Bathroom in Need of an Upgrade? Try One of These Paint Colors
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Color has the power to make or break a small space, and it’s easy to think that you should only stick to shades of white in small bathrooms in order to make them feel larger. But, we’re formally inviting you to look beyond the neutral side of the fan deck! While striking the balance between just enough color and too much color might seem scary, it doesn’t have to be—and we’re here to help. We’ve done the hard work for you and pulled together below a spectrum-spanning list of our favorite and best-looking bathroom paint colors that’ll easily update your petite powder room or modest primary bath. And, while we love a clean, crisp white bathroom, we guarantee lovers of moody shades such as green or brown will have just as much luck finding the perfect color to give their small space the jewel-box treatment it deserves.
For even more bathroom decorating ideas:
Light Blue by Farrow & Ball
Blue of any shade is a timeless choice for a bathroom. For a light and airy feel, this silver-like light blue is the perfect choice, as seen in this sophisticated bathroom designed by Sil & Park Interiors.
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Shiplap Paint Color: Light Blue by Farrow & Ball
Waterloo by Sherwin-Williams
In a bathroom with bold tile, such as this space designed by DIY expert Jenni Yolo, don’t be afraid to pick an equally bold paint color. Here, Sherwin-Williams’ deep teal blue paint color teases out the deeper shade of the tile and marries it with the vanity.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint Color: Waterloo by Sherwin-Williams
RELATED: Love Blue? Try These Blue Paint Ideas for Your Kitchen Cabinets, Too!
Endive by Valspar
Love the look of a white wall but want to add a bit more dimension? Go for this neutral by Valspar for a subtle vegetal green that pairs well with patinaed antiques.
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Wall Paint Color: Endive by Valspar
Pine Cone Brown by Benjamin Moore
While beautifully decorated bathrooms might conjure up images of airy and spa-like escapes, don’t shy away from darker colors. In this cottage’s primary bath, a graphic wallpaper works in tandem with the rich dark brown paint color.
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Wall Paint Color: Pine Cone Brown by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: See More of This Virginia Mountain Cottage That Is Straight Out of a Storybook
Cooking Apple Green by Farrow & Ball
If you’re looking for a light and bright color but don’t want a white bathroom, try a happy punch of light green. In this tiny bathroom, tonal wainscoting painted in two green shades of Farrow & Ball paint pairs perfectly with a floral skirted sink.
Get the Look:
Wainscoting Paint Colors: Cooking Apple Green by Farrow & Ball and Breakfast Room Green by Farrow & Ball
RELATED: See More of This Converted Schoolhouse That is Filled to the Brim with Color
Cocoa Berry by Sherwin-Williams
Don't shy away from more ladylike (and flattering) shades, such as the moody mauve that designer Emily Henderson chose for this petite powder room.
Get the Look:
Wainscoting Paint Color: Cocoa Berry by Sherwin-Williams
Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball
In a seaside retreat, channel the colors of the sky and sea to create a calming palette. Here, a duo of blues by Farrow & Ball juxtapose with bright white walls to make the attic space feel airy.
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Wall Paint Color: Swiss Coffee by Sherwin-Williams
Bathroom Floor Paint Color: Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball
Bedroom Floor Paint Color: Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball
Westhighland White by Sherwin-Williams
White with just a hint of yellow-tinged cream helps warm up a bathroom. A warm white, such as this hue by Sherwin-Williams, is preferred over more crisp shades when mixed with aged wood tones, as it is in this mountain house powder bath.
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Wall Paint Color: For similar, Westhighland White by Sherwin-Williams
RELATED: See More of This Rustic Mountain Cabin That Is Filled With an Eclectic Mix of Antiques
Bunker Hill Green by Benjamin Moore
Short on space but want to make an impact? Try a bright hue, such as this grassy green by Benjamin Moore, and pair it with classic white and wood tones.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint Color: Bunker Hill Green by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: These Are the Best Green Paint Colors To Liven Up Any Room
White Limewash by JH Wall Paints
For neutral-lovers who want a bit more visual texture, try a limewash paint. In this cottage bathroom, the white limewash brings a simple V-groove paneled wall to life.
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Wall Paint Color: White Limewash by JH Wall Paints
RELATED: See More of This Ohio Cottage That Is What Tiny Home Dreams Are Made Of
Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore
For a timeless look, you can’t go wrong with classic navy. In this bathroom, a light, non-uniform coat of paint over the rough-hewn wood walls and vanity adds rustic charm while striped blue-and-white fabrics bring an air of sophistication.
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Wall and Vanity Paint Color: Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore
White by Benjamin Moore
A white farmhouse bathroom will never go out of style, so pick a paint color that’s equally classic. This pure and simple white by Benjamin Moore is the perfect fit-any-and-everywhere paint color.
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Wall and Ceiling Paint Color: White by Benjamin Moore
Mountain Stream by Sherwin-Williams
For a beach house, find your color inspiration outside the windows and pick a pretty, classic blue. Used here on the folding doors, this watery blue compliments the similar tones found in the wallpaper, tile, and vintage seascape paintings.
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Door Paint Color: Mountain Stream by Sherwin-Williams
Oakmoss Green by Sherwin-Williams
Even if your bathroom is primarily tile and wallpaper, you still need to give attention to the paint color you choose for the trim. In this Mississippi farmhouse’s guest bath, mossy green trim complements the vintage wallpaper and adds a playful air to the more prim and proper finishes.
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Trim and Door Paint Color: Oakmoss Green by Sherwin-Williams
RELATED: Take a Look Inside More of This Renovated Mississippi Hunting Lodge
Graphite by Benjamin Moore
Not all blacks have to be dark and inky. Opt for one with a splash of gray in it to soften the effects of such a bold color.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint Color: Graphite by Benjamin Moore
Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams
In a house packed with patina, opt for a simple white background, such as this clean white by Sherwin-Williams, that will allow your colorful collections to shine.
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Wall and Ceiling Paint Color: Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams
Caribbean Teal by Benjamin Moore
Yes, you can wallpaper a bathroom! We love pairing patterned papers with painted wainscoting. In this powder bath, a classically patterned floral wallpaper gets a modern spin thanks to the wainscoting painted in a more contemporary teal color.
Get the Look:
Wainscoting Paint Color: Caribbean Teal by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: 28 Inspiring Ways to Use Wallpaper in Your Bathroom
White Dove by Benjamin Moore
You can never go wrong with a classic, crisp shade of white for bathrooms of any shape or size. Paired with breezy off-white café curtains and a slim, colorful mirror, this designer-favorite white paint color by Benjamin Moore shines.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint Color: White Dove by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: The Best Warm White Paint Colors For Every Room in Your House
Smoke & Mirrors by Benjamin Moore
A classically creamy gray, this paint color by Benjamin Moore works best in a bathroom with more rustic finishes, such as the galvanized wastebasket and wire storage shelf in this cozy attic bath. Tip: In a small bathroom with a sloped ceiling, paint the walls and ceiling the same color for a more cohesive look.
Get the Look:
Wall and Ceiling Paint Color: Smoke & Mirrors by Benjamin Moore
Smoky Azurite by Sherwin-Williams
If you’re using colorful tile in the shower, be sure to pull out that palette to the rest of the room with your paint color. In this small-but-mighty bathroom designed by Victoria Ford, a crisp denim blue plays nicely with the equally saturated blue subway tile.
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Wainscoting Paint Color: Smoky Azurite by Sherwin-Williams
RELATED: See More of This Budget-Friendly Bathroom Makeover
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