Thinking of Painting Your Bathroom Gray? Read This First

If you're considering using gray paint in your bathroom, you're not alone. Gray is one of the most popular paint colors for bathrooms today. Unlike stark white or beige, gray offers a soothing, elegant vibe that works with any style. But before you slap gray paint on the walls, there are some important factors to weigh first.

You'll learn how to pick the perfect gray shade, coordinate it with other elements, apply it properly, and use it to set the right mood. Let's dive in!

Choosing the Right Shade of Gray

With gray paint, subtle variations in tone and undertone can make a big impact. The wrong gray shade for your space can look dirty, depressing, or just off. Consider these tips to find a gray that is just right for your bathroom:

Pay attention to the size and layout of your bathroom. Small bathrooms and those with limited natural light benefit from lighter grays like soft dove gray or light French gray. Airy grays help make the space feel open and fresh. Deeper charcoal grays are better suited to larger, traditional bathrooms.

Take note of the amount of natural light your bathroom gets. North-facing bathrooms with one window may need a lighter gray. South facing rooms awash in sun can handle deeper, moodier grays. Be sure to get color samples and paint test swatches to see how a gray looks in your unique lighting.

Factor in the color scheme of your existing bathroom tiles, fixtures, accents, etc. You'll want to select a gray that complements these features. Warm grays with beige or taupe undertones pair well with cream tiles and brass finishes. Cool grays work with silvers and whites.

Think about the vibe you ultimately want to achieve. Do you want a coastal cottage look with relaxed, beachy grays? Or a trendy urban feel with sophisticated charcoal gray? Knowing your end goal will help guide your shade selection.

Benefits of Light vs. Dark Gray Shades

Lighter grays, like Benjamin Moore's Silver Lake or Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray, have high light reflectance, making small bathrooms feel more open. Soft grays also provide a calm backdrop for wood tones and pops of color.

On the other hand, bold dark grays like Sherwin Williams's Tricorn Black and Benjamin Moore's Black Panther can make a dramatic style statement. Charcoal gray gives a modern, polished look. Pair it with glossy black and chrome for contemporary elegance.

Undertones: Cool, Warm, and Neutral Grays

Pure grays have a neutral undertone, but many paint companies offer cool- and warm-toned grays. Cool grays have hints of blue or green, while warm grays skew towards tan, beige, or brown undertones.

Cool grays like Benjamin Moore Horizon and Sherwin Williams Rain offer a crisp, bright backdrop. They complement colors like white, blue, and green.

Warm grays provide a cozier feel. Try Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter, Gray Owl, or Coventry Gray for earthy sophistication. Pair them with wood finishes and cream tiles.

For a versatile neutral, grays like Behr Magnetic Gray, Valspar Raining Clouds, or Benjamin Moore Stormy Sky allow you to mix and match many accent colors.

Coordinating Gray with Other Bathroom Elements

Gray may be the star of your bathroom's color scheme, but it can't stand alone. The key is thoughtfully tying it in with other bathroom materials and finishes. Here are some ideas:

Pair gray walls with crisp white trim, railings, cabinetry, and tiles for a light and airy look. Add visual interest by mixing matte and high-gloss whites.

Incorporate gray into the shower design with a gray chevron shower curtain, Moroccan fish scale tiles, or grays and whites in a geometric pattern.

Use a gray and white herringbone backsplash tile behind the sinks or tub to complement gray walls. Contrast with brass fixtures for a glam effect.

Bring gray into the flooring with large-scale gray and white graphic cement tiles or tumbled travertine with gray veining.

Add in wood elements like open shelving, frames, baskets, and floating vanities to warm up cool grays or play up earthy warm grays.

Look for gray rugs and bathmats with added texture from crewelwork, shag, or tufting to tie everything together.

Application Tips for Gray Bathroom Paint

Painting a bathroom can be tricky. Moisture, slick surfaces, and awkward corners all present challenges. Follow these tips for flawless gray walls:

Use a high quality, bathroom-friendly paint like Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin Williams ProMar 200 Zero VOC. The paint should have satin, eggshell, or matte finish to stand up to moisture.

Remove all fixtures, switch plates, and as much furniture as possible. Use painter's tape for clean edges along trim, tiles, and ceilings.

Fill any holes or imperfections with spackle and sand smooth. Use primer if painting over a darker color. This will prevent the old color from bleeding through the gray.

Use an angled trim brush to cut in edges and corners. Then use a microfiber roller in 4-inch or 9-inch width for the walls and ceilings.

Blend walls from different angles. Work from top to bottom in approximately 3 x 3 foot sections to prevent lap marks and uneven coverage.

Allow at least 2-4 hours of drying time between coats. Bathroom paint needs extra drying time due to humidity. Apply two to three coats for full, even coverage.

Design Ideas for Using Gray in Bathrooms

Ready to finalize your gray bathroom plans? Besides just painting the walls, consider these ideas to creatively implement gray into your design:

Create a stunning accent wall with gray-blue or charcoal chimney tiles for the shower. Keep other walls light for contrast.

Use gray on the ceiling! Painting the ceiling a soft dove gray is an unexpected touch. Accent with a pendant light.

Make the vanity the focal point by using bold gray cabinets or painting the wall behind it a darker complimentary gray.

Paint the inside of wall recesses and shower niches in a lighter gray than the walls to add dimension.

For a modern look, paint the freestanding tub an earthy gray like Benjamin Moore Galveston Gray or Hale Navy.

Add a wide gray strip on the wall behind the toilet rather than painting the whole room gray.

Use gray grout when tiling shower walls, backsplashes, and floors to subtly complement the gray paint.

Setting the Right Mood with Bathroom Grays

One of the many benefits of gray is its ability to set a desired mood or ambiance in the bathroom. Here's how to get the vibe you want:

For a soothing spa feel, use warmer paint colors like Benjamin Moore Classic Gray or Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige. Add wood accents, stacked stone tiles, and ambient lighting.

Cool grays like Benjamin Moore Horizon or Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray give an airy, clean look. Pair them with marble, glass, and sleek chrome finishes.

Go for a bold, sophisticated style with dark, dramatic grays like Benjamin Moore Black Panther or Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black. Use with metallic accents and high-contrast white.

Light, hazy grays like Benjamin Moore Silver Lake or Behr Spa create a relaxed coastal cottage or beach house feel. Add weathered woods, rattan baskets, and billowy curtains.

FAQ about Gray Bathroom Paint

How much gray paint is needed for a small bathroom?

For a powder room or half bath under 50 square feet, you will need approximately 1 quart of gray paint for 2-3 coats. For a standard 5x7 bathroom with an 8 foot ceiling, plan on 1-2 gallons of paint.

Should I use matte or glossy gray paint in a bathroom?

For walls, ceilings, and trim, a satin, eggshell, or matte finish is best. They resist moisture while providing subtle sheen. Use semi-gloss or high-gloss only for accent walls or backsplashes.

Is gray paint easy to clean and maintain in a bathroom?

When sealed properly and kept dry, gray bathroom walls clean up nicely. Cool grays resist stains and discoloration better than warm gray tones. Use mold resistant bathroom paint.

Will gray paint make my small bathroom look bigger?

Generally, yes. Light shades of gray reflect light and create a sense of openness. However, the wrong gray tone or finish can make a room feel smaller, so sample cards and sheens are key.

Gray bathroom paint is stylish yet versatile enough to fit any home. With the right shade and application, it brings elegance and visual interest to bathrooms large and small. Just be strategic in choosing a gray that complements your existing features. Need more guidance? Consult with a color expert or interior designer. Once you land on the perfect gray, get ready for a space that feels as good as it looks.