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The Best Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms

Updating the paint color in your small bathroom is a great way to change how the space looks. Small bathrooms can present challenges for paint colors, such as not having any windows or natural lighting.

This can make paint colors look darker than they would in a brightly lit space.

But, you still have a lot of paint color options when painting your small bathroom. If you need a little inspiration, keep reading for all the best paint colors for small bathrooms.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you have any questions, please see my disclaimer page.

What To Consider When Painting A Small Bathroom

When choosing a paint color for your small bathroom, there are two important considerations.

First, you need to think about the amount and type of lighting that you have in the bathroom.

Many small bathrooms are powder rooms, or half baths. Typically, a powder room doesn’t have any windows. When this is the case, you’ll need to make sure you have good overhead lighting.

Any paint color needs enough light to support it. Even light paint colors. Otherwise, the space can feel dingy. So, be sure to have adequate lighting in your bathroom.

The next consideration when painting a small bathrooms is what sort of look you’re going for.

Do you have a bathroom that feels clean and bright? A white or off white paint colors works well for this.

Agreeable Gray

Going for a spa-like retreat? A green or blue paint color can give this sort of vibe.

Want a luxe, dramatic bathroom? A dark charcoal can look very daring in a small bath.

What Paint Colors are Best for a Small Bathroom?

Overall, if you’re looking for a foolproof paint color for your small bathroom, your best bet is going to be a light paint color.

Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms -
Classic Gray

This can include spa like paint colors, such as blues and greens, and neutrals, like whites, off-whites, and grays. Cheery yellows and blush pinks are also good choices for a bathroom.

Light paint colors are less imposing and more versatile than darker shades. This isn’t to say that dark shades can’t work, but they take a bit more skill to use effectively. More on how to use a dark paint color in your bathroom later in the post.

Here are some gorgeous, light paint colors for a small bathroom:

Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms - Windham Cream
Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms - Pure White
Watery Sherwin Williams Paint Drop
Popular Benjamin Moore Paint Colors - Gray Owl
Alabaster Paint, Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams Romance Paint Drop
Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms - Beacon Gray
Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms - October Mist
Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms - Balboa Mist

What Paint Colors Can Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger?

If you want to make your small bathroom appear bigger, blue, blue-green, white and off-white paint colors are great options for you.

Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms - Sea Salt

Blue and blue-green paint colors are cool, calming colors that are expansive. They are reminiscent of the sky and tend to make the walls of a room recede a bit.

Some of my favorite blue and blue green paint colors for bathrooms are:

Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms - Sea Salt
Meander Blue Sherwin Williams Paint Drop
Silver Strand Sherwin Williams Paint Drop
Tradewind Sherwin Williams Paint Drop
Palladian Blue Benjamin Moore Paint Drop
Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms - TIdewater

See more blue paint colors here.

See more blue green paint colors here.

Can I Paint My Small Bathroom A Dark Color?

You may have heard that you should never use a dark color in a small room, but this isn’t entirely true.

When used correctly, dark paint colors can add depth to a small room that you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Can I Paint My Small Bathroom A Dark Color?
Accent Wall – Secret Garden

Paint colors can do tricky things. Remember how we discussed that blue and blue green paint colors can make the walls seemingly recede? Similarly, dark paint colors create the sort of depth that a shadow creates.

Dark paint colors shouldn’t be used all over a small bathroom though. This would make the space feel small and cramped. Instead, use a dark paint color on an accent wall, in a bathroom with wainscoting, or in a bathroom with tile going up part of the wall.

Can I Paint My Small Bathroom A Dark Color?

Some of my favorite dark paint colors for a small bathroom are:

  • A dark navy – perfect for a nautical-themed bathroom
Hale Navy Benjamin Moore Paint Drop
Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms - Cushing Green
  • A charcoal black – for a slightly softer take on that classic black and white look
Iron Ore Paint Drop

Wondering How To Pick the Perfect Paint Color?

I have the best solution for you!

Samplize sells peel and stick paint samples in almost every paint color.

These no-mess, peel and stick sheets are made from real paint, so they will show you exactly what the paint color will look like.

Simply place them on your walls next to your trim, furnishings or fixed elements, and easily see which paint color works best in your space and with your lighting.

Then, peel the sheet off your wall and reapply it somewhere else if you like. You can try several different paint colors with no mess, no fuss and no cleaning paint brushes.

SAMPLIZE Peel and Stick Paint Samples

Oh, and you can have them in your home by tomorrow with OVERNIGHT shipping!

As a bonus, be sure to use the code LoveRemodeled10 at check out to get an extra 10% off! Samplize sheets are cheaper than a sample can of paint, and way less work.

They are the easiest (and fastest!) way to try a paint color in your home, with no hassle.

Final Thoughts on Paint Colors for Small Bathrooms

When you’re choosing a paint color for a small bathroom, remember to choose a color that works with the lighting in your space and gives your bathroom the look you want.

As a general rule of thumb, light colors are easier to work with, but a dark paint color can definitely add a luxurious feel to your bathroom.

Have a question? Leave me a comment! Remember to check back for a response – it may take me up to a week or two depending on how busy I am, but I’ll be sure to get back to you!

Want to show off your project? Join the discussion in Love Remodeled’s Facebook group!

Want to see all your paint options in one convenient place? Click here to get everything you need to start painting, including Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore paint color decks!

Thanks for sharing!