Your bathroom paint can completely transform the look and feel of your space. With the right color scheme and paint techniques, you can create an eye-catching, personalized bathroom that reflects your style. In this detailed guide, we will explore the latest bathroom paint ideas to inspire you to give your bathroom a fresh, stylish update.
Choose the Right Paint Finish for Your Bathroom
When selecting paint for your bathroom walls and trim, it’s important to consider the finish. The paint’s finish impacts its sheen, durability, and ease of cleaning. Here are some popular paint finishes ideal for bathrooms:
Eggshell Paint
Eggshell paint has a soft, velvety appearance. It’s much more durable and scrubbable than flat paint, making it ideal for bathroom walls. The subtle sheen hides minor imperfections well. Eggshell reflects just enough light to give walls a pretty glow without being too shiny.
Satin Paint
Satin paint is smooth with a low-luster sheen. It’s even more durable and scrubbable than eggshell. The soft glow of satin paint hides imperfections beautifully while also standing up to moisture. Use it on walls and trim.
Semi-Gloss Paint
Semi-gloss has a medium shine that makes it great for trim, doors, windows, and cabinetry. It’s extremely durable and easy to clean. Semi-gloss is ideal for high-traffic areas like walls near sinks or tubs.
High-Gloss Paint
High-gloss paint has a brilliant, shiny finish. It’s the most durable and reflective option. Use high-gloss sparingly on trim pieces or doors for an eye-catching pop. Too much high-gloss can feel overwhelming in a small bathroom.
Considering paint sheens and finishes sets you up for success. Now let’s look at captivating color schemes.
Bathroom Color Schemes That Stand Out
Color can make or break the look of your bathroom. Follow these tips to select an attractive, harmonious color palette:
Light, Neutral Colors
Light neutrals like off-white, ivory, and light tan are fail-safe bathroom colors. They keep the space feeling open and airy. If you want a subtle hint of color, look for neutral paints with warm undertones. Light coffee, greige, and almond shades add a delicate nuance.
Crisp, Bright Whites
For a clean, fresh feel, choose crisp cool whites. Stark bright white paint keeps things minimalist and modern. Pair with sleek chrome and glass accents. Stay away from whites with blue or gray undertones, which can make a small bathroom feel cold.
Soothing Green Hues
Verdant shades of sage, seafoam, and emerald green bring the spa vibe home. Green hues are always refreshing but avoid going too dark. Stay light and muted. Deeper forest greens can feel overwhelming in a bathroom.
Muted Blues and Grays
Cool hues like powder blue, ice gray, and slate blue have a relaxing, tranquil effect. These muted shades pair perfectly with marble, wood, and concrete textures for a modern, stylish look. Just take care not to go too dark and moody.
Inviting Tans and Browns
Warm paint shades like camel, brown, and beige make your bathroom feel cozy. Painting with creamy neutrals makes small bathrooms feel more expansive. Add natural textures like woven baskets, linen towels, and travertine tiles.
Bold Black Accents
For dramatic flair, paint one wall in a rich black. Use semi-gloss paint so the wall pops. Or opt for a black vanity, tile, or mirror frame as a bold accent against light walls. This classic high-contrast combo never fails.
Creative Paint Techniques to Personalize Your Bathroom
Beyond just choosing paint colors, get creative with paint textures, effects, and application techniques. Here are innovative ways to personalize bathroom walls and fixtures:
Marbleized Paint Finishes
A marble-inspired finish brings luxe depth. Using water, create swirling veins and patterns in shades like silver, gray, white, and black. This shimmering marbled effect pairs well with glossy tiles or metallic accents.
Textured Paint Rollers
Textured paint rollers can imprint any pattern onto your walls. Cover walls in delicate floral designs, abstract shapes, or horizontal lines. Layer glazes over the texture for a multi-dimensional look.
Ombre Color Washes
Ombre walls fade from light to dark, or one color to another. Paint the top portion of walls a lighter neutral shade, transitioning to a bolder color below. Blue to green ombre evokes ocean vibes, while tan to terra-cotta feels warm and earthy.
Hand-Painted Nature Murals
Commission a local artist to hand-paint a stylized mural with soothing nature motifs. Delicate florals, vines, leaves, feathers, and birds can personalize any blank wall. Choose muted shades that complement your color scheme.
Bold Stripes or Geometric Patterns
Jazz up your bathroom with striking stripes or geometric designs. Paint horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines across accent walls. For a playful touch, paint the inside of wall recesses in a contrasting color.
Faux Finishes
Faux techniques like rag-rolling and sponging blend multiple paint colors on walls for a handcrafted look. Or try a cerused wood effect with white paint dragged across real or faux wood. So many options to customize your space!
Choosing Paint Colors for a Small Bathroom
Small bathrooms require strategic color choices to enhance the feeling of space. Follow these tips when selecting paint colors:
Stick to Light, Neutral Tones
Light colors reflect more light, making tight spaces feel more open. Soft whites, greiges, and tans are safe, neutral choices that keep things airy. Avoid medium to dark colors, which can overwhelm.
