13 Best Bathroom Paint Colors
Color is an integral part of interior design, whether you plan to go big and bold or keep things simple.
You can spend hours curating the perfect vanity setup and plumbing fixtures. But if your bathroom walls aren’t painted to match your vision, all of that hard work could end up feeling like a waste!
Keep reading for the best bathroom paint ideas that will help give your own color scheme a professional touch.
1. Beige
Beige paint is gaining traction in contemporary design as a warm alternative to white or light gray. It works particularly in a space like a bathroom, which can sometimes feel cold and sterile.
With the right complementary finishes, beige paint can also feel fresh and modern. Pair your new bathroom paint color with lush greenery and natural wood for a slightly Bohemian-inspired design.
See more bathroom beige ideas here.
2. Blue
Blue is an incredibly versatile color. You could even consider it an honorary neutral. So it’s the perfect choice for any bathroom in need of a fresh coat of paint.
When selecting a blue bathroom paint, the most important thing to remember is that this color takes on countless forms. A soft vintage blue will have a much different effect than a lush peacock blue.
Contrast your blue walls with white bathroom fixtures, trim, and tile for maximum impact.
3. Dark
Dark paint colors can be intimidating for even the most experienced DIYer. But a small space like a bathroom is the ideal place to test the waters of these more dramatic shades.
To many, “dark” automatically calls to mind straight black. Don’t limit your bathroom color scheme to this one option! Dark paint comes in every color of the rainbow, and each shade offers its own unique aesthetic.
4. Green
After years of the go-to bathroom aesthetic being sleek and minimalist, organic-inspired decor is taking over the trends. No bathroom paint color goes better with this style than luscious green.
Green is simultaneously soft and modern. Muted sage green is particularly popular right now (and, if you ask us, for good reason!). It’s a great way to give your bathroom space a bit of vintage intrigue without looking outdated.
5. Gray
Contemporary design may be moving toward more colorful palettes overall. But there’s still plenty of room for clean neutrals like the color gray.
Personally, we find that gray walls look their best when contrasted against white surfaces. There’s tons of opportunity to create this effect in your own bathroom using tile, wall decor, or a sleek white vanity.
Be sure to keep an open mind when shopping for paint. No two shades of gray are exactly alike, and each will offer a unique appearance when applied to your bathroom walls.
6. Light Colors
One of the most common concerns homeowners have about repainting a bathroom is how to make the space appear larger. After all, color is a big part of how our eyes perceive the walls around us!
While a white bathroom is always a safe choice, opting for a slightly saturated paint color can create a more elevated look and feel. Pale shades of yellow, blue, green, and pink can all be used to great effect.
7. Neutral
Having trouble committing to a vibrant color for your bathroom walls? With the right perspective, neutral shades offer a rainbow all their own.
Neutral wall paint is ideal if your bathroom includes architectural materials that you don’t want overpowered. It pairs beautifully with elements like natural stone tile, brick, and exposed hardwood.
You can get the most out of your muted bathroom color palette by including a few areas of bright white in your design.
8. Orange
Orange is one of the last bathroom paint colors most homeowners would ever reach for. But you could be missing out on a ton of gorgeous design potential by doing so!
The bathroom is a great place to test out more daring paint colors. If the thought of covering the entire room in orange paint is still too hard to swallow, consider creating an accent wall. Or shrink the area to be painted by installing wainscoting on the wall’s lower half.
9. Purple
As children, many of us had bedrooms painted various shades of purple. Unfortunately, interior design for adults rarely incorporates such colors.
You may not be able to commit to painting your kitchen or living room a vibrant shade of lilac — if so, more power to you! But nothing is stopping you from giving your bathroom a much-needed upgrade with this fun and feminine color palette.
Still unsure? Start with a pale purple with blue or gray undertones. From there, you can decide if more purple is in your home’s future!
10. Red
As far as bold and bright paint colors go, red is by far one of the most popular. Yet it can still be hard to find inspiration for use in your own bathroom design.
Crimson red is a quick and easy way to make a big decor statement. For a more subdued take on this bathroom color trend, consider using a dark, muted cranberry red instead. These shades are particularly stunning against white accents.
11. Teal
Teal may be little more than a mix of green and blue. But this color is so effective in interior design that it deserves accolades all its own.
Despite the impact teal has as a paint color, it blends in seamlessly with all kinds of decor styles. You can easily pair teal walls with vintage fixtures and elegant details. Or incorporate rough-hewn, organic elements for a rustic aesthetic.
12. White
The decision to paint your bathroom walls white might seem like a no-brainer. But selecting paint for a white bathroom requires just as much care and attention as any other color.
As with any other color, white paint can have a variety of undertones. Whether or not a warm- or cool-toned white will look best in your bathroom depends on factors like lighting and the rest of the decor.
(And white walls can make a small bathroom appear almost magically larger!)
13. Yellow
What better way to start and end your days on a sunny note than with a bathroom draped in yellow?
Although yellow bathroom paint requires a discerning eye to pull off, you won’t find another color that offers the same degree of warmth and positivity.
Depending on the exact shade of yellow, it works great alongside farmhouse and modern decor. So be sure to take full advantage of this bathroom paint idea’s retro edge!
Bathroom Paint FAQs
You can technically use any type of interior paint in a bathroom. But for the greatest longevity (and easier cleaning) you should stick to a bathroom paint with a satin, semi-gloss, or glossy finish.
Another thing worth considering is a moisture-resistant formula. This is a particularly good idea for full bathrooms that are used for daily showers.
Typically, bathroom ceilings are either painted white or the same color as the surrounding walls. The former technique is sometimes used in small bathrooms to create the illusion of a larger space overall.
Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from getting creative with your bathroom paint ideas. Worst case scenario, you can paint over any color you end up hating!