4 Paint Colors You Should Never Use in the Bathroom (And What to Use Instead)

A bathroom serves a practical purpose first and foremost, but given that it's where most of us begin and end our days, its aesthetic is equally as important as its function. A bathroom paint color sets the tone for your morning routine as you begin the day, then provides a backdrop for your evening routine as you start to wind down. If your bathroom could use a little bit of a refresh but you're overwhelmed with all the paint color choices, sometimes starting with what not to use can help you narrow down the choices. Interior designer Sallie Lord shares her thoughts on paint colors you should never use in a bathroom, and we're sharing what to reach for instead.

Just as important as choosing the right paint color is using it in the correct sheen. The paint finish can completely alter the appearance of a color, and therefore transform the atmosphere of the entire room. Using the right finish is especially important in a bathroom both practically and aesthetically speaking, because of the humid nature of the space. Ahead of your next bathroom refresh, take Lord's advice on paint colors and finishes to avoid and learn what to use instead.

Replace Dingy Colors with Distinct Shades

Whether you want to transform your bathroom into a calm and serene oasis or you want to make a bold statement in a small powder room, Lord recommends staying away from drab colors. "Dingy colors that are drab and 'dirty' looking are not the right look or feel in a bathroom," she says. Any muddy shade, whether a heavy beige, murky khaki, or an indistinct mauve, will visually weigh down the space and make it look dark and outdated. "It will bring your mood down and zap your energy," Lord says.

Instead, reach for a distinct shade and embrace a true color, whether that's a deep navy blue hue or a refreshing mint green tone. Despite their different levels of brightness and saturation, both are distinct paint colors that look clean and clearly embody a certain visual aesthetic. In addition to using a distinct color on the walls, do the same with trim. Avoid creamy shades on baseboards, crown molding, and door and window trim to prevent a dirty and outdated look, and stick with a crisp white or true color that's pulled from the bathroom wallpaper.

Skip Matte Finishes and Reach for Medium Gloss Paints

"As much as I love black, I recommend avoiding matte black in the bathroom," Lord says. People often don't realize it's not just about picking the right paint color for a space, but about choosing the correct finish, too. The paint finish can completely alter the appearance of a color and dramatically affect the room's overall style and atmosphere. Whether it's matte black or charcoal, Lord recommends staying away from darker matte tones. "This color and finish will mark like a chalkboard and look like wild bears are trying to grab toilet paper," she says.

Most interior paints are available in a flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finish. In a bathroom, skip the flat and matte finishes, as well as a high-gloss finish which can highlight the room's moisture and make for a messy appearance. Instead, opt for one of the three medium gloss finishes, such as eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss. They are easier to maintain while providing a clean and polished look.

Trade Neons for Calm and Refreshing Hues

Green is a popular paint color when it comes to bathrooms, but choosing the right shade is key. A bathroom is where most of us begin and end our days, which means an overwhelming paint color is not the best choice for getting ready or winding down. "Shocking colors like neon green and chartreuse are not ideal," Lord says. Not only will these bright shades overpower the space with their intensity, but as Lord points out, "their shock value will wear on you quickly." An intense paint color can also make an often small space such as a bathroom feel even more cramped and humid.

Trade shocking shades like neon green and chartreuse for timeless shades of green that inspire a rejuvenating feel in the morning and a calming atmosphere in the evening. A dark shade such as forest green will infuse a bathroom with a grounded, nature-inspired energy, especially when paired with natural materials in the form of a wood vanity and stone floor tile. On the other hand, a mint green wall color will set a soothing backdrop for white cabinetry and polished chrome accents if you're going for a light and airy bathroom design.

Swap Mustard Tones for Soft Pastels

"Yellow or mustard tones, while fun and welcoming in other spaces, are not the best fit for a bathroom," Lord says. The warmth and heavy saturation of these paint colors can make an already humid environment like a bathroom feel extra muggy, especially with certain types of lighting. "They have a tendency to reflect on your skin, potentially making you look sickly," she adds.

To avoid the muggy look, swap mustard tones for light and refreshing pastels that infuse a bathroom with an optimistic softness. Whether it's light pink, pale blue, or a soothing lavender shade with a cool gray undertone, pastel paint colors have a lightness about them that's perfectly fitting for a bathroom. If you do want to use yellow, opt for a pale and champagne-toned hue such Glidden's 2024 Color of the Year, Limitless.

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