent a small grey bathroom from feeling too sleek and impersonal. Add layers of comfort and visual interest.
Fixtures, Furniture and Accessories for Grey Bathrooms
Fixtures, furniture and accessories complete the look of a grey bathroom. Tailor these to your overall aesthetic:
Pendant Lights
Suspended vintage pendants, globes or Edison bulbs illuminate stylishly. Go for black, brass or chrome.
Round Mirror
A large round mirror expands the feeling of space. Hang it conspicuously to reflect light.
Floating Vanity
A floating wood, marble or concrete vanity saves floor space. Grey color matches the walls.
Black Metal Accents
Matte black drawer pulls, faucets, towel racks and mirrors contrast nicely with grey.
Brass Fixtures
Brass hardware and plumbing in brushed, matte and polished finishes add glam warmth.
Sculptural Vessel Sink
An oval, cone or artisan sculpted vessel sink makes a unique focal point atop a grey vanity.
Grey Framed Art
Black and white photos or prints with grey matting match the walls for a pulled together aesthetic.
Wooden Stool
A grey washed or natural wood stool by the vanity provides seating without clutter.
Curate a thoughtful mix of finishes and materials. Ensure all elements harmonize with the core grey bathroom color palette.
Choosing Grey Paint Brands and Shades
With so many grey paint options, selecting the right shade and brand for your bathroom can be tricky. Here are top-rated grey paint colors for small bathrooms:
– Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter – Warm greige grey with beige undertone
– Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray – Calming grey with a hint of blue
– Behr Pale Smoke – Very light greige, almost white
– Benjamin Moore Horizon – Clean pale grey with a touch of green
– Sherwin-Williams Thunderstorm – Dark charcoal grey for contrast
– Behr Silver Drop – Medium grey with violet-blue undertones
– Benjamin Moore Gray Owl – Medium neutral grey with yellow undertone
– Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn – Deep charcoal grey for drama
– Behr Virtual Taupe – Greige mushroom color, warm with grey
Visit the paint store to view swatches in person. Many brands offer grey sample cards to compare options. Test samples on the walls to observe lighting differences.
Lighting Design for Small Grey Bathrooms
Proper lighting is essential for a small grey bathroom to feel bright and spacious. Here are lighting techniques to maximize a grey palette:
– Install a dimmable overhead fixture centrally to cast even light over the whole room. Go for diffuse glass shades.
– Use directional spotlights in the shower and above the vanity for task lighting.
– Add stylish wall sconces on either side of the mirror to illuminate faces.
– Undercabinet lighting rid of shadows beneath the vanity for grooming. Choose LED strips.
– Place recessed can lights strategically in the ceiling to spotlight the tub and toilet areas.
– Use reflective surfaces like backlit mirrors and glass/metallic accents to amplify light.
– Incorporate warm metallic finishes like brass and copper to add cozy glows against grey.
Layering lighting creates a well-illuminated, welcoming ambiance in grey bathrooms. Include dimmers to set the desired mood.
10 Inspiring Grey Bathroom Ideas
For inspiration on integrating grey tones into small bathrooms, here are 10 striking grey bathroom designs:
1. Soft Powdery Grey and White
Pale dove grey walls paired with bright white subway tiles and trim emanates an airy tranquility. Crisp white linens pop against the soft grey.
2. Blue-Grey Cabin Retreat
A blue-tinged grey with wood plank floors and rustic wooden vanity has a cozy cabin feel. Blue glass pendants illuminate the space.
3. Urban Industrial Grey and Black
Inky grey-black walls and concrete floors look edgy and modern. Matte black fixtures and gold accents contrast elegantly.
4. Boho Chic Warm Grey
Warm taupe grey walls with a jute rug, woven shades and rattan shelves create bohem
