6 Paint Colors To Avoid In Your Bathroom—And 6 Shades You Should Use Instead

Because the bathroom is a space that is frequently used, it’s important to set the right tone, which means there are some colors to avoid, whether it’s a primary bath or powder room. “A bathroom is a place to start and end the day, or simply refresh. Therefore, it should be a nice balance of invigorating and restful, and the right paint color can achieve this elusive balance,” says Atlanta designer Katie Wolf. 

Whether you’re looking to keep things calm with soothing blues or take a bolder approach with a brighter hue, bathroom trends aside, it all comes down to your personal style preference when selecting a paint color. “I honestly have a hard time taking any color off the table for anything!” says Amanda Louise Campbell of Amanda Louise Interiors in Greenville, South Carolina. Even so, there are a few paint colors and treatments that some Southern designers say are better when kept out of the bathroom.

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."

Do: Reach for distinct colors.

Don’t let the bathroom be an afterthought, and give it a little personality with paint. "I prefer to keep it simple with a clean white or a true color, but always avoid the in-between colors," says Wolf. Whether it’s an energizing blue or soft pink, embrace your shade. For this vanity, the homeowner splashed it with Sherwin-Williams’ Pink Shadow (SW 0007).

Don't Use: Overly-Bright Whites 

Stark shades can evoke a clinical feeling and feel harsh in homes—especially in small spaces like the bathroom. “A bright white can feel so sterile and cold alongside all the marble and tile,” says designer Khaki Daniel.

Do: Opt for soft whites instead.

On the other hand, white paint can make a space feel clean and open, so it’s important to select the right shade, especially in a bathroom. Keep the clinical feeling at bay by selecting a creamier shade. “Opt for warmer, softer whites or off-whites instead,” says South Carolina designer Caroline Brackett. This bathroom has Sherwin-Williams’ Pearly White (SW 7009) on the walls and Sherwin-Williams' Extra White (SW 7006) on the trim.

Don't Use: Too-Warm Tones

While we love rich and playful hues in other areas of the house, they aren’t always well suited to smaller spaces. “Colors with warm undertones like yellows, oranges, and reds can make a bathroom feel humid and muggy,” says Brackett. 

Do: Go a more natural route.

“Cool tones like soft blues, greens, and grays are usually better choices,” explains Brackett. Not only do they evoke a sense of calm and peacefulness, but they also can read like neutrals. Farrow & Ball’s Green Blue (No. 84) is the just-right hue for this bathroom.

Don't Use: High-Gloss Finishes

While there's a time and place for high-gloss paint, the bathroom isn’t always the best spot to try out a different sheen. “Glossy paints can cause excessive glare and make moisture and imperfections more noticeable in a bathroom,” says Brackett. However, if you’re looking to pack a punch in a powder room, a shinier finish is better suited to those bathrooms without a shower or tub. 

Do: Stick to subtle finishes.

Brackett recommends instead using eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss finishes for a more soothing feel. This nature-inspired bathroom is splashed with Sherwin-Williams' Herbal Wash (SW 7739) in a satin finish.

Don't Use: Ultra-Saturated Colors All Over

"Dark shades like deep reds, browns, or blacks can make a small bathroom feel even smaller, cramped, and cave-like. And vibrant, intense colors like fire engine red, royal blue or lime green can be overwhelming and juvenile," explains Brackett. While it’s fun to select a bold paint, consider the other elements of the room and scale first.

Do: Strike a balance with your palette.

"Bathrooms tend to be smaller spaces, so it's best to stick with lighter, airier colors,” says Brackett. “Subdued tones will offer a spa-like, relaxing atmosphere.” However, that doesn't mean you can’t infuse your bathroom with color. Instead of painting the whole wall an energetic blue, just cover the wainscoting or trim and pair it with a fun wallpaper like artist Dorthy Shain Henderson did in her home with Farrow & Ball’s Stone Blue, No. 86.

Don't Use: Hues That Match The Tile

When everything is painted the same color, it can easily look outdated. “In our 1960s home we had two bathrooms with original tile that took on a slight tan hue, and when we moved in they were painted a coordinating neutral that just looked muddled and old,” explains Campbell.

Do: Lighten it up.

Save the hassle of replacing tile and instead liven up the bathroom with a fresh coat of paint on the walls to keep the space from feeling like all one shade. “Adding in brighter pops of color with wallpaper, textiles, and paint adds contrast to beige tile, making rooms feel fresher and giving them a new life!” says Campbell. Given the blue details of this bathroom's tile flooring, Sherwin-Williams' Pure White (SW 7005) keeps things feeling cohesive and bright, but not boring.