Paint Ideas for Tiny Bathrooms

Light Colors

• When planning the color of the bathroom, avoid dark shades because they can close in the room and make it feel even smaller. Instead, opt for light shades that reflect the light and give the illusion of a wider space to make the bathroom feel larger. White is a safe choice because it is a neutral shade with which you can pair many colors. Pure white can sometimes create a stark, cold feeling, so an off-white shade such as ivory or cream is often a better option. Tan and gray are other neutral shades to consider. Pastel shades such as sky blue, lilac, mint, peach or light yellow are suitable depending on the look you wish to achieve.

Stenciled Border

• Adding a mural to your bathroom provides a focal point to add dimension and visual interest to the space. In a small bathroom, a large wall mural may overwhelm the room and make it feel too crowded. If you want to add a graphic element to your bathroom walls, a stenciled border is an ideal alternative. You can find stencils in a variety of shapes, images and designs at craft stores, so you can create a custom border that fits your bathroom decor. It’s usually best to opt for a smaller border to keep the scale is in proportion to the size of your room.

Faux Finish

• Since light paint colors are the best option for a bathroom, you might feel limited in your options and worry that the room has a drab, boring look. Color isn’t the only way to add visual interest to your bathroom. Using a textured finish in a light color on your walls can add dimension to the space while maintaining a bright, spacious feel for the room. Ragging or sponging are the easiest faux finish techniques to use because you press the paint into the wall using a rag or sponge to create a mottled look. If you prefer a subtler look, you can also use the rag or sponge to gently blot off paint that you have rolled onto the wall so the walls have a soft, textured finish.

Vertical Pin Stripes

• In a small bathroom, using a large, bold pattern on the walls can crowd the space and make it feel too busy. A subtle pattern can provide visual interest and give your bathroom a more whimsical look. Vertical pinstripes are an ideal pattern for a small bathroom because they appear to elongate the walls and make the ceiling look taller so the room feels larger. This method is also an ideal way to incorporate a dark, bold shade in your bathroom since you can start with a white or cream background for the pattern and add thin stripes in a vibrant color such as red, yellow, purple or turquoise.