Paint Colors to Visually Enlarge Small Bathrooms - Nolan Painting (2024)

Paint Colors to Visually Enlarge Small Bathrooms - Nolan Painting (1)

The smallest spaces in our homes are generally bathrooms and powder rooms, especially if you have an older home. And small spaces can make us feel confined and uncomfortable. Therefore people often ask, what color will make their bathroom feel larger. Let’s begin the discussion by debunking the myth: “dark colors make a space feel smaller”. Dark-colored walls actually feel as though they are receding, so can in fact help walls appear further away, creating the sense of a larger space. Dark and/or intense colors can also create a more dramatic and interesting space. Bathrooms, particularly powder rooms can be run-of-the-mill, and a deep paint color can add a sense of sophistication or excitement. And when bathrooms or powder rooms lack natural light, embracing darker shades is often the best option. If you paint a room lacking natural light a true white, it will fall flat, feeling dull and uninviting. True whites work best in rooms with plenty of natural light.

A few rich color options worth exploring: SW Caviar 6990, SW Dress Blues 9176, BM True Green 2042-10, and BM Caribbean Azure 2059-20.

Of course rich-colored walls do not appeal to everyone, and if you have a space with good natural light, then a true white can help enhance the spacious feel of a bathroom, particularly if the wall tiles are also white as your eye will flow easily throughout the space. Light colors feel “clean” and “fresh” and these feelings are often welcome in a bathroom. In addition to whites, soft grays/greiges/taupes, pinks, blues and greens are generally successful in bathrooms, even those lacking natural light. Soft color options to consider: SW Pure White 7005, SW Rhinestone 7656, BM White Satin 2067-70 and BM Pink Bliss 2093-70

Bottom line, selecting a color that works well with the tiles, countertop and vanity in the space is the most critical factor to a successful outcome for any bathroom, big or small. And of course, it should be a color that brings you joy. If the colors that work best with your tiles do not appeal to you, then explore alternative directions until you find the right balance for your style. Other ways to enhance the overall appeal of small spaces is to add points of interest in addition to a lovely wall color. A beautiful paint color on your vanity, a gorgeous mirror and piece of art can shift the focus from the small square footage by engaging the occupant and adding pleasure to their experience. And we are here to help! Our color consultants are experts in helping you choose the right color for your space. Get in touch with us today: 610-449-7795

Paint Colors to Visually Enlarge Small Bathrooms - Nolan Painting (2024)

FAQs

What paint makes a small bathroom look bigger? ›

Pale Blue. Another colorful neutral that's still light enough to reflect light, pale blue is a timeless bathroom paint color. In a small bathroom, it can bring a calming sensation while simultaneously making the space feel bigger due to how bright and airy it is.

What color looks best in a small bathroom? ›

Stay away from using dark colors for paint and instead use cool, light grays and blues or warm neutrals, like Elusive Blue or Stargazer. These colors are best because they are light and make the room look bigger. They also reflect light, making the room look brighter.

What color makes a small room look bigger? ›

A: The lighter your colors are, the bigger the room will feel. Stick to shades of white and cream, pastels and light neutrals in gray and taupe.

Does painting a small bathroom a dark color make it look smaller? ›

Let's begin the discussion by debunking the myth: “dark colors make a space feel smaller”. Dark-colored walls actually feel as though they are receding, so can in fact help walls appear further away, creating the sense of a larger space. Dark and/or intense colors can also create a more dramatic and interesting space.

What is a timeless color for a bathroom? ›

'To achieve a timeless look in bathrooms, consider drenching your walls, trim, and ceiling in a warm and inviting light beige like Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams or Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore.

What is the favorite color for a bathroom? ›

Soothing neutrals in blue, green, and gray will help create a relaxing, spa-like vibe for your bathroom. Look for colors inspired by nature like soft sage, sky blue, and ash gray. If you prefer warmer colors, opt for a pale yellow, warm beige, or even a delicate blush color to give the space a welcoming glow.

What is a relaxing colour for a bathroom? ›

If you are looking to create a feeling of calm and relaxation, it's recommended you focus on shades of blue or light green. White colour schemes convey feelings of cleanliness, purity, and space.

What shade of green makes a room look bigger? ›

Light green is an amazing vibrant color that pairs well with white to create a more open space. It can add a really nice modern touch to a room, making the whole room look more inviting and calmer.

What is the most soothing paint color? ›

“Shades of blue or green are known to have a relaxing effect—perfect for creating a serene feeling at home,” says Nicole Gibbons, interior designer and founder of the paint company Clare. “Everyone has their own preference on relaxing colors, but soft, cooler colors seem to feel right for most,” adds Yeo.

How can I make my room look bigger visually? ›

8 Ways to Make a Space Feel Larger
  1. Accentuate the vertical. Draw the eye upward so a room looks more spacious. ...
  2. Consider “see-through” furniture. ...
  3. Lighten up surroundings. ...
  4. Go big with accents. ...
  5. Get away from the wall. ...
  6. Simplify the color scheme. ...
  7. Skip the curtains. ...
  8. Bring nature indoors.
Sep 9, 2020

What color paint makes a bathroom look bigger? ›

According to basic design principles, light colors such as white, crème, pastel blue, gray or yellow are all recommended colors to paint a small bathroom in order to visually expand a room, while dark colors such as a deep red, green or brown, will make a room feel smaller.

What is the best color floor for a small bathroom? ›

White is a color associated with purity and cleanliness and is a very practical choice for the bathroom when it comes to cleaning. To create a truly tranquil bathroom space, an all-white scheme with matching white flooring will make a small bathroom feel much bigger and brighter.

What is the best paint finish for a small bathroom? ›

The best paint finish for a bathroom is semi-gloss because it repels moisture without looking too glossy or reflective. Other potential finish options include satin paint, which has a more subtle sheen than semi-gloss, or matte finishes specifically designed to resist moisture and mildew.

Which walls to paint in small bathroom? ›

Gray is a classic wall color that is well suited to a small bathroom. A light, warm gray works best in bathrooms with a little natural light. The more light you have, the cooler the gray will appear. It pairs well with black, white, or green accents, or shades of pink, yellow, or orange for a more colorful look.

What paint sheen makes a room look bigger? ›

Eggshell or satin finishes will help reflect the light, creating the appearance of even more space.

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