When it comes to decorating a small bathroom, one of the biggest dilemmas is often whether to paint it a light or dark color. Both options come with their own sets of pros and cons. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your personal preferences and goals for the space. In this article, we’ll examine the key factors to consider when deciding between light or dark paint colors for a small bathroom.
The Benefits of Using Light Colors in Small Bathrooms
There are several reasons why you may want to opt for lighter paint colors when decorating a small bathroom:
- Creates the illusion of space – Light colors like off-whites, light blues and grays reflect light rather than absorb it. This helps give the illusion that the room is larger than it really is.
- Brightens up the space – A light color scheme can make a small bathroom feel airy and bright rather than closed off and dark.
- Easy to keep clean – Light colors like whites and creams show less dirt, grime and moisture. This makes them easier to keep clean.
- Feels fresh and relaxing – Light colors are associated with cleanliness. They can make a small bathroom feel crisp, fresh and spa-like.
- Pairs well with most colors – Light neutrals act as a blank canvas. This makes it easy to add pops of color through accessories, art and decor.
Overall, light paint colors tend to open up small spaces both visually and psychologically. If creating a feeling of openness is your main goal, lighter tones are likely the better choice.
The Benefits of Using Dark Colors in Small Bathrooms
While light colors may be the more conventional choice, dark paint colors also offer some compelling benefits:
- Makes a statement – Using a dramatic dark color like charcoal gray, deep blue or emerald green makes the bathroom feel bold and intimate.
- Brings a touch of elegance – Darker colors feel more polished, sophisticated and luxurious than their light counterparts.
- Hides flaws – Unlike lighter paints, dark colors help conceal flaws like stains, water damage, uneven textures and poor grout lines.
- Requires fewer touch ups – Darker colors don’t show dirt and fingerprints as easily, so they don’t require cleaning and touch ups as frequently.
- Makes plumbing and fixtures pop – Plumbing, cabinets, countertops and other fixtures really stand out against a darker background.
For small bathrooms where creating an intimate, elegant environment takes priority over maximizing space, a darker color scheme may be the better option.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Light and Dark Paint Colors
When deciding whether to go light or dark, keep the following factors in mind:
| Factor | Best Suited to Light Colors | Best Suited to Dark Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Size of the bathroom | Very small bathrooms | Small but not tiny bathrooms |
| Amount of natural light | Bathrooms with limited natural light | Bathrooms with ample windows or skylights |
| Features you want to highlight | Interesting architectural details and features | Bold plumbing fixtures and finishes |
| Your color preferences | If you like light, bright, airy spaces | If you prefer bold, dramatic, intimate spaces |
As you can see, the bathrooms best suited to light colors tend to be those that are very small and/or lack natural light. The darker the bathroom and the fewer windows it has, the more a dark color scheme makes sense.
You should also think about which elements you want to highlight. Light colors draw the eye to details like tilework, moldings and window treatments. Dark colors make plumbing fixtures, mirrors, stone surfaces and cabinets the star of the show.
Most importantly, consider your own personal color preferences. An all-white bathroom may feel serene to some but sterile to others. Just as a nearly black bathroom may feel striking and elegant to some but like a cave to others. Pick the color direction that appeals most to your own sensibilities.
Strategic Combinations of Light and Dark Colors
The best approach is often a smart compromise between light and dark paint colors. Here are some examples of how you can strategically combine lighter and darker tones:
- Paint most walls a light color and one focal accent wall a darker, bolder shade.
- Stick to a neutral light color palette overall and incorporate darker colors through accessories and decor instead of paint.
- Paint the upper half of the bathroom walls a lighter color and the lower half a darker color.
- Choose a light color for the paint but opt for dark wood cabinets, dark countertops and black plumbing fixtures for contrast.
- Opt for a light paint color but add drama with a bold dark floor tile.
Blending both light and dark elements allows you to enjoy the benefits of both. The light paint keeps things feeling open and airy, while splashes of dark add visual drama and elegance.
Tips for Designing With Light or Dark Colors
To make the most of your chosen color scheme, keep these tips in mind:
Designing with light colors:
– Stick to soft, warm white tones rather than stark, cold whites for a more welcoming vibe.
– Add texture through materials like beadboard paneling, tilework and wainscoting. This prevents an all-white space from feeling flat.
– Incorporate pops of accent colors that complement your main wall color. Consider sage green, sky blue or violet tones.
– Use lighting strategically – brightly lit areas will make the space feel extra open.
Designing with dark colors:
– Test color samples on the walls at different times of day. Dark colors can read differently in morning vs evening light.
– Consider softening overly dark spaces with lighter trim, ceilings, floors or tilework.
– Strategically place mirrors to add depth and bounce more light around.
– Add plenty of layered lighting on dimmers so you can control the mood and brightness.
– Use metallic finishes and reflective surfaces to add depth and luminosity.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for lighter or darker paint colors ultimately comes down to your own preferences and goals. Light colors tend to work best in bathrooms seeking to feel as spacious and bright as possible. Darker colors create a moodier, more elegant look and highlight key features. Often, the best approach is to find a balance between light and dark elements. Just be sure to test out samples thoroughly beforehand. An internet image can look very different on your own walls and in your specific lighting conditions. With strategically applied light and dark paint colors, even the smallest bathroom can look and feel both stylish and spacious.