Minimize Visual Clutter
Visual clutter shrinks a small bathroom. Opt for minimal decor and streamlined storage to avoid a jumbled look. Cool colors in back, with warm accents up front create depth.
Use High-Contrast Hues
High contrast between lights and darks makes walls recede, adding a sense of space. Try glossy white upper walls with a dark charcoal gray vanity or floor. Crisp blue-gray walls pop against bright white trim.
Paint Ceilings Bright White
Painting the ceiling bright white reflects light and makes any small bathroom feel larger. For a seamless look, use the same white on crown moldings, windows, and doors. Contrast with darker walls.
Add Mirrors to Expand Space
Mirrors visually double space. Hang a statement mirror above the vanity or add a mirrored wall cabinet. Place mirrors across from windows to reflect light too. Just beware of darker frames that close things in.
Choosing Paint Colors for a Large Bathroom
Large bathrooms offer ample room to play with bold, dramatic colors. Here are ideas to accentuate spaciousness:
Opt for Dark, Saturated Colors
Deep hues make a statement in larger baths. Try a rich navy blue, emerald green, or even near-black shades on accent walls. Pair with light trim for contrast. Dark paints highlight architectural details.
Use Multicolor Schemes
Incorporate multiple colors throughout a large bathroom. For example, slate blue walls, a black stone tub surround, and a sandy tan floor. Repeat some colors in tiles, textiles, and accessories for harmony.
Paint Architectural Features
Draw the eye upward by painting ceilings, crown moldings, and tall wainscoting trims in a accent color. Contrasting moldings become an architectural focal point against brightly painted walls.
Accent the Back Wall
Paint the farthest wall behind the tub or shower in a bold, saturated shade to add drama and depth. As an accent wall, even a dark color won’t overwhelm the space.
Define Specific Zones
Use different wall colors to designate separate spaces, like making the tub area feel like a relaxing spa with sage green walls. Transitions between colors zone off areas subtly.
Choosing the Right Undertone
A paint color’s undertone impacts the whole look and feel. Here’s how to select the perfect undertone for your bathroom:
Warm Undertones
Warm yellow, peach, and terra-cotta undertones make colors feel welcoming. Browns, reds, oranges and sunny yellows have an earthy, cozy vibe perfect for a master bath retreat.
Cool Undertones
Blues, greens, and purples have cool undertones with a more relaxing effect. These colors complement marble, limestone, and glass for a sleek, tranquil look ideal for a spa bath.
Neutral Undertones
True beiges, ivories, and grays have barely perceptible undertones. They work well as main wall colors since they don’t skew warm or cool. Layer on accent colors after neutralizing.
Choosing Paint Sheen for Bathrooms
As discussed earlier, sheen impacts a paint’s look and durability. Here are sheen recommendations based on location:
Flat Paint
Flat paint works well on ceilings, absorbing light nicely. Extra coats prevent drips. However, flat is too delicate for walls and trim in humid bathrooms.
Eggshell Paint
Use versatile eggshell paint on main bathroom walls and ceilings. The velvety sheen resists moisture and stains better than flat paint.
Satin Paint
Satin paint with its subtle glow is ideal for walls in frequently used baths. It stands up to cleaning and splatters while hiding imperfections.
Semi-Gloss Paint
Bathroom trim and moldings should be semi-gloss, which can be repeatedly wiped down without losing its sheen. Use it anywhere you expect moisture and drips.
High-Gloss Paint
Use ultra-durable high gloss ultra sparingly. While it adds major shine, the reflected light can feel harsh. Limit high-gloss to cabinets, doors or an accent wall.
Choosing the right sheens for each bathroom surface ensures your new paint job will withstand humid bathroom conditions.
DIY Tips for Painting a Bathroom
Painting a bathroom yourself can save money with careful prep and application. Follow these tips for a flawless DIY paint job:
Clean Surfaces Thoroughly
Grease, mildew, and soap must be removed so fresh paint adheres properly. Scrub walls, trim, and ceilings with TSP cleaner using a sponge and rinse well.
Fill Any Holes and Cracks
Examine surfaces closely and fill any holes, cracks, or imperfections with spackle. Sand smooth once dry. Spot prime repaired areas before painting.
Isolate Fixtures and Hardware
Remove toilet paper holders, towel bars, and switch plates prior to painting. Cover sinks, tubs, shower heads, mirrors, and floors securely with plastic sheeting as well.
Apply Primer
Primer creates a uniform surface for paint to stick to. Use high-quality primer meant for bathrooms. For dramatic color changes, tint the primer to match new paint.
Use Good Brushes and Rollers
Invest in quality brushes and mini paint rollers designed for smooth, non-streaky bathroom application. Tapered trim brushes simplify edges.
Paint Ceilings First
Paint ceilings with flat or eggshell finish using a pole and angled brush. Then do the walls, cutting in edges neatly with trim brushes before rolling on paint. Finish with trim and touch ups.
