The bathroom is first and foremost practical, but given that it’s where most of us start and end our day, its aesthetics are just as important as its function. The color of the bathroom sets the morning tone for the start of your day and then provides the backdrop for your evening routine as you begin to unwind. If your bathroom needs a little freshness, but you’re overwhelmed by all the paint color options, sometimes starting with colors not to use can help you narrow down your choices. Interior designer Sallie Lord shares her thoughts on paint colors that shouldn’t be used in the bathroom, and we’re sharing what should be used instead.
Just as important as choosing the right paint color is using the right gloss. Paint can completely change the appearance of a color, thereby changing the atmosphere of the entire room. Due to the humid nature of the space, using the right finish in the bathroom is particularly important both practically and aesthetically. Before you refresh your bathroom next time, listen to God’s advice to avoid paint colors and finishes, and learn what to use instead.
Whether you want to turn your bathroom into an oasis of calm and peace, or want to boldly express yourself in a tiny powder room, Lord recommends staying away from drab colors. “Drab and ‘dirty’ colors don’t look right in the bathroom,” she says. Any muddy hue, whether heavy beige, dark khaki, or fuzzy mauve, will weigh heavily on the space visually, making it look dark and dated. “It gets you down and drains your energy,” Lord said.
Instead, go for a sharp tone and pick a real color, whether it’s a deep blue or a refreshing mint green. Although they differ in brightness and saturation, they are all different paint colors that look clean and clearly embody a certain visual aesthetic. In addition to using unique colors on the walls, do the same on the decorations. Avoid using cream colors on baseboards, crown trim, and door and window trim to prevent looking dirty and outdated, and stick to clean white or real colors taken from bathroom wallpaper.
“As much as I love black, I recommend avoiding matte black in the bathroom,” Lord says. People often don’t realize that it’s not just about choosing the right paint color for a space, but choosing the right finish. Paint can completely change the appearance of a color and greatly affect the overall style and atmosphere of a room. Whether it’s matte black or charcoal, Lord recommends staying away from darker matte tones. “The color and finish leaves a mark like a chalkboard and looks like a wild bear trying to snatch toilet paper,” she said.
Most interior paints are flat paint, matte paint, eggshell paint, satin paint, semi-finish paint and high finish paint. In the bathroom, don’t use flat and matte paint, and don’t use highlighter paint, because highlighter will highlight moisture in the room and make people look messy. Instead, choose one of three medium-gloss finishes, such as eggshell, satin or semi-gloss. They are easier to maintain while providing a clean and polished appearance.
When it comes to bathrooms, green is a popular paint color, but choosing the right hue is key. The bathroom is where most of us start and end our day, which means an overwhelming paint color isn’t the best choice for getting ready or relaxing. “Shocking colors like neon green and chartreuse are not ideal,” Lord said. Not only do these bright hues overwhelm space with their intensity, but as Lord points out, “their impact wears down your body very quickly.” Strong paint colors can also make normally small Spaces, such as bathrooms, feel more cramped and damp.
Swap shocking hues like neon green and chartreuse for a timeless green that can be rejuvenating in the morning and calming in the evening. Dark colors like forest green will inject a down-to-earth, nature-inspired energy into the bathroom, especially when paired with natural materials like wood vanities and stone floor tiles. On the other hand, if you want a bright and airy bathroom design, the mint green wall color will set a soothing backdrop for the white cabinets and polished chrome trim.