12 Best Paint Colors for a Bathroom: Fresh Ideas to Transform Your Space
Choosing the perfect paint color for your bathroom can feel like a big decision. The right hue can transform your space. Bathroom colors set the tone for the room and can even influence your mood.
What are the best paint colors for a bathroom? This is a common question for homeowners looking to refresh their space. From soothing blues to warm neutrals, there are so many options that can make your bathroom feel inviting and stylish. By exploring popular trends and timeless shades, you can find a color that suits your style and enhances your bathroom experience.
1. Ocean Blue
Ocean Blue is a fantastic choice for your bathroom. It brings a sense of calm and relaxation, like you’re right by the sea. Imagine starting your day in a space that feels refreshing and tranquil.
This color goes great with white fixtures. It helps create a crisp, clean look. You can also pair it with natural wood elements for a beachy feel.
Some popular shades to consider are Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore and Krypton by Sherwin Williams. These options have subtle undertones that add depth without overwhelming the room.
2. Soft Mint
Soft Mint is a refreshing choice for a bathroom. It’s a gentle shade of green that brings a sense of calm and freshness to the space.
This color works well in bathrooms with natural light. It reflects light beautifully, making your bathroom look brighter and more spacious. Do you have a small bathroom? Soft Mint can help make it feel larger.
Soft Mint pairs well with white or light-colored fixtures. Think about white tiles, light wood accents, or even some subtle metallic touches. These combinations create a clean and serene look.
Soft Mint is also versatile. It fits different styles, from modern to vintage, adding a touch of elegance and tranquility.
3. Warm Beige
Thinking about giving your bathroom a cozy feel? Warm beige is a great choice.
Warm beige can make your space look elegant without feeling too cold. It pairs well with both modern and classic decor. Does your bathroom have warm tiles? Warm beige blends perfectly with warm tile tones, making your bathroom feel put together.
Sherwin Williams offers a great shade called Dhurrie Beige. This shade is soft and inviting, perfect for any bathroom setting. Another good option is Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray. Don’t be misled by the name—this color is actually a lovely warm beige.
If you like a bit of contrast, try combining warm beige with a soft sage green. The two colors balance each other, offering a soothing yet vibrant look. You get a harmonious and calming space with minimal effort.
4. Cool Gray
Cool gray is a popular choice for bathroom paint. It’s versatile and goes well with many styles. This shade often has subtle hints of blue or green, adding depth to your space.
Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore is a great example. It’s perfect for bringing a refreshing feel, especially in natural light.
Why cool gray?
- Stylish: Cool gray adds sophistication.
- Brightening: Makes small bathrooms look larger.
- Neutral: Pairs well with many colors.
Think about using gold accessories or mustard-colored towels. These accents warm up the cool tones and make the color pop.
Another idea is Gull Wing Gray. It’s a bit darker but still cool-toned. Perfect for a modern, chic look.
5. Pastel Pink
Looking for a bathroom color that’s soft but stylish? Pastel pink might be perfect for you. This color can make a space feel calm and inviting without being too bold.
Using pastel pink can brighten up your bathroom. It pairs well with white fixtures and adds a touch of elegance. Imagine starting your day in a space that feels light and airy.
Plus, pastel pink can fit any bathroom style. Whether you have modern, vintage, or eclectic decor, pastel pink can complement your design beautifully. It’s a flexible choice that works for many tastes.
Thinking of a classic, bold color for your bathroom? Navy blue might be the answer.
Navy blue paint, like Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy, stands out with its rich and sophisticated hue. This color works great in both modern and traditional settings, making it super versatile.
Sherwin Williams offers stunning shades like Sea Serpent and Gale Force. Sea Serpent has deep green and gray undertones, while Gale Force leans towards a soft, smoky gray navy. Options like these bring a unique touch to your space.
Navy blue can create an elegant and calm atmosphere. It’s especially stunning when paired with white fixtures or marble countertops. The contrast really pops!
Think about using navy blue as an accent wall or for cabinetry. Its depth and style can transform your bathroom into a chic and relaxing retreat.
