When it comes to painting a small bathroom, choosing the right color can make a big difference. The color you choose for your bathroom walls and trim can make the space seem larger or smaller, brighter or darker. You want to opt for colors that will enhance the function and style of the room.
How Does Color Affect a Small Bathroom?
Color has a psychological impact on how we perceive a space. Warm colors like reds, oranges and yellows are energizing and can make a room feel cozy. However, they also tend to make walls seem like they are closing in. Cool colors like blues, greens and purples have a calming effect and can make a small bathroom feel more open and airy. Neutral shades like grays, beiges and whites maximize light to make a space appear larger.
Darker colors tend to absorb light and can make a small bathroom feel cramped and closed in. Lighter colors help bounce light around the room, creating an airier vibe. Bold or intense colors can feel overwhelming in a tiny space. Soft muted shades and pastels work better to keep things relaxed.
You also need to consider functionality. Very light colors show dirt easily and require frequent cleaning in a bathroom. Dark colors can make it hard to see in a small space. The best approach is to stick with mid-range tones or neutrals and add bolder color through accents and decor.
Best Paint Colors for a Small Bathroom
Here are some of the most popular and effective paint colors to consider for a small bathroom:
Whites
A white or off-white like Alabaster or Swisse Coffee is a foolproof choice for opening up a small bathroom. The light color reflects the maximum amount of light. This makes the space feel clean, airy and expansive. An added bonus – whites hide soap scum and water spots better than darker hues.
Beiges
Warm neutral beige shades like Fawn Brindle or Khaki Tan add a subtle coziness while still bouncing light around. Beige is ideal if you find stark white to be too sterile or cold.
Grays
Light grays like Skimming Stone, Silver Drop or Raccoon Fur are slightly warmer than white with a bit more character. Gray downplays both warm and cool undertones, creating a tranquil backdrop.
Blue-grays
A blue-gray like Gray Owl, Raindrop or Iceberg adds a cool, soothing vibe. The gray minimizes the intensity, preventing it from seeming too bold or dark.
Greens
Pale green is another color that can open up a small bathroom. Soft seafoam shades like Spa or Misty Moor add a refreshing, spa-like ambiance. Deeper greens like Emerald or Black Magic evoke nature and can feel earthy and zen.
Violets
Lavender, lilac or muted violet impart a calming, tranquil effect. Because purple is created by combining cool blue and warm red, it provides visual interest while still feeling neutral.
| Color | Paint Brand | Specific Shade Name |
|---|---|---|
| White | Benjamin Moore | Alabaster |
| Beige | Sherwin Williams | Fawn Brindle |
| Gray | Behr | Skimming Stone |
| Blue-gray | Valspar | Raindrop |
| Green | Benjamin Moore | Spa |
| Violet | PPG | Lilac Wisp |
Tips for Painting a Small Bathroom
Here are a few handy tips to ensure your small bathroom paint job is a success:
- Prime walls before painting – primer allows the topcoat of paint to glide on smoothly.
- Paint ceiling the same color as walls to visually raise the ceiling.
- Use semi-gloss or high-gloss finish for cleanup and moisture resistance.
- Add mold inhibitor to paint in steamy areas.
- Use narrower trim and lighter colors to recede borders.
- Paint interior of built-in cabinets a lighter shade to maximize space.
- Use one wall as an accent wall in a bold shade.
- Add interest with texture using sponging techniques or textured paint rollers.
- Increase lighting with fixtures, mirrors and reflected surfaces.
How Lighting Impacts Paint Color
The type of lighting you have in a small bathroom will impact how the paint color appears. Here’s how different lighting affects color perception:
Incandescent Lighting
Incandescent bulbs cast a warm, yellowish light that enhances reds, oranges and earth tones. Cooler shades like blues and greens can look dull under incandescent lighting. Stick with warm neutrals if you only have these bulbs.
Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent tubes emit a blue-toned light that boosts cooler colors while muting warm shades. Whites stay true under fluorescent lighting. But beiges can appear dingy. Opt for greens, blues or violets under this bright lighting.
Natural Light
Full spectrum sunlight allows you to see paint colors in their truest form. North-facing bathrooms have cool blue-hued natural light. South-facing rooms get warmer reds and yellows. Pick paint based on the natural light exposure.
LED Lighting
LED bulbs produce a crisp, bright white light that shows all colors accurately. Unlike fluorescents, LEDs don’t change the tones. Any paint will look great under this full spectrum illumination.
Paint Finish for Bathrooms
In addition to sheen, paint type makes a difference in moisture-prone bathrooms. Here are the best options:
Latex Paint
Water-based latex paint is ideal for bathrooms. It withstands humidity well, resists mildew growth and easily washes clean. Matte, eggshell and satin latex finishes work well.
Enamel Paint
Oil-based enamel paint provides a rock-hard, glass-like finish that prevents moisture penetration. The high-gloss surface resists staining and stands up to cleaning. Use for trim, cabinets and backsplashes.
Epoxy Paint
Two-part epoxy paints offer even greater protection from moisture and scrubbing. They contain resins that resist molds, chemicals and scratches. Use epoxy paint on floors and shower walls.
Creative Color Combinations
Looking for inspiring color schemes? Here are some lively yet soothing bathroom paint combinations:
- Pale blue walls with white trim and ceiling
- Light gray walls with navy blue wainscoting
- White subway tile shower surround with mint green walls
- Lavender walls with cream cabinets and silver fixtures
- White beadboard wainscoting with robin’s egg blue upper walls
The color palette you choose for your small bathroom should enhance the purpose of the space. A soothing, spa-like ambiance or clean, bright, expansive feeling can be achieved through smart use of color and light.
Conclusion
Painting a small bathroom can be tricky but choosing a light, airy color scheme is key. Cool tones like pale blues, grays and greens open up the space. Warm neutrals like beige, ivory and tan provide coziness. Stay away from dark, bold colors in favor of soft pastels. Consider lighting and finish for the best results. Finish with glossy enamel or epoxy paint for protection. A soothing, spa-style palette or clean, bright look can transform a small bathroom with the right colors.
