So you’re planning to spruce up your bathroom but can’t decide about the paint color? Whether it’s a full-on renovation or just a fresh paint job, many of us have been there. Picking the right paint color is crucial since it can either make or break the look of your bathroom. So to take the guesswork out, we listed here 10 of our tried and tested tips on how to choose paint color for bathroom use.
Overall, each of us has specific color preferences. What looks good in someone’s eye may not the same level of attractiveness to you.
But when it comes to picking a new paint color for your bathroom there are objective factors you need to consider. After all, you’d want your bathroom’s new paint to complement other colors and elements inside.
Read our tips to know how you can pick the bathroom color you won’t regret.
How to choose paint color for bathroom
Are you at a loss about what color suits your bathroom? Here are a few tips that can help you choose or at least narrow down your color choices.
1. Come up with a color scheme
First, you should come up with a color scheme. You should decide whether you want a cozy, vibrant, relaxed, or bold vibe in your bathroom.
A color scheme will narrow down your color options by a mile. For instance, if you want a cozy and rustic vibe, any vibrant color is out of the window. Also, if you want to keep your bathroom bright and well-lit, you should reduce dark colors.
One trick you can do to see if the colors match is to use cloth or fabrics and place it against the wall. This works well if you don’t have a keen eye for color. It will let you imagine what the colors would look like once it’s covering a portion of your bathroom. Aside from textiles, you can also use art pieces for perspective.
2. Start with three colors
You don’t have to decide on a single color right away. You can choose three colors in line with the ‘rule of three’.
With this principle, you need to pick one rich color, one neutral color, and one accent color. You will then distribute these three colors into 70/20/10 proportion. The lightest color should take up the biggest allocation and the boldest will get the smallest distribution.
Play with neutrals and don’t hesitate to match them with bold colors. Don’t limit your imagination to the typical combination of neutral and earthy hues.
3. Combine two neutral colors
Another color trick you can use is combining or mixing two neutrals. For this part, you need to distribute the two colors in a 70/30 manner, wherein you’re free to pick which color gets the biggest distribution.
Overall, mixing two neutral colors will give your bathroom a calming and easy-on-the-eyes vibe. It will also look better when a texture is added to the mix. You can also choose whether you want glossy, semi-gloss, or matte paint to match the theme you want to achieve.
4. Use two contrasting colors
If you prefer a vibrant and energizing bathroom, we recommend contrasting two bright colors. You can also mix it with touches of white to imbibe a calm look, so the bright colors don’t look too warm on the eyes.
Again, you can use fabrics or construction paper to compare and match colors before purchasing your paint. You can also ask a local paint supply staff to help you pick complimenting colors that you can use in your bathroom. They can give you swatches that you can bring home to check whether it fits or not.
5. Opt for coastal colors
Coastal colors are a good idea for bathrooms since it gives a happy and sunny impression. It’s also a good pick if you’re living near a beach or a tropical place.
Aside from looking good, this color palette will also subconsciously make bath time more fun for you. You can even add beach-inspired bathroom accessories to support the look you’re aiming for.
However, if you prefer a more laidback bathroom color, this may not be the palette for you. The good thing is you can tone down the shades, so you can still retain the coastal feel but without feeling too bold.
6. Consider your bathroom lighting
Aside from the color swatches, you also have to factor in the lighting of your bathroom. It’s because the same color will look widely different under a specific lighting condition.
In this case, you should use a paint swatch, so you can see the color with your bathroom lighting. It may look darker or brighter, depending if you have a window or not. Also, if you prefer more somber lighting, you’ll have to adjust your color options accordingly.
Make sure to hold the paint swatch against the wall with your lights on. This way, you can see what the paint will look like once it’s applied.
7. Factor in your floor color
When picking a bathroom paint color, you must work around the color of your flooring. Unless you’re willing to strip away your bathroom floor to match your new paint, this is a crucial consideration.
Usually, bathroom floors with neutral or white colors are easy to match. You have wider color options in both bright and dark shades.
However, if your bathroom has an unusual floor color, it could be harder to find a complimenting paint hue. You’re probably going on a color that doesn’t really meet your preferences.
8. Consider your bathroom size
For small bathrooms, it’s ideal to use lighter colors. This will create a sense of space and keep the bathroom breathable and without the feeling of “being trapped”.
On the other hand, big bathrooms can make use of darker colors to tame the space. It will also create a cozy vibe compared to using bright colors.
So before you set your heart on a specific bathroom color, make sure that it matches the bathroom size.
9. Don’t overdo dark colors
Dark colors are great options if you want cozy, laidback, or contrasting bathroom paint. However, you should avoid overdoing it. If you do, your bathroom may look too drab and unappealing.
Aside from that, dark colors may hide molds, which is very common in moist areas like bathrooms. As much as possible, keep a healthy balance of darks and brights.
10. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment with possible colors that may suit your bathroom. Remember that no color is prohibited when giving your bathroom a facelift.
In the end, the best paint color is the one that will make you enjoy your stay inside the bathroom. Don’t hesitate to consult an interior designer if you have the extra budget to do so.
Final words
Knowing how to choose paint color for bathroom doesn’t have to be mind-racking. You can always let creativity run wild to see what colors match the theme you prefer.
Don’t hesitate to request paint swatches from a local store, so you can put them against the wall. You can also use fabrics with the color you’re considering, so you can visualize whether it will suit your bathroom or not.