According to basic design principles, light colors such as white, crème, pastel blue, gray or yellow are all recommended colors to paint a small bathroom in order to visually expand a room, while dark colors such as a deep red, green or brown, will make a room feel smaller.
White. White paint is always a great choice when it comes to creating the illusion of a bigger bathroom. "Lighter colors reflect light easily, which gives the room a bigger appearance," says Piercy.
The more light you can reflect, the bigger your bathroom will look. Instead of just hanging a small bathroom mirror above the sink, consider mirroring a whole wall, or at least a large portion of it. This acts like a window in bringing a lot more light into the room and creating the illusion of a much bigger room.
The best color to paint a bathroom is white. White will make the room look brighter and fresh. The other colors like yellow, green, orange, blue or purple are also good for painting bathrooms but white has always been the most popular choice of interior designers and home owners.
Apply the 60-30-10 rule for distribution: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary, and 10% accent.
Keep it classic with an all-white palette
Nothing says timeless like an all-white bathroom colour scheme. It's a popular colour choice for bathrooms because of the clean, fresh look it creates and the fact that it works equally well in both modern and traditional bathrooms.
Use Light Coloured Tiles Throughout
Have you ever noticed that a bathroom which has lighter-coloured tiles throughout appears to be larger than one with darker coloured tiles? If not, you'd be surprised just how much larger a room can feel by simply opting for light-coloured tiles.
Use White for Elegant Simplicity
Also, a huge mirror and shower door helps to create this illusion. Use a light neutral paint hue to make a small bathroom feel luxurious. Incorporating stone bathroom countertops can enhance this effect, adding elegance and a touch of nature.
White or cream. This is perhaps the most 'obvious' choice but white or cream tiles really do lend themselves well to small bathrooms. They create the illusion of more space through additional brightness. If you don't want an all-white look in your bathroom, you can opt for grey or black grout for your tiles.
Light, subtle pastel colors in the spectrum of white-beige-yellow, light blue and gray.
In any case, this list of 2024's most popular colors is designed to inspire ideas for your upcoming dream bathroom makeover. According to top interior designers, modern blue, light green, and warmer neutral bathroom color schemes are popular in 2024.
Cool blues and greens - Cool blues and greens can evoke a sense of calmness and relaxation, making them ideal for a bathroom space. Shades of turquoise, aqua, and seafoam can add a touch of coastal charm to a bathroom, while deeper shades of green such as olive or moss, can create a sense of tranquility.
Tan. Tan embraces warm, earthy tones as one of the top 2024 bathroom color trends. It can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the bathroom while also adding a sense of coziness and comfort to create a relaxed and welcoming feel.
These styles prioritize simplicity, clean lines, and functionality, all enhanced by light-colored flooring. White, cream, or pale grey floors contribute to a sense of openness, making a bathroom feel more spacious and uncluttered. This is particularly beneficial in smaller bathrooms or those with limited natural light.
Neutral colors are a classic choice for small bathrooms with no natural light, especially if you're looking for a soft, relaxing feel. Light neutral tones like soft grays, creams, and beiges work well because they reflect light, making the bathroom appear larger and brighter.
Light Colors for a Bright Mood
Extend the sight lines of a small bath by using a light color throughout the space. In this room, white finishes on the floor, walls, sconces, toilet, and shower make the small space seem bigger. A few gray and black tiles on the floor and wall add visual interest without overpowering.
A pale blue or green color like Lime Spritz compliments a bathroom for a cool, and relaxed look. A soft yellow gives off a warm and bright ambiance, mirroring the appearance of sunlight coming in through windows. Lighter neutrals, like warm or cool grays, also give off a similar effect.
#1 // Paint the Ceiling
It may seem counterintuitive, but painting the ceiling the same color as the walls (like our basement bath) or even a darker color, such as Tricorn Black (like in our previous bathroom, pictured above) will visually elongate the ceiling height, making it seem taller.
Zillow and Behr Paint conducted a study in 2021 and found that having a light-blue palette can significantly increase a home's value. Make the most of this popular bathroom color, paint your bathroom walls a soft shade reminiscent of the sky, and extend the hue to the ceiling.
5. Flooring vs. Wall Tiles: If the tiles are for the floor, darker shades often provide a sturdy base for lighter walls. For wall tiles, the choice depends on the desired contrast and room function.
Neutral wallpapers help to make a tiny bathroom feel larger by instantly creating a bright and airy feel in a room. Sporting designs from every interior style, neutral wallpapers offer you a huge range of design that look wonderful in any home.
Our Favorite Paint Colors for Bathrooms
Muted colors like gray, sage green and blush pink will create a soothing, spa-like retreat, while vibrant hues like turquoise and fuchsia will energize the space and boost your mood.
Don't Use: Drab Hues
Wolf recommends avoiding colors like beige, tan, and greige. "Drab, indecisive colors have no place in a bathroom and are unflattering to all," says the designer. "These shades can often make a room feel dark and dingy."
According to research from Zillow, homes with light blue or gray bathrooms sold for more than expected, demonstrating the value of neutral and soothing colors in a bathroom.