How to Pick Paint Colors That Make a Small Bathroom Shine

If you're struggling to settle on paint colors for your small bathroom, you're not alone. Choosing the right hues for a tiny space can be tricky. The wrong colors can make an already cramped bathroom feel even smaller and darker. The good news is there are plenty of paint colors that can help maximize light and space in a modest-sized washroom. With some strategic color selection, you can give your small bathroom a fresh, open and airy feel.

Read on to learn how to pick shades that will make your little bathroom shine.

Why Light Colors Are Ideal for Small Bathrooms

When working with a small bathroom, it's usually best to stick with light and neutral paint colors. The reason is simple - lighter shades visually expand and open up the space. Here's why they work so well:

• They reflect light rather than absorb it, helping to make the room brighter.
• Pale hues give off an airy, fresh ambiance that feels more spacious.
• Soft whites and neutrals recede, creating an illusion of larger square footage.
• Cool undertones like pale blue or green give the perception of increased distance.

While deep, bold colors can look amazing in a spacious bathroom, they tend to make snug bathrooms feel closed in and dark. Limit them to accents versus main wall colors.

The Best Light & Neutral Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms

If you're set on opening up your small bathroom with light paint colors, where do you start? Here are some of the most popular and effective shades to consider:

Whites & Off-Whites

It doesn't get much lighter and brighter than a fresh coat of white paint. There are many shades of white to explore beyond just plain bright white. Warm antique whites with subtle yellow undertones provide a soft, welcoming vibe. Cool whites with hints of blue or green read as clean and refreshing.

Whites reflect the most light, helping diminish shadows and dark corners in windowless bathrooms. Just take care to choose whites with some depth to avoid a clinical, sterile look. Soft cream whites like Benjamin Moore's White Dove or Sherwin-Williams' Repose Gray are fail-safe choices.

Beiges & Creams

Another way to achieve a light and airy look is to go with beige, tan or cream paint colors. These warm, versatile neutrals effortlessly coordinate with any style of bathroom decor. Try a peachy nude or greige (gray-beige) for an especially modern and soothing vibe.

Soft tans and creams are great for warming up small bathrooms with cool undertones from tile and fixtures. Some of our favorite shades include Benjamin Moore Sands of Time and Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige.

Grays

Over the past decade, gray has dominated the neutral paint color scene. A light, pale gray can look absolutely stunning in a small bathroom, creating a clean and relaxing spa-like atmosphere. Contrary to popular belief, grays don't necessarily read as cold and sterile.

Look for grays with subtle hints of blue, green or taupe. Cool-toned grays like Benjamin Moore's Classic Gray evoke soothing zen vibes. Sherwin-Williams' Repose Gray and Mindful Gray feature greenish undertones for a tranquil look.

Pale Blues

Since blue is associated with calmness and relaxation, it's a fitting choice for a small self-care space like a bathroom. Soft pastel or powder blues can make a small bathroom feel more expansive by enhancing the perception of receding walls.

Stick to muted shades rather than bold primary blues, which will likely feel too intense. Some great options include Benjamin Moore's Wisp of Smoke or Sherwin-Williams' Oceanside.

Incorporating Color in a Small Bathroom

While it's generally best to use light colors in a small bathroom, you can still incorporate some bolder colors in creative ways. Here are some tips for taking color risks in a petite washroom.

Blue-Green Hues

Somewhat bold colors like aqua, teal and sage can add personality without overwhelming a small bathroom. Since blue and green are so linked to feelings of tranquility and freshness, they are fitting for a room meant to rejuvenate you.

Deeper shades of blue and green can work, but it's wise to balance them with plenty of white or neutral walls. Also stick to lighter pastel versions of blue and green for a more spacious look. Consider using green or blue on the lower half of walls since darker colors can help ground a space.

Avoid Dark or Intense Colors

In general, we recommend avoiding very dark colors like black, navy, plum or crimson in tiny bathrooms. While you certainly can take the dramatic route, darker shades tend to make small rooms feel closed in and cramped.

If using a deeper color, opt for softer shades with some vibrancy rather than matte, flat finishes. Try balancing a deep charcoal wall with bright white trim and fixtures. Use dark colors very sparingly as accents. Paint just one wall or framing around the mirror for a pop of bold color.

Special Considerations for Small Bathrooms

Beyond just choosing light, airy paint colors, there are a few special factors to keep in mind for small bathroom spaces:

Lighting

The lighting in your bathroom will impact how paint colors appear once applied to the walls. Natural daylight versus artificial lighting can really change a color. Be sure to view paint swatches at different times of day to see how the shades look.

If your bathroom feels too dark even during the day, adding more light fixtures or larger windows can make a big difference. Proper lighting is key to preventing colors from feeling heavy or somber.

Purpose & Style Factors

Consider how you use your small bathroom and what design style you favor. Do you want a classic, ornate feel or a sleek modern look? Any existing tile, fixtures, vanity and decor will influence what paint colors coordinate best. Aim for colors that complement your bathroom's current aesthetics.

Also think about who uses this bathroom and for what purpose. Kids, teens, parents and guests likely have different needs. Will cool, energizing colors or warm, calming hues enhance the experience for the space's primary users?

Finishes & Sheens

In small, humid bathrooms, it's wise to avoid basic flat finishes which show flaws and are harder to clean. Satin, eggshell or semi-gloss sheens are great alternatives. Their subtle shine adds depth, helps walls visually recede, and makes scuffs washable.

Higher sheen paints also reflect more light for a bright ambiance. Our top sheen picks for small bathrooms are satin for walls and semi-gloss for trim and doors. Gloss finishes can feel overly shiny in a tiny space.

Expert Tips for Painting a Small Bathroom

Once you've settled on the perfect small bathroom paint colors, it's time to tackle the project. Follow these professional tips for a flawless, lasting paint job:

Prep Work

Don't skip essential prep work - it makes all the difference! Fill any holes or cracks with spackle, then sand glossy surfaces to help paint adhere properly. Clean walls thoroughly removing any oil, soap scum and grime.

Use painter's tape to cover outlets, trim, baseboards, mirrors and any adjacent walls you don't intend to paint. Drop cloths will protect floors and fixtures from drips and splatters.

Priming

Priming ensures you'll achieve true, uniform color results. Unprimed walls may absorb paint unevenly leading to splotchy shades. Use high quality primer formulated especially for bathrooms.

Oil-based primers provide excellent adhesion and block stains, while water-based versions dry faster with less odor. If repainting a similar color, one coat of primer is plenty. Dramatic color changes may need two priming coats.

Rollers & Brushes

Invest in quality paint brushes and rollers. Angled sash brushes easily cut crisp edges along ceilings and trim. Short nap rollers (3/8" or 1/2") smoothly coat bathroom walls without leaving bumps or streaks.

Foam rollers work great for painting ceilings without spattering you with drips. Buy rollers with sturdy cores that won't bend or flex when saturated with paint.

Darker shades may require an extra coat or two of paint to achieve proper coverage. Always test your colors first on sample boards. If the dark color seems thin after one coat, plan for a second.

Using a gray or tinted primer under deeper hues saves coating time. Consider applying your topcoat in a V-shaped or N-shaped motion to ensure corners and edges get thoroughly covered.

You can pick paint colors that make your small bathroom shine. Lighter hues open up and illuminate the space, while strategically placed bold colors add spirit. Just remember - proper prep work, high quality primer and paint will ensure your new colors look fresh and flawless. Get ready to transform your petite washroom into a relaxing oasis!