Bathroom color palettes

Bathrooms are often small, humid and sometimes windowless, so choosing colors means thinking about light and materials. These 12 palettes combine shades for tile, walls, vanities and towels, from bright bathrooms to darker, moodier styles.

White and light gray

Classic and bright; ideal for small or windowless bathrooms.

Aqua and white

Fresh and clean; pairs with white tile and fixtures.

Petrol blue and white

Petrol blue on one wall or on the vanity.

Spa beige

Relaxing and warm; for bathrooms with wood and stone.

Black and white

Modern; black faucets or shower frames on white tile.

Mediterranean: terracotta and white

Warm; with clay or handmade tiles.

Sage and wood

Natural and calm; good with humidity-loving plants.

Dusty pink

Soft and current; pairs with gold or white fixtures.

Navy blue and brass

Elegant; brass on faucets, mirrors and light fixtures.

Stone and dark wood

Understated; for bathrooms with microcement or natural stone.

Forest green

Enveloping; for well-lit bathrooms or as an accent wall.

Sky blue and sand

Coastal and bright; brings the beach to mind.

Tap a color to copy its hex code. The pencil icon opens the palette in the editor so you can change it.

No window? Go with light shades

In a bathroom without natural light, dark colors can make it feel small and closed in. Use whites, creams or very soft shades on the walls, and add color with towels, a bath mat or the vanity. Good neutral white lighting helps too.

Choose the tile and fixtures first

Tile, the sink and the toilet are the hardest things to change. Build your palette around them, then choose the wall paint. If you already have colored tile, a neutral wall keeps the bathroom from looking busy.

Moisture-resistant paint

Use washable, moisture-resistant paint, ideally with a mildew inhibitor, especially near the shower. Satin finishes clean up better than matte. Ventilate after every shower so the color lasts longer.

Colors in these palettes

White White smoke Light gray Silver Lead gray Seafoam green Pastel blue Off-white Alabaster Anthracite Black Linen Nude Café au lait Snow white Blue black

Frequently asked questions

What color should you paint a small bathroom?

White, cream or very light shades like aqua or soft gray reflect more light and make it feel bigger.

Can you paint a bathroom a dark color?

Yes, if it has good lighting. Dark colors work best on a single wall or on the vanity, paired with light tile.