Home Home Design & Decor Bathroom Design Ideas 10 Paint Colors That Make Small Bathrooms Feel Bigger Turn your small bathroom into the oasis you've always dreamed of. By Emily Popp Emily Popp Emily is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines and Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano is an associate editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home and pets. She has five years of writing and editing experience in the digital publishing industry. Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 9, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Ryan Liebe While functionality is the most important feature of any bathroom, with the right design elements, you can transform this room into a calming oasis. But if you're working with limited square footage, your bathroom may feel cramped rather than relaxing. One way to make this space feel bigger is by choosing the right hue for your walls. Ahead, we're sharing paint colors that experts say can make small bathrooms feel bigger. Meg Piercy, founder and owner of MegMade Kathryn Emery, home improvement and lifestyle expert Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab 50 Small Bathroom Ideas That Make a Huge Impact 01 of 10 Light Gray If you're worried about gray feeling too cold, don't be—it can actually be a very warm and inviting hue when thoughtfully selected. Opt for a light gray, as it's neutral enough to create the illusion of light, which can make small bathrooms feel bigger, says Meg Piercy, the founder and owner of MegMade. 02 of 10 Blush Pink Since the bathroom is such a small part of your home, it gives you the opportunity to get creative with color. If you want a subtle shade that's far from boring, opt for blush pink. This colorful neutral is so versatile that you can pair it with essentially any other color, as you would with a true neutral, says Kathryn Emery, home improvement and lifestyle expert. 03 of 10 Taupe Taupe is a versatile neutral that effortlessly makes your space look bigger while complementing your existing décor. "Its warm undertones evoke a cozy feeling while maintaining an open and welcoming environment," says Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. "Consider using it on walls or as an accent color for a timeless appeal." 04 of 10 Lavender Molly Winters Culver Lavender is a soothing shade that can give your bathroom a sense of calm sophistication. "This delicate hue not only reflects light beautifully but also adds a subtle layer of elegance, creating a spa-like ambiance in a compact setting," says Kelly. 05 of 10 Gray-Blue Andreas von Einsiedel / GETTY IMAGES A misty gray-blue is the perfect shade for evoking expansiveness and serenity. "This cool hue enhances the perception of space while providing a modern and soothing backdrop, especially when paired with crisp white accents," says Kelly. 06 of 10 White Ryan Liebe White paint is always a great choice when it comes to creating the illusion of a bigger bathroom. "Lighter colors reflect light easily, which gives the room a bigger appearance," says Piercy. If you don't want the starkness of an entirely white room, add statement accents like a fun pop of color on the vanity, she says. 07 of 10 Off White If you want something warmer, but still bright and open, consider off-white. "My favorite off-white is Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee," says Emery, home. "Many different brands have this same color swatch, which speaks to how popular it is. It has a hint of smoke that gives it texture so the color doesn't appear dull or flat on the walls." 08 of 10 Seafoam Green Yunhee Kim A gentle seafoam green can make any bathroom feel airy and refreshing. "This color choice brings a coastal essence to the space, creating a visually expansive atmosphere without overwhelming the senses," says Kelly. 09 of 10 Dark Green Darker, moody colors can make a bathroom feel spacious if you do them right, says Piercy. For example, a saturated dark green works in a bathroom as long as you get a decent amount of natural light. You can also give the illusion of more space when choosing darker colors by painting the walls, trim, and ceiling in the same color, which blurs the line between where the walls end and the ceilings begin. 10 of 10 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit