This Is the All-Time Best Small Bathroom Paint Color
Designing a small bathroom can be especially challenging. From picking a decor style to ensuring every square inch is used effectively, there’s no shortage of decisions to make — and one of the most important is choosing the best paint color for the space.
The color scheme you select for your small bathroom sets the tone for the rest of your decor — and the needs for this space are inherently different than, say, a living room color palette designed for lounging and activities. Will you go bright and airy? Serene and spa-like? Muted and earthy? Perhaps bold and maximalist suits your style better? Whatever your aesthetic, a wall color helps unify the space.
Color affects more than just the look and feel of a room. It can also impact how large the room appears, which is a crucial consideration when designing small spaces. “With the right paint color, you can completely transform the feel of your bathroom into something a little more spacious and full of personality!” says Angelique Kreller, interior designer at Yabby.
If you’re seeking inspiration for small bathroom paint ideas, look no further. I spoke to six interior designers to get intel on their all-time favorite paint colors for small bathrooms, and they all agreed on one specific palette.
The Best Paint Color for Small Bathrooms
It may come as no surprise that the interior designers polled overwhelmingly favor light neutrals for small bathrooms — pair-with-anything hues like dusty taupes and warm greiges were repeatedly cited. However, there’s a clear winner when it comes to the all-time best paint color for small bathrooms.
According to these design pros, warm whites are the best paint color for small bathrooms. Experts love the versatility and inviting, cozy atmosphere that this palette lends to a space. Plus, it fits well with almost any design aesthetic. It’s also an excellent choice for making spaces feel bigger and brighter, which is a common design challenge in small bathrooms.
“I often gravitate toward creamy, off-white tones because they reflect light beautifully, creating a bright and open feel that makes the space feel larger and more inviting,” says Paloma Contreras, founder and principal designer of Paloma Contreras Design. “These hues maximize natural and artificial light, enhancing the atmosphere.”
However, not all warm white paints are created equal. Designers have strong opinions about the best, and Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17) topped the list, with runners-up including Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster (SW 7008), Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound (SW 7004), and Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa (SW 7551).
6 Other Small Bathroom Paint Colors Designers Love
Warm white may be the overwhelming favorite, but it’s certainly not the only option. If you want to add more color to your space, consider these six other small-space-friendly bathroom paint colors.
Muted Blues
Most designers agree that blue paint in soft, muted shades is a close second for small bathrooms. “While white is always a classic choice (and my top pick for a reason), I love encouraging clients to experiment with subtle greens or blues for a bit more charm,” Kreller says.
Plus, thanks to its cool tones, blue lends a serene and calming quality to a space, which translates to a peaceful and spa-like feel in the bathroom. The designers’ top picks include Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue (No.22), Benjamin Moore’s Smoke (BM 2122-40), and Behr’s Reflecting Pool (720E-1).
Light Greens
Similarly, light green paint is an excellent choice for a relaxing atmosphere with an earthier edge. Like the soft blue paint choices, designers suggest sticking to muted, earthy shades of green. Two chose Sherwin-Williams’ Sea Salt (SW 6204) as their go-to light green paint for small bathrooms, and Benjamin Moore’s Healing Aloe (BM 1562) was also mentioned.
Light Greiges
Neutrals are classic for a reason! Interior designers love greige (a combination of gray and beige) or light, warm grays for small bathrooms. Designer Sarah Barnard points to Dunn Edwards’ Cotton Field (DE 6253) as her favorite. “[It] is a versatile and warm light gray with a timeless neutral quality that suits most design styles,” she says. If you want something a little darker, though, Sherwin-Williams’ Repose Gray (SW 7015) was also suggested.
Moody Blues
While many pros favor warm whites and light colors, two designers I spoke to recommended dark, moody hues for a cozy look. Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal designer at Jensen & Co. Interiors, recommends Benjamin Moore’s River Blue (2057-10) as a deep, teal-blue shade that makes a small space feel more expansive.
“Combining the dark teal blue with a warm neutral is perfect for creating an inviting atmosphere while evoking a sense of cozy elegance,” she says. “The deep teal adds a sense of depth and intimacy, turning a dimly lit space into a thoughtfully designed, moody retreat.”
Dark Green
Dark green paint can also be an enchanting choice. Like light green, moody greens lend themselves well to earthier styles. Jensen points to Benjamin Moore’s Black Forest Green (HC-187) as her top pick. “It never fails to wow people,” she says.
Rich Browns
Julia Newman, founder and principal designer of Julia Adele Design, chose rich and moody browns as her go-to shades for small bathrooms, specifically Farrow & Ball’s Mahogany (No. 36) and Farrow & Ball’s London Clay (No. 244).
“I often like to embrace the smallness of a space,” Newman says. “I feel like no matter how bright you paint a space, it will never add 200 square feet, so I like to go for a cozy feeling instead. A dark color helps add dimension and gives personality to a space that might otherwise go overlooked.”
The Best Small Bathroom Color Palettes
The best part about choosing warm white paint for your space is its versatility. You can easily pair this simple neutral with other colors to craft unique combos that suit any style. Designers love these color palettes for their small bathrooms projects, so you can start your search for a small bathroom paint and color scheme here.
Coastal and Breezy
For a coastal vibe that feels light and effortless, designer Rebecca Merritt of Merritt Design Co. recommends pairing warm white paint with soft blues and greens, sandy beiges, and polished nickel fixtures.
Serene and Spa-Like
A few minor tweaks take the coastal color palette and make it feel more tranquil. Merritt says warm whites, light muted blues, and natural wood tones help achieve this look.
Earthy and Grounded
For a soothing, nature-inspired space, try pairing warm white paint with muted greens, browns, warm terracotta, and matte black fixtures. To complete the look, incorporate plenty of natural materials, such as wood, rattan, and greenery or dried florals.
Neutral and Modern
Warm white paint is the ideal foundation for a neutral, minimalist color palette. Pair it with light grays (or greige for a warmer look), black accents, and matte black or brash finishes.
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