Best Bathroom Paint Colors – Forbes Advisor

Color has the power to affect the mood and the overall feel of your space. In a small space, like a bathroom, picking the best color for the area can differentiate between a bland room and an oasis. Picking the right bathroom paint colors doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Here are some tips from a paint expert to help you choose the perfect color for your bath.

How to Choose Bathroom Paint Colors

Before you head to the paint store, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. “Bathrooms are a space where you want to feel clean and fresh, but also peaceful,” says Nicole Gibbons, Founder and CEO of Clare, the only Black-owned paint brand in the U.S. Here are some other things to consider when picking the best bathroom paint color.

Lighting

No matter what color you choose, poor lighting can turn the best paint color into something less desired. Gibbon says the first step is to optimize your light and stick to tones that keep the room feeling clean and fresh. The same paint color can look different in natural light versus artificial light, and it’s best to do a test swatch with your preferred paint color to make sure it looks good in the space.

Flooring and Existing Fixtures

The color and style of your flooring and existing fixtures play a significant role in your paint color choice. The key is to pick a complementary color and a focal point. “If you have amazing tile, choose a more monochromatic color palette and build around that,” suggests Gibbons. It also can work the other way around. “If you are working with a vanity that is a bit out of date, pair it with colors that help it flow with the room so it becomes less of the focal point,” says Gibbons.

Room Size

Paint can make a small bath feel bigger and a large bath feels cozy. If your bathroom is small, consider a bright or bold color to help visually expand a space. Use a darker shade to make your large bathroom feel cozier. The right color influences how a room looks and feels.

Style

The right color will also complement your style. “For a modern contemporary look, opt for cooler colors,” suggests Gibbons,” they complement a more sleek design well.” Gibbons also suggests using a neutral or bold color that leans more neutral in its undertones, such as a beige or grey-blue or green if your style leans more traditional.

Color Combinations

Color combinations can be tricky, but using the color wheel will help you make attractive combos. “Choose a primary color for your walls and an accent color for the trim and cabinetry,” says Gibbons. For example, she suggests painting the walls with a cool white paint that has a touch of warmth and bold color on cabinetry for a pop of color. “One of my favorite pairings at the moment is a bright white accented with a mossy, olive green,” says Gibbons.

Best Bathroom Paint Colors

Thankfully, there are nearly endless options for paint colors. However, picking the one that reflects light and is flattering will help you get ready in the morning and start your day on the right foot. “​​Optimize your light and stick to tones that will keep the room feeling clean and fresh,” says Gibbons. Here are our top picks for the best bathroom colors.

White

Whites are a classic bathroom color. But, the wrong white can make your bathroom look dated or dingy. Choose a hue that matches your existing fixtures to help keep the look cohesive. If possible, aim for a bright, cool white with a touch of warmth like Clare’s Snow Day or Benjamin Moore’s Simply White.

Gray

Grays have replaced the classic greige as the go-to neutral. Like whites, grays are available with various undertones, so it can be hard to find a true neutral gray. Sherwin Williams’s Agreeable Gray is faint enough to register neutral, but saturated enough to be noticeable without being overpowering. It’s a warmer tone gray, so it would look best in a bath with bright, natural light. If you need a cooler gray, PPG’s Thin Ice is a soft, cool, icy gray with a gray-blue undertone.

Neutral

Neutrals are known for their versatility. However, like greys, the wrong undertone can throw off your room’s atmosphere and make it stand out more than you’d like. When in doubt, pick a cooler neutral like Benjamin Moore’s Silver Satin which has a slight hint of gray and beige together. Another lovely neutral is Benjamin Moore’s French Canvas. It has a slight green undertone that gives the neutral an organic feel.

Blue

According to a real estate study, homes with a light blue bathroom tend to sell more than expected. Blues are calming and give off a relaxing vibe. Views by Clare is a cool, spa-like blue with a hint of green that’s reminiscent of the sea and the sky. If you want to go more bold, try Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore. This rich blue makes a powerful, contrasting backdrop in large baths with plenty of light.

Green

Green is nature’s neutral. It can be the perfect backdrop for virtually any style. You can find a green that will complement virtually any existing furnishings in your bath. Halcyon Green by Sherwin-Williams is the perfect muted sage green that will give your space an earthy vibe. Pair this green with natural materials and crisp whites for a clean, fresh look. For a bolder look, try Hunt Club by Sherwin-Williams, a rich emerald green that looks great in larger, well-lit baths.