Wainscoting for a Dark Wood Vanity

Matching Stain

• A common way to treat wainscoting in a bathroom with a dark wood vanity is to coat it with a dark stain that matches the vanity as closely as possible. By matching the wainscoting and vanity, you create a unified look that gives the room an elegant, formal feel. Paint the top portion of the wall a light shade like white or cream to make the dark wood tones stand out, or opt for a rich shade of blue, green or red for the upper wall that balances out the dark wood tones. While matching the stain on your wainscoting to the vanity can create an attractive look in a large bathroom, the darkness may close in a smaller space, so consider the dimensions of your room before picking up a paintbrush.

Light Stain

• In some cases, using a stain that matches the dark wood of your vanity for your wainscoting may make the vanity blend in with the walls so well that it effectively disappears. If you wish to showcase your vanity but still prefer the look of a natural wood finish, opt for a light colored stain for the wainscoting. Pairing different wood tones in your bathroom can create a warm, cozy feel and add dimension to the space. The contrast between the light and dark wood tones also allows the vanity to stand out, so it becomes a focal point of the room. If you choose to use a lighter stain for the wainscoting, it’s usually best to use a neutral shade for top portion of the walls so you avoid having too many competing colors in the small space of your bathroom.

Neutral Paint

• Another option for making your dark wood vanity stand out is to paint your bathroom wainscoting in a soft, neutral shade. Colors like white, cream, ivory and tan are all attractive options because they contrast with the dark wood of the vanity so it stands out. Neutral tones are also ideal wall colors for a smaller bathroom because light shades help a small space appear larger. Amplify this effect by painting the upper portion of the wall the same shade as the wainscoting. However, if you prefer a subtle contrast, consider painting the wall in a color a shade or two lighter than the wainscoting. To soften the look of your bathroom, opt for a mid-toned shade for the top of the wall like a robin’s egg blue, sage green or gold.

Bold Color

• With a dark wood vanity, you can also opt to paint your wainscoting with a bolder color because it helps balance out the rich, dark look of the vanity. Consider a cranberry shade to warm up the bathroom, or an indigo blue to give the room a peaceful feel. Forest green, eggplant and chocolate brown are other options. If you choose a bold paint color for your wainscoting, it’s usually a good idea to go lighter in color for the top portion of the wall. You may opt for a color that is similar in tone to the wainscoting but several shades lighter to create a monochromatic palette that creates a unified look for your bathroom.