7. Sage Green
Sage green paint is a serene choice for your bathroom. It creates a calm and peaceful vibe, making it perfect for relaxation.
This color works beautifully with natural tones like mushroom or light wood. Desiree Burns Interiors recommends pairing sage green details with a mushroom vanity for a grounded look.
Sherwin-Williams’ Softened Green or Benjamin Moore’s October Mist, a soft tone that evokes an early fall morning, are great options. They provide a fresh and uplifting feel.
A sage green bathroom pairs well with other colors, such as creams, soft violets, buttery yellows, and refreshing blues. This color versatility makes it an excellent choice.
Thinking of a quick update? Consider painting an accent wall or small details like tiles. The result is a space that feels both stylish and soothing.
8. Lavender
Lavender is an amazing color for a bathroom. It brings a touch of calm and softness that’s perfect for creating a relaxing space.
Designers love shades like Farrow & Ball’s Peignoir and Benjamin Moore’s Queen’s Wreath. These hues add a cozy, cocoon-like feel to your room.
Picture how nice it would be to come home and unwind in a bathroom painted in a dreamy, comforting lavender! The soft, pastel tone can make your bathroom feel like a personal spa.
Try pairing lavender with whites or beiges to keep the look fresh. It also works well with greens for a nature-inspired aesthetic. If you want a cozy, warm bathroom, consider using a lavender shade. It just might become your new favorite color.
9. Crimson Red
Crimson Red can create a lively atmosphere in your bathroom. This color, like Incarnadine from Farrow & Ball, is a glamorous crimson that’s great for a formal setting. Imagine pairing it with modern art and chrome fixtures for a sleek, contemporary look.
Though bold, Crimson Red doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use it for an accent wall or to highlight specific areas, such as behind your mirror or vanity. The key is to balance it with neutral tones like white or grey.
Crimson Red has versatility. Want a different vibe? Combine it with navy blue and white for a classic color scheme. Or use it with peach tones, as seen with Behr’s 100 MPH, to keep the atmosphere warm and inviting.
Are you feeling adventurous? Crimson Red can bring that daring touch to your bathroom. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make a dramatic statement!
10. Sunshine Yellow
Thinking of brightening up your bathroom? Sunshine Yellow can turn your space into a cheerful retreat.
This vivid shade of yellow adds warm energy. It’s perfect for bathrooms that lack natural light, making the room feel more inviting.
Sunshine Yellow works well with white fixtures. It also pairs beautifully with wooden accents, creating a balanced look.
Don’t be afraid to use it as an accent color. Try painting one wall or adding yellow accessories to keep the space vibrant.
Need a real-life example? Behr Marquee’s Life Is Good is a darker marigold that brings depth and warmth. It’s a favorite for enhancing smaller spaces with its brightness.
Looking for a subtler option? Benjamin Moore’s Hawthorne Yellow is a medium shade. It’s easy to work with and popular among designers.
11. Teal
Teal is a fantastic choice for a bathroom if you’re looking for a vibrant yet calming color. This brilliant blend of blue and green can evoke the feel of a tropical lagoon right in your own home.
Choosing a lighter teal can make your space feel like a serene spa. Think of those calm, clear waters you see in vacation magazines.
For a touch of drama and opulence, opt for darker shades. A deep teal can add a luxurious feel to the bathroom, making it a place where you enjoy spending time.
Benjamin Moore’s Caribbean Blue Water is a bold and saturated shade that fits any bathroom, big or small. If you’re a little more daring, painting your cabinets with Sherwin Williams Riverway can add elegance and sophistication.
Add some teal and transform your bathroom into a relaxing retreat!
12. Pale Peach
Pale peach is a fantastic option for your bathroom. It adds a touch of warmth and cheer to the space.
This color promotes feelings of joy and coziness. It’s a great choice if you want a calm and inviting bathroom.
You can pair pale peach with white or beige for a fresh look. It works well with gold or brass accents too.
Pale peach is versatile. It can fit both modern and traditional styles. Give it a try and see how it transforms your bathroom!
Choosing the Right Paint Finish
Picking the best paint finish for your bathroom can make a big difference in both appearance and durability. Consider options like gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, and matte, and learn when to use each.
