Choosing a paint color for a bathroom with beige tile can be tricky. The beige tile provides a neutral background color, which opens up many possibilities for wall colors. However, it’s important to find a shade that complements the tile instead of clashing with it. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors to consider when selecting a paint color for a beige tile bathroom, provide color recommendations, and give tips for testing paint samples to find the perfect shade. With some thoughtful planning, you can create a cohesive, stylish bathroom design.
Complementary Color Schemes
One approach when choosing a paint color is to select a complementary color scheme. This means finding a shade that contrasts well with the beige tile while also balancing it out. Some options to consider include:
| Tile Color | Complementary Paint Colors |
| Beige | Blues, greens, grays |
Cool blue or green hues often work well with warm beige tones. Try a sky blue, sage green, or soft gray. Deep shades like navy or emerald can look dramatic with beige. For a more subtle look, go for powder blue or celadon green. Neutral grays from light dove to charcoal provide an elegant contrast.
You can also opt for tinted shades like greige (gray + beige) or aqua blues and greens. Just be sure the undertones coordinate with the tile. For example, avoid an olive green with a tile that leans reddish-beige.
Matching Tones
If you want to create a seamless look, choose a paint color that matches the undertones of the beige tile. Tan, taupe, and soft yellow paint colors blend well with beige. Consider:
| If Tile is: | Try Matching with: |
| Warm, reddish-beige | Cream, khaki, light tan |
| Cool, grayish-beige | Mushroom, greige, pale yellow |
| Light brownish-beige | French vanilla, oatmeal, buff |
Painting the walls in a matching beige or brown tone can help the space appear larger while also allowing the tilework to stand out. Just be careful not to choose a color that’s too close to the tile. Subtle variation creates depth and interest.
Accent Colors
For a pop of color, select an accent shade for certain elements like trim, cabinets, or an accent wall. Terracotta orange, sunshine yellow, lime green, and even deep red or purple work with beige. Just choose accent colors sparingly, otherwise the space can become noisy and overwhelming. Here are some accent color ideas:
– Bold orange on window trim and artwork
– Sunny yellow on hand towels, shower curtain, artwork
– Sage green on bathroom cabinets and a printed shower curtain
– Rich red or plum on towels and rug. Use sparingly on one wall.
Keep accessories like towels, bathmats, and shower curtains mostly neutral if using bold paint colors. The beige tile helps ground the space.
Bathroom Features
Also consider existing bathroom features when selecting a paint color. For example:
| If your bathroom has: | Select paint colors that: |
| Dark wood vanity | Contrast with the wood, like light blues |
| Marble countertops | Coordinate with the veining, like grayish greens |
| Brass fixtures | Complement the warm tones, like cream |
| Silver/chrome fixtures | Contrast nicely, like navy or charcoal |
You want the paint color to work with cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and other existing elements. The tile color provides a base, but look at the room holistically as you choose a shade.
Lighting
Proper lighting is also key to selecting a paint color. Natural and artificial light can change the way a color appears. For the most accurate sense of a shade, view paint samples:
– In the planned bathroom lighting (overhead, sconces, natural light)
– At different times of day
– On all four walls and trim
Morning light may cast different hues than afternoon or evening light. Look at the paint color in all possible lighting situations before finalizing your choice.
Undertones
When reviewing paint samples, pay attention to undertones. A blue can lean purple, green, or gray. A “soft” yellow may have white or greenish undertones. These subtleties make a big impact. Choosing clashing undertones can make the paint look “off” with the tilework. Check that undertones coordinate, whether you pick a complementary color scheme or matching tones.
You can identify undertones by viewing the paint color next to white. Does it appear more blue, red, yellow? Hold different paint samples next to each other and compare undertones. The most seamless look comes from coordinating the undertones throughout the space.
Sheen
Consider paint sheen as well as color. Bathrooms benefit from satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss finishes, which resist moisture and are easy to clean. Matte or flat finishes look great but tend to require more maintenance in humid bathrooms. Use trim paint in a gloss finish to play up architectural details.
Test Paint Samples
Once you’ve narrowed down paint options, purchase sample sizes to test on the walls. Paint 2-3 foot squares in separate areas to get an accurate impression. View the samples at different times and in all possible lighting. Live with the samples for 2-3 days to see how you like the colors over time. snapped photos of the paint samples to get others’ opinions.
If painting only one accent wall, mock up the design with painter’s tape and paper to envision the full effect before committing. Take your time testing samples to ensure you pick the perfect shade.
Pro Tips
– Pick a lighter color for small bathrooms to make the space feel more open. Darker colors can feel cavelike.
– Incorporate the sink, toilet, and other fixtures when painting to create a cohesive look.
– Use the same paint brand and sheen on walls, trim, and ceilings for color consistency.
– Prime walls before painting for bolder color and easier application.
– Add mold-resistant paint additives to paint used in humid bathrooms.
– Work with any flooring changes before painting. Install new tile or flooring first for best results.
– Paint the ceiling first, then trim, then walls last for easiest cutting-in.
Conclusion
Choosing a paint color for a beige tile bathroom requires thoughtful color coordination but allows for many stylish options. Cool blues, greens, and grays contrast nicely with beige tile, as do tans, browns, and yellows in matching warm tones. Accent walls in bold shades can add pops of color. Always view paint samples in the planned bathroom lighting at different times of day. Test 2-3 foot squares of top color contenders directly on the walls before making a final decision. With some careful prep work and test samples, you can confidently choose a paint color that complements the beige tilework while expressing your personal style. The end result will be a put-together, cohesive bathroom design.
