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7 small bathroom paint designs & colours to try out at home
Small bathrooms are notoriously tricky to decorate. With space at a premium and moisture posing a challenge when selecting products, it’s tempting to forgo decorating them all together – but before you do – hear us out. There are plenty of small bathroom paint designs that will change the way you think about renovating your bathroom forever.
These schemes have the power to not only metamorphose a dingy space into a captivating one, but you can futureproof your bathroom by selecting super pigmented, high-performance paints that will protect against damp and mould. You’ll never have to worry about the eyesore that comes with having a dated, faded and stained décor, or a bathroom look that opposes your sense of personal style.
Before we get into the specifics, however, there are some preliminary considerations that you should make from how the light will affect chosen colours to picking a style or aesthetic. Come on, discerning homeowners – let’s get into it.
essential paint colour considerations for small bathrooms
When it comes to choosing small bathroom paint designs and colour schemes, it’s not all about selecting a colour you like in isolation. No, it’s better practice to consider some of the following aspects we lay out below.
After all, you’ll need a premium bathroom paint that not only looks good within the room you’re decorating – whether primarily lit by natural or artificial light – but that can equally withstand moisture, fight off mould and keep dark spots at bay.
working with not against natural light
Light affects how we perceive colour, so it stands to reason that it’s one of the most important aspects of choosing the colours for tiny bathrooms – particularly when you factor in that there might not be too much natural light available.
If your bathroom faces south – lucky you! It will be filled with warm light from dusk til dawn, allowing you a huge range of choice: pale tones cultivate a light and airy feel, cool shades create a fresh, aquatic vibe while crisp whites are always a great choice for a clean look.
But what about northern-facing rooms? We’ve covered some of the following points in our blog about our favourite Farrow & Ball colours for north-facing rooms, but it’s worth reiterating:
- Northern light is prone to emphasising cooler tones in a colour palette
- Shades with a green or grey base might wash out a room
- Warm undertones can counteract the cold-tinged northern light
making the room feel bigger
The next approach involves a bit of optical illusion magic. If you want to disguise the lack of square footage and make the room feel bigger and brighter, there’s a lot you can do with colour. For a start you can select a finish with a decent amount of sheen to reflect light back into the room and pair this with a clever painting technique.
colour psychology
Colours can impact the emotional reception of a space significantly. Warm colours like yellows and reds can make a room feel cosy and intimate, while cool colours like blues and greens evoke a sense of calm and spaciousness. In small bathrooms, it’s a solid plan to consider how you want to feel in the space. For relaxation, soft blues and greens can be ideal. For energy and brightness, yellows and whites work wonders, and crucially as this is a small space you can afford to experiment!
getting the finish right
Another thing that should be front of mind is your chosen paint finish. While it might not seem like a major factor in revamping your bathroom, the right sheen level can work wonders for tiny spaces. Matt finishes like Farrow and Ball’s Dead Flat offer a flatter, smoother texture, which is ideal for bolder styles where saturation is key – see this lovely example with Vert De Terreand just imagine how good it would look in a bathroom! Satin finishes are better for softer colours and have a lot more sheen to help reflect light; as do eggshells, which are more of a happy medium.
From paint finishes to finishing touches… it shouldn’t just be the walls you’re thinking about. Every little detail from repainting your window sills to giving wooden floors a needed refresh can really help the final product to come together, especially if you’re savvy with colour combinations. Here, you can either make your trim, windows and doors pop with a contrasting hue or allow them to recede elegantly into the background by painting them a similar shade with complementary undertones.
finding the style to die for
Your bathroom should not only be a functional space but a reflection of your home’s wider aesthetic. This is in part to fight off the possibility of getting it not quite right and having to repaint – with bathroom renovations typically taking up to 6 weeks, this can put quite the spanner in the works.
Whether you’re a fan of vintage charm or sleek modernity, aligning your bathroom design with the rest of your home can also create a harmonious flow and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal. Popular styles include art deco with its bold geometric patterns; mid-century modern with clean lines and organic curves; farmhouse chic, featuring soft neutrals, panelled walls and rustic accents; and contemporary minimalism, which embraces neutral colours, clean lines, and functional design elements. Each of these styles brings a unique vibe to your bathroom, so definitely take to the web or your socials to see some real-life examples.
7 splat-approved small bathroom paint designs
1) dimity with olive green accents
Dimity by Farrow & Ball, with its taupe and soft pink undertones, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. It looks particularly lovely with the olive green accents or deeper pinks. Splash Dimity on the walls and add olive green through cabinetry, window sills, or accessories to create a snazzy yet balanced bathroom.
2) play with sunset shades
Use Rhubarb from Paint and Paper Library, a vibrant Mexican pink, to add a bold and modern touch to your small bathroom. This striking colour can be used on an accent wall, or as a statement hue for cabinetry and trim. Pair it with neutral or white walls to allow the pink to pop, creating a lively and contemporary space that surprises and delights.
3) refresh with jewel tones
Little Greene’s Mid Azure Green, a deep teal colour, paired with classic Victorian black and white tiles, creates an elegant and timeless bathroom design. Use this deep pigmented shade on the walls and incorporate black and white tiles on the floor or as a backsplash to add a sophisticated contrast with the jewel tone.
4) burnt orange and teal showstopper
The rich, burnt orange earth tone of Muscovado from Little Greene’s Sweet Treats Collection brings depth and warmth to a bathroom, as does Farrow and Ball’s Charlotte’s Locks. Complement this indulgent hue with teal accents to evoke a mid-century modern vibe. Consider teal for towels, rugs, and decor items while keeping the orangey tones on the walls or fixtures for a dynamic and stylish space. Oh, and don’t forget to opt for complementary tiles!
5) go delicate and dainty with floral wallpaper
Light Gray by Farrow & Ball, a stony neutral with a subtle green base, works beautifully with floral wallpaper. Apply Light Gray on half the walls or as a base, and complement it with a floral wallpaper that includes hints of green or matching neutral tones. This creates a serene and classic look with a touch of nature.
6) try mister david for a sunny look
Mister David by Little Greene, a bright and cheerful yellow, radiates sunshine and positivity. It’s no surprise that it’s our founder, Jamie’s, favourite shade. Use Mister David on the walls and a crisp neutral for accents like flooring, trim, and decorative items to create a joyful and bold space. Mambo by Little Greene is also a brilliant option in a similar vein, packed full of vibrant violent tones – basically, what we’re saying is that
7) indulge in a luxuriant blue
For a tasteful and elegant bathroom, choose a deep marine cobalt or a lighter teal as the primary colour; powder blues and whites for accents add depth and variety. This combination offers a calm and sophisticated aesthetic, perfect for creating a serene bathroom retreat. Incorporate these blues through tiles, paint, and accessories for a cohesive look.
bringing it all together
Remember, the key to a successful small bathroom makeover is to balance style with practicality. Choose high-quality, eco-conscious paints that offer durability and mould resistance, ensuring your beautiful new bathroom stands the test of time.
At splat, we’re here to help you every step of the way, with plenty more style inspiration and top-tier painting tips on the rest of our blog.
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