Gloss and Semi-Gloss
Gloss and semi-gloss finishes are shiny and durable. They do an excellent job withstanding moisture, making them perfect for bathrooms. These finishes are easy to clean, so if you have kids who like to splash, gloss or semi-gloss could be your best bet.
Semi-gloss paint contains more resins and binders, which help it repel moisture. This feature means that it won’t peel as easily as flat paints. A shiny surface can, however, highlight imperfections. Use it in areas that get a lot of wear and tear, like around the sink or shower.
Satin and Eggshell
Satin and eggshell finishes are less shiny but still offer some sheen. They are popular for their balance between durability and appearance. They handle moisture reasonably well and are more forgiving with wall imperfections than gloss finishes.
Eggshell provides a soft, low-lustre look that hides minor dings and dents. While not as moisture-resistant as semi-gloss, eggshell can still work in a bathroom. Using a mold-resistant primer underneath can give added protection. Satin finishes, on the other hand, provide a bit more sheen and hold up a bit better to scrubbing and cleaning. They are good choices for walls and ceilings away from direct water splashes.
Matte Finishes
Matte finishes have little to no sheen, giving walls a smooth, modern look. These paints are typically not advisable for high-moisture areas because they don’t repel water as well. However, some brands offer matte finishes designed for bathrooms.
These special matte paints include mold inhibitors and might resist mildew better than traditional matte paint. Although they require more careful maintenance, the aesthetic can be quite rewarding, offering a clean, contemporary appearance. Ensure the bathroom has proper ventilation if you choose a matte finish to minimize moisture issues.
Prepping Your Bathroom for Painting
To get the best results from painting your bathroom, proper preparation is essential. This involves thorough cleaning and priming as well as protecting all fixtures and hardware. Let’s dive into these steps.
Cleaning and Priming
Start by cleaning your bathroom walls thoroughly. Remove any dirt, mildew, and soap scum using a mixture of water and mild detergent. You might also need to use a mildew remover if you see any mold. Make sure to rinse everything well with clean water and let it dry completely.
Next, you’ll need to prime the walls. Use a high-quality primer to ensure that the paint adheres properly. This is especially important in bathrooms where humidity levels are high. An oil-based or mildew-resistant primer works best. Apply the primer with a roller or brush, making sure you cover all areas evenly, including corners and edges. Let the primer dry completely before you start painting.
Protecting Fixtures
Before you start painting, it’s important to protect your bathroom fixtures. Remove any items you can, like towel bars, faceplates, and toilet tank covers. Use painter’s tape to cover outlets, switches, and any fixtures that can’t be removed. It’s also a good idea to put down drop cloths or some plastic sheeting to protect the floor and any large fixtures like the bathtub or sink.
Don’t forget the trim around windows and doors. Use frog tape to ensure clean edges and to avoid getting paint on the trim. Take your time taping correctly—it will save you from headaches later. After you finish painting and the paint has dried, carefully remove the tape to reveal clean lines.
Color Psychology in Bathrooms
Choosing the right paint color for your bathroom can affect how you feel when you use the space. Let’s explore how certain colors can create either a relaxing or revitalizing atmosphere.
Relaxing Blues and Greens
Blues and greens are perfect for creating a peaceful bathroom. Soft blue shades remind people of the sky and ocean, bringing calmness and tranquility. Pale blue or light aqua can slow down your heartbeat and reduce stress. Green, representing nature, can also make you feel rested and refreshed.
Try using Hollingsworth Green by Benjamin Moore for a spa-like vibe. Pair these colors with white or light gray accents to enhance the soothing effect. Avoid dark shades as they can make the space feel smaller and less inviting.
Revitalizing Whites and Neutrals
Whites and neutrals give your bathroom a clean, fresh look.
White walls reflect light, making the room feel larger and brighter. This can boost your mood and energy, especially in the morning.
Beige or light gray adds warmth to balance the starkness of white.
Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace is a popular choice that works well in any bathroom.
To add some warmth, consider beige or soft taupe accessories. These colors can also create a versatile backdrop, allowing you to change up decor easily without clashing.