Small bathrooms often feel cramped, but the right paint color can transform even the tiniest powder room into a space that feels open, inviting, and stylish. Whether you prefer crisp whites, soothing neutrals, or bold statement shades, the right hue can highlight natural light, add depth, and enhance your bathroom’s personality.
Here are 28 paint color ideas for small bathrooms that will make your space feel more spacious and elevated.
1. Neutral White
White is a timeless choice for small bathrooms because it reflects light and creates the illusion of more space. The key is choosing a white with the right undertones—warm enough to feel welcoming, but crisp enough to brighten low-light rooms.
Paint to try: Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
Pro tip: Use soft whites on both walls and ceilings for a seamless, airy effect.
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2. Warm Beige
Beige doesn’t have to feel boring. A warm beige with subtle green undertones adds dimension and pairs beautifully with both wood accents and sleek modern finishes.
Paint to try: Sherwin-Williams Ancient Marble SW 6162
Why it works: It offers flexibility—you can accessorize with neutrals for calm vibes or bold accents for personality.
3. Forest Green
Deep greens like forest green bring coziness to a small bathroom without overwhelming it. Paired with brass or gold accents, it feels rich and timeless.
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Buy Now on AmazonPaint to try: Clare Current Mood
Style idea: Combine with natural wood or marble counters for a spa-like retreat.
4. Blush Pink
Blush pink acts almost like a neutral, especially in bathrooms with natural light. It softens the space and adds a subtle romantic vibe.
Paint to try: Behr My Sweetheart
Pair with: White tile and silver fixtures for modern elegance, or black-and-white flooring for vintage charm.
5. Dark Navy Blue
Contrary to popular belief, dark colors don’t always make a small room look smaller. Navy blue creates depth and can actually expand the perception of space.
Paint to try: The Spruce Cosmic Sapphire SPR-18
6. Dove Gray
Soft gray adds a soothing, versatile touch. It works well with polished chrome fixtures, white trim, and pops of greenery.
Paint to try: Clare Seize the Gray
7. Matte Black
Black walls may seem bold, but in a small bathroom they feel cocooning and dramatic. Balance with mirrors, white wainscoting, or brass lighting to keep it luminous.
Paint to try: Sherwin-Williams Black Magic SW 6991
8. Burgundy
A powder room is the perfect place to go daring. Burgundy feels luxurious and makes even the tiniest bathroom unforgettable.
Paint to try: Clare Vintage
9. Sunny Yellow
For cheerful energy, try golden-toned yellow. It works surprisingly well in bathrooms without much natural light.
Paint to try: The Spruce Wax Pepper SPR-06
10. Lilac Purple
Unexpected yet uplifting, lilac purple adds personality without overwhelming. It looks luminous when paired with soft pinks or whites.
Paint to try: Benjamin Moore Spring Lilac 1338
11. Lavender
Cool lavender brings a coastal, airy vibe. Painting the ceiling lavender can “lift” the space visually.
Paint to try: Benjamin Moore Iced Lavender 1410
12. Pale Aqua
Aqua shades feel refreshing and light, especially in sunlit bathrooms. They add color while keeping things calm.
Paint to try: Sherwin-Williams Window Pane SW 6210
13. Light Taupe
Taupe—a soft mix of gray and brown—strikes the perfect balance between modern and traditional.
Paint to try: Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray
14. Teal
Teal delivers bold personality in compact spaces. It’s vibrant, stylish, and pairs beautifully with both neutrals and brights.
Paint to try: Clare Deep Dive
15. Bright White
For bathrooms with minimal natural light, bright white works wonders. It reflects every bit of light, making the room feel expansive.
Paint to try: Benjamin Moore Simply White
16. Periwinkle Blue
A soft mix of blue and violet, periwinkle feels dreamy and calming—perfect for traditional or vintage-inspired bathrooms.
Paint to try: Clare Wink
17. Dark Gray-Green
This earthy tone shifts beautifully with the light, offering a cozy, moody atmosphere at night and a brighter feel during the day.
Paint to try: Benjamin Moore Kitty Gray 1589
18. Cool Pale Gray
For an airy, modern look, try a whisper-light gray with subtle green undertones.
Paint to try: Clare Chill
19. Pewter Gray
A little darker than classic gray, pewter adds sophistication and depth to a small space.
Paint to try: Behr Burnished Pewter PPU24-04
20. Light Blue
Soft blues evoke calmness and can make even a windowless bathroom feel refreshing.
Paint to try: Magnolia Vibrant Horizon
21. Cool White
A crisp white with gray undertones feels modern and bright. It’s ideal for bathrooms with plenty of natural light.
Paint to try: Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White
22. Pale Sage Green
This muted green works well with farmhouse or coastal styles. It pairs beautifully with wood accents and brass fixtures.
Paint to try: Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog
23. Orange Sherbet
For a cheerful, Palm Beach-inspired look, try sherbet orange. It glows in small spaces without overwhelming them.
Paint to try: Benjamin Moore Orange Sherbet
24. Light Gray
A classic neutral that plays well with both muted and bold accents. Light gray is versatile, timeless, and fresh.
Paint to try: Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52
25. Mint Green
Mint green feels crisp and refreshing. It adds a subtle pop of color while keeping the space airy.
Paint to try: Benjamin Moore French Mint 2037-70
26. Pistachio Green
A fun, energetic shade that works especially well in powder rooms. Pair with patterned wallpaper for extra personality.
Paint to try: Sherwin-Williams Oh Pistachio 9033
27. Royal Blue
Royal blue feels bold and elegant. It highlights architectural details and pairs beautifully with patterned tile.
Paint to try: Benjamin Moore Dark Royal Blue 2065-20
28. Greige
Greige—a blend of gray and beige—is warm, versatile, and timeless. It works in both modern and classic bathrooms.
Paint to try: Benjamin Moore Pashmina AF-100
FAQs
What paint colors make a small bathroom look bigger?
Light shades like white, pale blue, blush, or yellow reflect light and create the illusion of more space.
How do you brighten a small half bathroom?
Use light paint colors, maximize mirrors, and choose lighting with clear shades to distribute brightness evenly.
What bathroom paint colors help with resale?
Neutral shades—especially white, gray, and greige—are buyer favorites. Light blue is also a top choice thanks to its calming appeal.
