When it comes to small bathrooms, using the right paint colors can create the illusion of a larger, more spacious room. The key is to use light, bright shades on the walls, ceiling and cabinetry to reflect light and make the space appear more open and airy. Conversely, dark paint colors tend to make a room feel smaller and more closed in. Here are some of the best paint color choices for opening up a small bathroom.
Light and neutral wall colors
Light, neutral wall colors like off-whites, beiges and light grays are ideal for small bathrooms. They keep the space looking bright and expansive. Try Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige, Benjamin Moore Linen White or Behr Silver Screen.
Bright white trim and ceilings
Painting the ceiling and trim bright white instantly makes a small bathroom look more spacious and less boxed in. The crisp white draws the eye up and reflects light around the room. Use a flat finish on the ceiling to prevent glare.
Glossy white cabinetry
White cabinetry keeps things looking light and airy. Choose a shiny gloss finish, which enhances the feeling of space by reflecting light. Matte cabinet finishes tend to look a bit flat and dreary in a small bathroom.
Avoid dark colors
Dark paint colors like deep browns, reds, greens or blues will only make a small bathroom feel smaller. They absorb light rather than reflect it, creating a closed-in, cave-like feeling. Leave the dark, dramatic colors for larger rooms.
Add visual interest with color accents
While it’s best to keep the main wall color light, you can add pops of brighter, bolder hues with accents and accessories. Bold colored towels, rugs, shower curtains and decorative items will add visual interest without closing things in. Just keep accessories to a minimum so the space doesn’t start to feel chaotic.
Open up with vertical stripes
Consider painting one wall with vertical stripes to create the illusion of a taller ceiling. This trick elongates the physical space. Use two close hues like tan and beige and keep stripes 1 to 2 inches thick.
Use color to highlight architectural features
Draw attention to attractive architectural details by painting them in a contrasting color. For example, painting the ceiling trim, window frames or wainscoting a bright white will make these lovely features pop.
Create a focal point with one bold wall
Paint one wall in a bold, saturated shade to create a focal point amid all the neutral lighter colors. Try this behind the tub, sink vanity or toilet area. Opt for hues like cobalt blue, emerald green or even a deep gray. This kind of accent wall also adds needed visual interest.
Conclusion
With the right color choices, it is possible to make a small bathroom look and feel more spacious. Stick to light wall colors, bright white trims and high-gloss cabinetry to reflect light and open up the space. Avoid dark colors that absorb light and feel confining. Add bold pops judiciously with towels, accessories or the occasional accent wall. With light colors and a few reflective surfaces, even the tiniest bathroom can feel fresh and expansive.
| Color | Where to Use | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Light neutrals like beige, gray, off-white | Walls | Brighten up space, reflect light |
| Bright, crisp white | Trim and ceilings | Reflect light, draw eye upwards |
| Glossy white | Cabinetry | Reflective surface expands space |
| Avoid dark colors | All surfaces | Absorb light, make space feel smaller |
| Pops of bold color | Accents and accessories | Add visual interest |
| Vertical stripes | One wall | Create illusion of height |
| Contrasting color | Architectural details | Highlight attractive features |
| Bold saturated color | Accent wall | Add focal point |