What type of paint is best for the bathroom?

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.

Should a bathroom ceiling match the walls?

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!

13 Best Bathroom Paint Color Ideas

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.

Modern bathroom with dark wood vanity, grey painted walls, large mirror, toilet, and window; gray rugs on white tile floor — Source: @a_and_b_contracting via Instagram

A modern bathroom with white fixtures, rose painted walls, a round mirror, and a vase with greenery on a ledge by a window with a pulled-up shade — Source: @studioreydesign via Instagram

Modern bathroom with a round illuminated mirror, white painted wall, white sink with a chrome faucet, gray hand towel, and toiletries on the counter — Source: @wyrddproperties via Instagram

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.

Small bathroom with light blue walls, round mirror, white sink, toilet, towel rack, and gray shower curtain — Source: @douggiedeals via Instagram

Bathroom with light blue walls, white cabinet with books and tissue, sconce, towel rack with gray towel, and a window with sheer curtain — Source: @elisabettabellu via Instagram

Small bathroom with blue shiplap walls, round mirror, white pedestal sink, black faucet, towel ladder, and decorative items — Source: @homebound_interior_design via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with blue walls, white fixtures, a small sink with mirror, round mirror, window, and towel rack — Source: @homewith_johura via Instagram

Modern bathroom with dark blue walls, wire mesh ceiling light, framed art, and circular shelf with plants above the toilet — Source: @lydias_layton_life via Instagram

Modern bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, and potted plant; shelving with towels and decor by a window with a patterned shade — Source: @ourcountrysidenewbuild via Instagram

A blue bathroom with framed pictures on the wall, a small sink, green plant on a floating shelf, and a square mirror — Source: @ria_bray via Instagram

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.

Modern bathroom with dark paneled walls, framed art, toilet, light wood vanity with white countertop, and potted greenery — Source: @columbiariverrealty via Instagram

Modern bathroom with dark walls, geometric black-and-white floor tiles, a vessel sink, round mirrors, and hanging lamps — Source: @multipanel_it via Instagram

Modern bathroom with a white bathtub, dark walls, hanging lights, large window with sheer curtains, and framed art — Source: @musedesign.co via Instagram

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.

Modern bathroom with green walls, white tiles, and geometric floor featuring a white vanity, gold accents, and two hanging lights — Source: @keramzytowy_domek via Instagram

Bathroom with a dark green wall, mirror, sink, and towel rack with a black and white geometric patterned towel — Source: @mybarratthome_x via Instagram

Bathroom with green walls, round mirror, potted plant, and wall shelf storing toiletries; black faucet above white basin on wooden counter — Source: @renovateno28 via Instagram

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.

Modern bathroom with dual sinks, large mirror, and sleek grey and white decor featuring a wall-mounted toilet and towel on a rack — Source: @mirpat.inspirujacewnetrza via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with a sink, toilet, mirror, gray walls, Buddha artwork, small plants, and a hanging shelf with a decorative item — Source: @missmunro1985 via Instagram

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!

A bathroom corner with two closed white doors, light gray walls, marble floor, and white vanity with patterned tile backsplash — Source: @fantanarosa_custom_tile via Instagram

Elegant bathroom with a chandelier, oval bathtub, white walls, glass shower, and shutters on the window, lit by a wall sconce — Source: @vilchezpainting via Instagram

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.

A bathroom with gray cabinets, a striped shower curtain, decorative floor tiles, white walls, and gray rugs — Source: @mcdonald.farmhouse via Instagram

A bathroom with a double sink vanity, soft green walls, large mirror, and decorative plant, featuring neutral tones and a shower curtain with a geometric pattern — Source: @simpleinspirationsathome via Instagram

Bright bathroom with white fixtures, wood accents, circular mirror, and a "Get Naked" rug; wall plant adds greenery — Source: @the_haddon_home via Instagram

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!

A bathroom with an orange clawfoot tub, patterned tiles, orange walls, wooden shelf, and framed photos above the tub — Source: @08warrendaisy via Instagram

Round yin-yang shelf on orange wall with essential oils, a candle, a small vase, and various wellness products — Source: @alisa_simonoff via Instagram

Bathroom with gray and orange walls, small sink, toilet, two framed artworks, sunburst mirror, and pendant light — Source: @ash_bellway_essendene via Instagram

A vibrant orange bathroom with a matching round mirror, sink, and walls; black faucet and towel add contrast — Source: @crokaert_peter via Instagram

Modern bathroom with orange wall, white tiles, a plant hanging above the toilet, and decorative baskets on a patterned floor — Source: @fanny_williams via Instagram

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.

Compact bathroom with purple decor, a toilet, vanity, shower, and window with a vase of flowers, purple rug on the floor — Source: @mycosyhome60 via Instagram

Small bathroom with a square white sink, gray cabinet, decorative mirror, light-colored tiled wall, and purple painted walls — Source: @ra.interiors via Instagram

Bathroom with a small sink and mirror; purple walls, humorous signs, soap dispenser, and rubber duckies on the counter — Source: @sarahh860 via Instagram

Modern bathroom with purple walls and glossy purple floor, featuring a large mirror, white cabinets, and natural light from a window

Modern bathroom with purple walls, glass shower, and shelving featuring a white sink, mirror, stacked towels, and an orchid plant

Modern bathroom with dual sinks, large mirror, and purple accent walls; bright lighting enhances the sleek, minimalistic design

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.

Red bathroom with an oval mirror, single wall lamp, and small sink; black framed artwork and towel on the wall — Source: @everylittlepretty via Instagramc

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.

Compact bathroom with teal accent wall, round mirror, and farmhouse sink; minimalist decor includes soap, planters, and a towel — Source: @barkridgehome via Instagram

Small bathroom with teal walls, a white sink, and toilet featuring a gold-framed mirror, zigzag towel, framed art, and light fixture above — Source: @lindsayl3 via Instagram

Bathroom with blue wall, round mirror, hanging plant, shelf with decorations, and personal care items — Source: @lucybelle_athome via Instagram

Bathroom with blue cabinets, white toilet, and a granite countertop; mirror above the sink, with lights and a window on the left — Source: @neatlydunn via Instagram

Circular mirror over a sink reflects a narrow window with a potted plant, deep teal wall and modern faucet visible in the bathroom — Source: @our_little_oakland via Instagram

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.

Minimalist bathroom with wooden accents, round mirror, hanging lights, white cabinets, and a wall-mounted toilet — Source: @aszinteriors via Instagram

Modern bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, wooden tray, sink, and toilet. Minimalist decor with pampas grass and natural light — Source: @oakcottageinthecountry via Instagram

Small bathroom with white tiles, a toilet, round mirror, and a vanity with a plant; a candle is lit on the counter — Source: @oldsouthstyling via Instagram

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?

A vintage-style yellow bathroom with a large mirror, ornate fixtures, a floral arrangement, and a decorative chair — Source: @diordetroit via Instagram

Compact bathroom with a corner shower, white and black patterned curtain, yellow walls, and adjacent bedroom visible through the door — Source: @houseplantsandherringbone via Instagram

A small, yellow-walled bathroom with a toilet, a white curtain, and a small window above featuring a flower vase and framed pictures — Source: @singlemumcouncilhouse via Instagram

A small bathroom with yellow walls, floral wallpaper, a mountain painting, shelves with towels, and a decorative yellow bird — Source: @theknottsspotgardenhome via Instagram

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!

13 Best Bathroom Paint Colors