Hiring a Professional Painter for Your Bathroom
Painting a bathroom requires patience, finesse, and an eye for detail. For flawless results, consider hiring professional painters who have the right tools and skills.
Cost Considerations
Professional painters charge between $4-$8 per square foot. The bathroom’s size, paint colors, complexity and any repairs needed impact pricing. Get a few quotes.
Preparation Services
Hire painters to do prep work like patching holes, sanding, masking and surface cleaning for one flat rate. This saves you time and hassle.
Precise Painting Skills
Experienced painters have techniques to paint bathrooms flawlessly. They use angled brushes for sharp trim edges and avoid drips, uneven coverage, or brush marks.
Faster Completion Time
A full bathroom paint job may take DIYers days to complete. Professional painters often finish in just 1-2 days since multiple people tackle tasks efficiently.
Peace of Mind with Warranties
Many professional painters offer workmanship warranties. This guarantees their paint job against any defects for 1-5 years. Fixes or touch ups are free.
While pricier, professional painting ensures your bathroom gets a perfect paint application that will last.
Bathroom Paint Ideas By Color
Now let’s explore popular bathroom color schemes in more depth. Here are stunning paint ideas for every style:
Soothing Blue Bathrooms
From pale sky blue to dramatic navy, blue paint elicits a peaceful, relaxing feeling. Crisp blues complement white tile, natural wood, and stainless steel for a clean, refreshing look. Navy grounds the space beautifully in a light-filled bathroom. For variation, layer different blues on walls, ceilings, and cabinetry.
White Bathroom Ideas
All white evokes a light, airy spa vibe. Use white on walls, trim, ceiling and tub surround. Choose warm bright or cool stark whites. Then layer in wood tones and greenery for contrast and visual interest. White bathrooms feel open and clean.
Green Bathroom Paint Ideas
Verdant green hues lend an earthy, organic feel. Sage and seafoam greens blend nicely with tiles, wood surfaces, and brass fixtures. Use green as an accent wall color against light neutrals. Deeper forest greens can feel elegant and sophisticated. Let green soothe you.
Bathrooms with Wood Tones
Wood stains, natural tiles, and painted faux-wood treatments add warmth. Chocolate browns, deep cedar, and gray washed woods complement paint colors like cream, white, and tan for a cozy, textural look. Add wooden mirrors, shelving and furniture.
Gray Bathroom Paint Ideas
Cool, calming gray creates an airy modern feel. Light grays provide subtle contrast against white tile and fixtures. Charcoal gray makes a bold vanity or accent wall color. Use gray tones in creative geometric designs. Gray is an easy way to refresh.
Black and White Bathrooms
High-contrast black and white feels contemporary and daring. Paint the ceiling, upper walls, tile, and tub glossy black. Then contrast with bright white on lower walls, trim, vanity, and floor. Keep textures sleek for serious drama.
Beige Bathroom Ideas
Warm beige evokes adobe walls and a Southwestern aesthetic. Pair creamy tans with terra-cotta tile, rattan baskets, and a woven rug for texture. Add colorful folk art accents. Keep things light and neutral for a spacious look.
With the right colors and techniques, your bathroom paint can feel soothing, elegant, cheerful or uber-chic. Have fun and paint fearlessly!
Bathroom Paint FAQs
Still have questions about selecting the perfect paint for your bathroom? Here are answers to common bathroom paint FAQs:
What kind of paint should I use in a bathroom?
Use 100% acrylic latex paint formulated especially for bathrooms. Look for mold/mildew-resistant paint with a satin or semi-gloss sheen to withstand humidity and cleaning.
Do I need to prime before painting my bathroom?
Yes, always apply primer to ensure paint adheres properly on drywall, plaster, tile, metal and other bathroom surfaces. For painted walls just clean well, then apply 2 coats of paint.
How long does bathroom paint need to dry?
Most bathroom paints are dry to the touch within 1-2 hours. But wait 24-48 hours before using shower, replacing fixtures, and cleaning painted surfaces for full cure. Open windows to circulate air.
Should I paint my bathroom ceiling?
Painting the ceiling makes a huge visual impact. Choose ceiling paint finishes like flat or eggshell that hides imperfections. Bright white reflects light, opening up the space.
What kind of paint finish should I use on trim and windows?
Use semi-gloss or high gloss paint on all bathroom trim, windows, doors and moldings. These durable sheens allow for easy cleaning with no stains or marks left behind on hard-use surfaces.
How do I paint around bathtubs and tile?
Use painter’s tape to mask off tiles, caulk edges, and cut in around tubs with a steady hand. Remove fixtures like faucets and showerheads so they don’t get accidentally painted.
In Closing
With the right prep work, color scheme, and application techniques, a fresh coat of paint provides an easy bathroom makeover. Use these bathroom paint ideas and expert tips to create your dream space. Paint your walls, trim, cabinetry or fixtures in eye-catching colors that reflect your personal style. A personalized, stylish bathroom awaits!