Choosing the right color to paint a small bathroom can significantly impact the room’s overall feel, making it seem more open and inviting. Simple, clean colors and straightforward designs can create the illusion of a larger and cleaner space. As you make your decision, remember that there isn’t a single “best” color for small bathrooms—there are many options. As you consider your choices, make a list of possible colors and gather color swatches to help you choose the one that appeals to you most.
Recessive Colors
There are specific colors known as recessive, as the human eye perceives them as indicative of great distance. A good example is dull lavender-gray, the color of mountains fading on the horizon. Recessive colors, when applied to walls, have the effect of “pushing” the walls back, making the space feel more open and airy. In basic color theory, cool colors like blue, green, and purple are considered recessive. However, there’s more to it than just that—desaturated cool colors (such as lavender-gray, blue-gray, and sage green) are more recessive than their brighter, saturated counterparts (like turquoise, violet, and grass green).
By painting your bathroom with desaturated cool colors, you can enhance the space’s openness and airiness. Light gray-blues offer a peaceful ambiance, sage greens bring freshness, and muted lavenders create a soothing atmosphere. For a balanced and appealing bathroom, consider using one recessive color on the walls. Pair it with a warm cream or bright white for furnishings, floor tiles, and the ceiling.
Neutrals
Neutrals like beige, tan, gray, and cream are all excellent choices for small bathrooms. These colors are subtle, unobtrusive, and sophisticated. Neutrals create a calming, understated environment, making them ideal for spaces where you don’t want the walls to draw too much attention. They also evoke a popular bathroom theme: the beach. If you’re considering a light beige or sand color for your walls, a seashell theme will fit perfectly. If you opt for a light gray, gray-blue ocean waters make a fitting theme. Just be careful not to over-accessorize. A single ship painting or a few seashells displayed on a shelf will make the design feel thoughtful and well-planned.
Pastels
Pastels are a popular choice for small bathrooms, adding lightness and cheerfulness to the space. Soft yellow, baby blue, and mint green are all great options for bathroom walls.
However, be cautious with intense pink or peach pastels. Look for versions that are light and muted to avoid overwhelming the room. Bright pink or peach can feel too intense in small spaces. If you want to incorporate these colors, do so sparingly. Small hand towels, colored soap bars, or a vase of flowers will convey your chosen hue without overwhelming the environment.
Accents
Do you love dark colors but worry they may dominate your small bathroom? You can incorporate nearly any dark, saturated color by pairing it with white. White is a popular bathroom color because it creates a clean, bright, and sanitary feel. However, it can also appear stark and impersonal. To make the space feel more intentional, add accents in darker shades like black, red, navy, or chocolate brown. For example, if you’re fond of red, paint the walls white and add a red horizontal stripe across the top. Choose maroon-and-white hexagonal floor tiles, and complement with white towels featuring red monograms. This combination creates a sophisticated color palette that’s not overpowering.
Choosing a Color for the Bathroom
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to make the final decision. Purchase samples of your top colors and paint large swatches on your walls. Let the paint dry before deciding, as the actual color may differ from the swatches at the store.
What Else Helps a Small Bathroom?
The most important aspect of painting and decorating a small bathroom is to keep things simple and minimize visual clutter. Clutter can come in many forms. Too many colors, overly bright hues, or excessive patterns can make the room feel smaller and more cramped. Limit your color palette to two main colors, keep decorations to a minimum, and avoid busy patterns. Hang a large mirror to reflect light and make the space appear larger.
Choosing the right color for a small bathroom can be challenging. Many paint stores offer catalogs to help guide your decision. Be sure to take your time before committing, as you’ll live with your choices for quite a while.
