Choosing the right color for a small bathroom can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the space. With the right color palette, a small bathroom can feel bright, airy and spacious rather than cramped and closed in. When selecting colors for a petite powder room, it’s important to consider factors like lighting, mood and style. Certain hues can help enhance the available light while others can make the room feel dark and enclosed.
Factors to Consider
Here are some key things to keep in mind when choosing colors for a small bathroom:
- Lighting – Natural and artificial lighting play a big role. Lighter colors tend to brighten and open up the space.
- Mood – Cool tones like blues and greens create a relaxing vibe while warm hues like reds and yellows energize.
- Style – Color can complement the style you’re aiming for whether modern, traditional, coastal, etc.
- Existing Features – Work with existing tile, fixtures and surfaces when selecting a color scheme.
- personal Preferences – Choose colors you find pleasant, soothing and attractive.
Best Color Options
Here are some of the most popular and effective color choices for small bathrooms:
White
White is a classic choice that opens up and brightens small spaces. An all-white scheme feels clean and airy while accent walls in white expand and reflect light. Use shades like bright white, pearl white or coastal white.
Light Gray
Light grays provide a soft, elegant look in small bathrooms. Go for shades like silver gray, ash gray or cadet gray on one or more walls. Add visual interest by pairing with white trim.
Light Blue
Soft powdery blues evoke a soothing spa-like ambiance. Try pale sky blue, airy robin’s egg blue or subtly dramatic navy blue. Blue-gray shades also freshen up small bathrooms.
Green
Tranquil greens complement classic white bathrooms well. Opt for pale seafoam, soothing sage or rejuvenating celery green hues. Deeper hunter greens can also enrich all-white baths.
Beige
Warm beige or tan walls bring a relaxed, earthy feel to small baths. Pair creamy shades like sand, khaki or linen with crisp white trim for definition.
| Color | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| White | – Brightens space – Looks clean and fresh |
– Can feel sterile |
| Light Gray | – Soft and elegant – Versatile |
– Lacks vibrancy |
| Light Blue | – Soothing and airy – Inviting |
– Not warming |
| Green | – Tranquil and refreshing – Nature-inspired |
– Can be too bold |
| Beige | – Warm and earthy – Classic |
– Bland if overdone |
Avoid Dark or Intense Colors
It’s best to steer clear of darker, dramatic colors in pint-sized bathrooms. Deep hues like black, brown, red and purple tend to make small spaces feel closed in and heavy. Stick to soft, light shades to keep things airy.
Use Color to Create Illusions
Strategically placed color can create helpful illusions in a small bathroom. For example:
- Painting one wall a darker shade pushes it visually further away, making the room feel larger.
- Vertical stripes elongate walls which makes the space seem taller.
- Painting the ceiling a lighter tint makes it feel higher.
Combine Colors Cautiously
When working with a petite powder room, resist the urge to use too many competing colors. Stick to a simple, cohesive palette of one or two main hues. Monochromatic looks using shades of one color work well. Then inject personality with textures, patterns and materials.
Consider Tiles and Fixtures
Factor in existing tiles, vanities and fixtures when selecting an overall color scheme. Pull one or two tones from these features on the walls to tie everything together. For example, glossy navy blue tiles could inspire a blue accent wall. Or pick a wall color that complements the existing cherry wood vanity.
Reflect Your Personality
Small bathrooms are a great opportunity to add playful, bold personality through color if desired. Just keep the mesmerizing colors to one wall as an accent. Some options:
- Citrus orange or lemon yellow – Uplifting
- Hot pink or fuchsia – Dramatic
- Regal purple or violet – Elegant
- Deep green or teal – Soothing
Experiment with Paint Finishes
In addition to color, paint finish affects the look and feel. Consider options like:
- Matte – Flat and velvety, ideal for small rooms.
- Eggshell – Soft subtle sheen, easy to clean.
- Satin – Low lustre, durable and luminous.
- Semi-gloss – Some shine for trim and accents.
Conclusion
When selecting the ideal colors for a small bathroom, it’s important to enhance the sense of light and space rather than close it in. Stick to a simple, cohesive palette of soft, pale hues like white, gray, blue-green or beige. Use strategic darker colors, vertical striping or ceiling lights to make the room feel larger. Factor in existing elements and inject personality through textures and bold accents. With thoughtful color choices, a petite powder room can feel inviting, uplifting and surprisingly expansive.
