5 Paint Colors You Should Never Use in a Bathroom, Designers Warn

There are plenty of traditional bathroom colors to choose from. You can opt for neutrals, for example, to create a beige bathroom, a classic bathroom shade. Eggshell bathrooms are also another go-to favorite that create a soothing atmosphere in the bathroom.

However, there are several shades you should try to stay away from when creating a bathroom aesthetic that is welcoming. So, what are all the paint colors you should never use in the bathroom and why? We spoke with designers and color experts to find out.

Bright Orange

Consider the mood you want to create in the bathroom.

“The bathroom is typically a space for relaxation and rejuvenation,” says Lauren Hoferkamp, a color expert and paint color consultant at Dunn-Edwards Paints.

So you might want to avoid intense orange colors, as they will create an overly energized feeling, "which is the opposite of the calming and serene environment most people desire in a bathroom,” Hoferkamp says.

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Dark Purple

A dark purple color is another shade that doesn’t look great in a bathroom for several reasons.

“Darker purples can feel intense and overwhelming in a bathroom," says Carolyn Cerminara, founder and principal designer at Cerminara Design.

And this feeling can make your bathroom space feel closed-in and less relaxing, the opposite of what a bathroom should be. This is especially the case if your bathroom is already on the smaller side or has less access to natural light. Simultaneously, dark purple is a harder color to coordinate with tiles and fixtures, she points out.

Mustard Yellow

Mustard yellow is another color that can make a bathroom space feel smaller.

“Instead of creating a bright, airy vibe, it can feel heavy and a bit overwhelming,” Cerminara says. She only recommends this color if you are intentionally going for a retro feel—otherwise, the color can feel dated or out of place in a modern bathroom.

“The color can make the bathroom space seem stuck in the past rather than timeless," she says.

Pink

Don’t get us wrong, pink bathrooms can be really lovely, but it might not be a particularly long-lasting color, and you may be tempted to change it sooner than if you choose a neutral. If you do opt for pink, try to lean into salmon or more subtle shades. Bubblegum and other bright pinks should be avoided, Cerminara says.

Stark White

While off-whites, beiges, and eggshell are great color options, stark white painted walls can leave the bathroom with a cold feeling.

“Stark whites can also fall a little flat if the room doesn’t have adequate lighting," says Trina Rogers, color consultant and owner of Five Star Painting of Temple.

If you still want a neutral or clean white aesthetic for the bathroom, consider a warm off-white or a light modern beige, she says.

“Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa or Natural Linen are a couple of suggestions to create an open, airy feeling without going icy."

3 Colors to Use in the Bathroom

Soft Whites and Creams

According to Cerminara, these colors of white create a timeless and classic look.

• Pointing by Farrow & Ball
• Shoji White by Sherwin-Williams
• Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams

Charcoal or Gray

These are bold, dark options that add drama and elegance to a bathroom, says Hoferkamp.

• Parma Gray by Farrow & Ball
• Made of Steel
• Mineral Deposit
• Bedrock

Deep Forest Green

This green hue offers a natural and peaceful ambiance, says Hoferkamp.

• Moss Cottage by Dunn-Edwards
• Leapfrog by Sherwin-Williams
• Moorstone by Sherwin-Williams