By Kerry Hale

The Best Bathroom Paint Ideas

  • Wednesday 23 October 2024
  • 5 minute read

Whether you’re looking to create a bathroom that boosts your mood or one that offers a calming spa-like atmosphere, the paint colours you choose can have a big impact. From bathroom colour ideas to helpful tips on what bathroom wall paint to use, read on to learn how to transform the space with paint.

Choosing the right paint for bathrooms

Subject to steam from showers and splashes from sinks, bathroom walls can be easily damaged if you don’t choose the right paint. If you’re wondering what paint to use in the bathroom, here is everything you need to know. 

Standard vs moisture-resistant paints

Moisture-resistant paint is essential when painting a bathroom. Made of a blend of acrylic and latex with added mildewcides, a chemical that kills or prevents mildew and mould, they’re ideal for humid bathrooms. They’re washable and scrubbable – great for high-traffic or splash-prone areas.  

Standard paint is typically either latex or acrylic-based, designed for general indoor use. They’re not ideal for bathroom use as they absorb moisture easily, lack mould-resistant features, and are prone to peeling, bubbling and cracking.
 

Finishes, satin, semi-gloss and more

To achieve long-lasting results in your bathroom, choose paints that have a semi-gloss or gloss finish, as they’re highly water-repellent and easy to clean. Satin finishes also offer a good balance of durability and subtle sheen. Avoid matt or eggshell finishes as they absorb moisture and stain easily.

Trending colours

We’ve broken down the popular colour trends for bathrooms, including our favourite painting ideas for bathrooms, to give you some inspiration. 


Warm neutrals and earthy tones  

Softer, neutral shades can create a calming, grounded atmosphere, perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing bathroom space. Warm neutrals like beige, off-white or warm taupe are ideal colours for an inviting feel, while earthy tones, including terracotta, ochre or sage green, create a warm, cosy environment. 

If you like neutral tones and a minimal bathroom aesthetic, read our guide to give you bathroom a Scandi-style makeover.


Statement shades 

Statement shades can transform your bathroom from an everyday room into the focal point of your home. Bold colours like deep plum, cobalt blue, emerald green or a sunny yellow can add drama and personality to the space. These statement shades inject a burst of energy into the room.

 

 

Small bathroom paint ideas and colour strategies

Paint can visually transform a room, with specific colour choices enhancing light, depth and height if used correctly. To help you make the most of your space, we’ve put together some bathroom paint inspiration below.  


Light colours that expand space  

Choose clean, bright shades, like soft whites, pale greys, warm creams or powder blues, to brighten up your bathroom. These colours reflect light, creating the illusion of an airy, open atmosphere. Pair these shades with glossy finishes to enhance reflectivity.  


Patterns that play with height 

Strategic paintwork can also create the illusion of a bigger space. Try painting vertical stripes, using painter’s tape for clean lines and symmetry, to elongate bathrooms with low ceilings. Or, include ombre effects that fade from dark to light as you travel up the wall to draw the eye upward. These techniques will enhance your bathroom’s space but keep patterns simple to avoid overwhelming the room.

Creative paint techniques

There are plenty of ways you can get creative with your bathroom paint schemes, including:  

Accent walls and colour blocking  

Consider painting an accent wall in your bathroom with a bold or contrasting colour. Bathroom accent walls are a great way to create a focal point within the room, adding personality and interest. Choose walls that help you highlight specific bathroom features, like your vanity, mirror or shower wall.  

Colour blocking can also transform the personality of a room. This interior design trend is a bold technique where large sections of contrasting or complementary colours are used to create visual impact and define space. It’s the perfect way to add visual interest and a maximalist, modern flair.  

Read our guide for more maximalist bathroom ideas.  

Using paint to create visual zones  

Creating visual zones with paint is a clever way to define different functional areas in a bathroom, like your vanity units, shower enclosure or toilet. By applying contrasting colours, varied finishes, or even painted shapes, you can guide the eye and enhance spatial flow. This technique adds personality and structure while keeping the space cohesive and modern.

Styling tips and decor

Whether you’re aiming to create a cohesive look by matching your paint with your fixtures or add personality with contrasting choices, these thoughtful styling and decor choices can transform your bathroom.  

 

Matching paint with fixtures  

Your chosen paint colour can either enhance, contrast or complement your bathroom fixtures. Here are some recommended combinations: 

  • Warm-toned paints like beige or terracotta complement brass, gold or matte black fixtures.  

  • Cool-toned paints, including grey, blue or sage, work well with chrome, nickel or brushed steel fixtures.  

 

How Mira Showers complement your colour scheme  

Mira Showers’ range of sleek fittings provides the perfect finishing touch to your bathroom design. With modern shower enclosures available in chrome, matt black and brushed nickel, they’ll easily integrate with both neutral and bold paint schemes.  

Why not pair our matt black showers with deep green or warm neutral paint for a dramatic contrast? Or consider chrome bathroom taps or basins to complement soft greys or icy blues for a clean, fresh aesthetic? Our accessories come in a range of finishes and colours, so you can find the perfect match for your bathroom design.  

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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