Paint Your Way to a Picture-Perfect Bathroom With These Cabinet Color Schemes
Is your bathroom looking lackluster? Drab cabinets can really drag down the aesthetic of your bath space, making it feel dark and dated. But a fresh coat of paint can work wonders at transforming tired cabinets at just a fraction of the cost of replacing them.
Painting your existing bathroom cabinets opens up a world of options when it comes to color schemes and can help you achieve a bright, airy, and elegant bath area that looks straight out of a magazine. From on-trend navy blues to cheerful sunny yellows, keep reading to discover foolproof tips for prepping and painting your cabinets along with 12 stylish paint colors guaranteed to makeover your bathroom.
Prep Work is Key for a Flawless Paint Job
While the painting itself my seem like the bulk of the work when revamping your bathroom cabinets, adequate prep work is truly the foundation of an immaculate finished product. Don't skip these crucial steps:
Clean Cabinets Thoroughly
Use a degreaser like TSP to cut through built-up grime and residues. This allows topcoats of paint to properly adhere.
Lightly Sand Surfaces
Scuffing smooth surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper gives the paint something to grip.
Apply a Primer Coat
Quality primer enhances paint adhesion and prevents bleed-through from wood knots or stains.
| Remove Doors and Hardware | Allows for easier access to paint frames and prevents drips on fixtures. |
| Tape Off Edges | Creates sharp paint lines and protects nearby walls and countertops. |
The Best Paints for Bathroom Cabinets
Choosing a durable paint designed specifically for high-moisture areas is key when refinishing bathroom cabinets. Here are top-rated products to consider:
Enamel and Latex Paint
Water-based interior paints offer great adhesion power and long-lasting protection ideal for cabinets. Opt for satin or semi-gloss sheens.
Oil-Based Alkyds
These impart a smooth, hard finish that withstands cleaning and humidity. Benjamin Moore Advance is a top choice.
Chalk and Milk Paint
Pre-mixed paint/primer combos like Annie Sloan skip extra steps and dry to a matte, velvety finish.
Spray Paints
All-in-one spray paint and primer formulas make quick work of coating cabinets with minimal prep needed.
Trending and Timeless Bathroom Cabinet Color Schemes
When deciding what color to paint your refreshed bathroom cabinets, the options are truly endless. From light and neutral to rich and daring shades, here are 12 elegant paint colors for cabinetry guaranteed to transform your space.
Classic and Bright White
Crisp white painted cabinets feel fresh and contemporary. This versatile neutral pairs well with any wall color.
Light and Airy Gray
On-trend greige or pale gray cabinets complement most color schemes and lend a soothing vibe.
Sophisticated Navy Blue
Deeper blue cabinets add warmth and make brass fixtures really pop. The color also feels refined.
Earthy Forest Green
Deep green cabinets offer a nod to nature and feel both rustic and elegant. Add wood accents for extra flair.
Cheery Yellow
For small bathrooms, sunny yellow cabinetry makes the space feel open and airy while adding a fun punch of color.
Soft Blush Pink
A demure pink paint job creates a glamorous, feminine look. Metallic faucets pair nicely with the romantic hue.
Rustic Terra Cotta
Warm terra cotta cabinets complement tiles and natural stone while giving off cozy, Tuscan vibes.
Minty Green
From pastel sea foam to deeper emerald tones, green imparts tranquility. Brass hardware pops against the hue.
Beachy Ocean Blue
Cool, calming blue cabinetry makes small baths feel more spacious and breezy. Keep walls and counters light.
Vibrant Mustard Yellow
Mustard casts warmth onto cool grays and whites without overwhelming. It's ideal for making a color statement.
Sleek Matte Black
Deep, dark cabinetry creates major drama and sophistication. Contrast with lighter walls and warm metallics.
Bold Cherry Red
For traditional bathrooms, bright cherry red cabinetry adds retro flair. Balance the bold color with neutral walls.
Warm Burnt Orange
Earthy burnt orange cabinetry brings fall hues into a bathroom year-round. Highlight with black metal fixtures.
Painting Cabinet Doors, Drawers, and Frames
When tackling a cabinet paint job, consider the unique needs of each component. Follow these tips for customizing your approach:
Doors and Shelves
Remove and lay flat for easiest access. Use Angled paintbrushes to reach indented sections around panels and frames.
Cabinet Boxes and Frames
A handheld paint sprayer speeds up the coating process and prevents brush marks on recessed areas and side panels.
Touch Ups
Inspect each section as you work and use small trim brushes to catch any drips or uneven coverage between coats.
Achieving an Even and Consistent Finish
With cabinet paint jobs, the quality of the final finish comes down to diligent prep work and careful application techniques. Avoid common pitfalls with these pointers:
Mind the Edges
Slow down and focus your brushwork along borders and trim to prevent uneven paint buildup.
Maintain Wet Edges
When coating large areas like doors and frames, stroking back into edges of freshly painted sections keeps the finish uniform.
Sand Between Coats
Gently smooth any drips or abnormalities after the first coat dries so subsequent layers apply evenly.
| Use Proper Spray Technique | Keep the nozzle moving at an even pace and distance from surfaces to achieve consistent coverage. |
| Inspect from All Angles | View cabinets from different vantage points under good lighting to catch any thin patches or drips. |
Protecting and Sealing Painted Cabinets
Allowing the paint adequate curing time is key for durability, along with adding a protective clear coat for easier cleaning. Follow this finish process:
Let Paint Fully Cure
Give cabinet paint 2 full weeks to harden and set before regular use and cleaning. Open windows to keep humidity low.
Apply Protective Sealant
An acrylic water-based polyurethane in satin or semi-gloss gives painted cabinets an extra layer of stain resistance.
Clean with Care
Use microfiber cloths and avoid abrasive pads or cleaners. Gentle dish soap diluted in water tackles most grime.
Tying It All Together with Hardware
Updating your cabinet hardware is the finishing touch that can really make your new paint job pop. Have fun mixing metals and finishes for extra flair:
Brass is Back
Warm brass or gold hardware enlivens painted cabinets, from traditional antique pulls to sleek modern bars.
Mix Polished and Matte
Try satin nickel or oil-rubbed bronze knobs against brightly lacquered brass handles for stylish contrast.
| Practical Pulls | Swap small knobs for wider handles and pulls for an easier grip without fingerprints. |
| Modern Bar Handles | Continuous horizontal handles give a clean, contemporary look popular in newer builds. |
With a well-prepped surface and a couple coats of a high quality cabinet paint in a trendy hue, you can easily transform the look of your bathroom without the cost or mess of a full renovation. Use the color selection and application tips above to guide your bathroom cabinet makeover.
Soon you'll have a Pinterest-worthy bath space you can't wait to relax in and show off. Just don't forget to send us photos so we can admire your upgrade!