When it comes to decorating a small bathroom, choosing the right color palette is crucial. The colors you choose for your small bathroom should make the space feel bright and airy, not closed-off and cramped. Small bathrooms need colors that will maximize the sense of space.
So what are some of the most popular color choices for small bathrooms? Here are some of the top options:
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White
White is hands-down one of the best color choices for a small bathroom. An all-white color scheme makes the space feel open, airy, and larger than it is. White reflects light beautifully in a small bathroom, brightening up even the darkest corners.
White is a blank canvas that allows you to add pops of color through accessories, artwork, towels, etc. It creates a light, minimalist aesthetic that helps declutter a small bathroom visually. White also gives you flexibility to change up the look regularly with new accent colors.
Light Gray
For those who find all-white to be a bit stark, light gray is another excellent color for small bathrooms. It has a similar lightening effect to white but is slightly softer and more soothing.
Like white, light gray makes the space feel more open without closing it in. It has the same benefits of reflecting light and making the bathroom appear larger. Light gray also serves as a neutral backdrop for highlights of color.
Pastels
Soft pastel shades like mint green, lavender, pale yellow, or baby blue are wonderful small bathroom colors. Pastels add a subtle pop of color without overwhelming a small space. They have a calming, airy quality perfect for a bathroom.
Pastels like mint green or blue create a pleasant watery ambiance, ideal for a room with so much moisture. And colors like lavender have a gentle, spa-like feeling. Pastels allow you to incorporate color without making the room feel too busy or enclosed.
While most blues create a soothing, watery vibe, navy blue is a bit different. Navy adds drama and sophistication to a small bathroom. Paired with crisp whites, it creates an almost nautical feel.
The depth of navy blue keeps the color from feeling overwhelming. It’s bold without closing in the space. Navy blue adds elegance and visual interest while still making a small bathroom feel fresh.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a color for your small bathroom, here are some factors to keep in mind:
Natural Lighting
The amount of natural light your bathroom gets should impact your color choice. Well-lit bathrooms can handle darker, bolder colors. But if your bathroom is dark, stick to lighter shades like white, light gray, or pastels to keep it from feeling gloomy and closed-off.
Personal Style
Consider your own personal style when choosing a color. Do you prefer clean, neutral minimalism or bold, vibrant hues? There are small bathroom color schemes to match any aesthetic. Go with what speaks to you.
Mood
What kind of mood do you want your bathroom to have? Calming spa-like colors like greens or lavenders create a different vibe than crisp whites or navy blues. Decide the mood you want your color to evoke.
Existing Elements
Account for existing fixtures, tile, cabinets, etc. when choosing a color. You want your color to complement, not clash with other elements already in place. Keeping these fixtures? Then choose a color that goes well with them.
Best Paint Finishes
In addition to color, the paint finish you choose also impacts the look and feel. Here are some top paint finishes for small bathrooms:
Matte
Matte or flat paint has no sheen. It absorbs light rather than reflecting it. Matte works well in bathrooms as it hides imperfections in walls or ceilings. It gives a modern, streamlined look. Matte finishes are ideal for darker colors that would look too bold in a higher sheen.
Eggshell
Slightly more sheen than matte, eggshell finishes have a silky smooth surface. The hint of shine adds depth without being overwhelming. Eggshell works in both well-lit and poorly-lit bathrooms, bouncing light gently off the walls. It gives a classic look.
Satin
With medium reflectiveness, satin finishes nicely straddle the line between matte and high-gloss. They have a smooth, pearl-like appearance that stylishly catches and reflects light. In small bathrooms, satin creates subtle depth without too much high-shine.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss has significantly more shine than satin or eggshell. It has a bright, lustrous shine that casts reflections on the walls. This makes it a good choice for darker small bathrooms needing lots of light reflection. The shine can help brighten up the space.
Best Color Combinations
Rather than just a single color, consider a color scheme. Here are some popular small bathroom color combinations:
White & Blue
Crisp white paired with different shades of blue is a classic bathroom combination. It makes the space feel open while adding an almost nautical touch. Try white with navy blue, sky blue, or aqua.
Black & White
For dramatic contrast, black and white never fails. The crisp, stark color pairing is visually striking and makes the most of small spaces. Add interest with graphic patterns.
Green & Brown
Earthy green and brown hues bring the outdoors inside your bathroom. Choose sage or mint green with chocolate or beige-brown for a soothing, natural look. Green and brown feel grounded.
Gray & Yellow
Buttery yellow is cheerful against cool gray backgrounds. The pairing feels bright and contemporary. For depth, go for charcoal gray with mustard or lemon yellow accents.
Bathroom Features to Color
Don’t stop at just painting the walls. Here are some other bathroom features you can color:
| Feature | Coloring Options |
|---|---|
| Cabinets | Stain, paint, or re-laminate cabinets to match your color scheme |
| Tiles | Regrout or paint existing tiles, or install new colored tiles |
| Fixtures | Swap out or spray-paint fixtures like light fittings or faucets |
| Accessories | Towels, shower curtains, rugs, etc. let you bring in pops of color |
With cabinets, fixtures, tiles, and accessories, you can carry a color scheme throughout the space for harmony.
Conclusion
The most popular small bathroom colors are shades like white, light gray, pastels, and navy blue. Factors like lighting, personal style, existing features, and desired mood should all help guide your color choice. Classic color pairings like white and blue or gray and yellow work well in small bathrooms. Beyond just walls, consider continuing your color scheme onto tiles, cabinets, fixtures and accessories for a pulled-together look. With the right color scheme, you can make a small bathroom feel fresh, airy, and even spacious.
