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By Kerry Hale

10 Bathroom Paint Ideas to Transform Your Space

  • Wednesday 23 October 2024
  • 5 minute read

The bathroom is a part of your home where you can enjoy personal space as you prepare for the day and unwind in the evening. Whether you want the room to boost your mood or feel like a spa, the paint colours you choose can have a big impact.

Discover our top 10 bathroom paint ideas to transform your space into the haven you deserve.

What paint finish should I use in a bathroom?

To achieve a long-lasting finish in your bathroom, use paint with a satin, eggshell, semi-gloss or high-gloss finish, as these are washable and perfect for moisture-prone rooms.

1. Design an accent wall

Creating an accent wall is a simple but effective way to brighten up your bathroom and add a splash of personality.

Want the room to enhance your well-being and boost your mood every day? Choose blue for your accent wall. Associated with the sea and the sky, this colour will bring a calming element to the space. Leave the other walls white to help the blue stand out.

2. Light and dark contrast

Playing with contrast in your bathroom is a great way to enhance its design. Black and white is one of the most timeless bathroom colour schemes, adding a sleek look and plenty of interest.

We recommend applying a darker shade to the lower parts of the room and contrasting this with a lighter shade on top. If you don’t want to commit to using dark paint, you could contrast white paint with darker furniture and accessories.

3. Painted storage

Add pops of colour to your bathroom by painting your storage, whether wooden boxes, cabinets or corner units. This easy DIY project will make a big difference to the look and feel of your space, and you can choose any shade you like!

4. Statement ceiling

Want to make your bathroom stand out? One of our top bathroom colour ideas is to decorate the ceiling with a statement shade. Instead of leaving it white, choose a colour that draws the eye upwards and leaves a lasting impression.

Calming, cosy and oh-so-pretty, pink can transform your bathroom into a place of tranquillity when used on the ceiling. Dusky pink adds understated elegance and glamour and looks great paired with white.

How do I paint a ceiling?

First, prepare your ceiling by washing it with warm water and sugar soap and wiping it down thoroughly. Use sandpaper to smooth the surface if the existing paint is peeling. Then, follow these steps: 

  1. Remove fixtures like mirrors or shelving, then use masking tape to cover any you can’t remove, like sinks, taps and handles.

  2. Place dust sheets over the bath, shower, toilet and flooring to protect them from paint splashes.

  3. Use a paintbrush to cut in around the edges of the ceiling first.

  4. Empty some paint into a tray and use a roller to apply the first coat, working in W-shaped motions.

  5. Let the first coat dry completely before applying a second coat.

  6. Remove any masking tape.

Do you paint the ceiling or walls first?

Always paint the ceiling first, whether you’re going for an all-white bathroom or painting the ceiling and walls in different shades. This prevents paint from the ceiling from splashing onto freshly decorated walls.

5. Painted panelling

If you have panelling in your bathroom, consider changing up the colour to boost its look. Green is ideal if you want a bathroom that helps you wake up in the morning and unwind at night. Try an earthy shade for ultimate relaxation or a pastel green for a country-style feel.

Accessorise the space with foliage in complementary shades of green – remember to research species that like the warm and often low-lit conditions of a bathroom. Whichever shade you choose, these green bathroom paint ideas will help create a peaceful retreat.

6. Create zones

Zones can help highlight key elements in your bathroom, like your sink, bath, and shower enclosure. One of the easiest ways to create them is with paint – choose shades that complement each other to retain a harmonious feel throughout the room. Light colours work particularly well in small bathrooms, helping them feel more spacious.

7. Paint the bath

Create a fun focal point by painting the outside of your bathtub. For maximum effect, choose a bright colour – like green or yellow – and leave the bathroom walls neutral.

White paint offers a crisp look, or for something a little different, why not paint the walls grey? Choose warm tones for a cosy bathroom scheme, or go for paler shades for a touch of elegance.

8. Go bold with bright colours

Are you having trouble deciding on colours for the bathroom? Inject a burst of energy with a bright shade like yellow. Whether you use it all over or just for accent details, this colour is ideal for bathrooms that don’t get much natural light, as it radiates energy and creates the illusion of brightness.

9. Paint the door

Something as simple as painting your bathroom door can affect the look of the entire room. If you want to change up a conventional white door, why not try other shades like blue, red or black? You could also paint the trim to add extra appeal.

10. Paint the windowsill

Similarly to the door, painting the windowsill can add a stylish touch to your bathroom. You could create a monochromatic windowsill by using lighter and darker shades together. Or, paint your windowsill white and spruce it up with houseplants for a natural look.

Ready to transform your bathroom? Check out our easy bathroom refresh ideas for more inspiration, and explore our innovative range of showers and accessories to find the perfect design for your home.

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