Bathroom Color Ideas for Small Bathrooms: Designer Tips & Real Makeovers

Color can make a tiny bathroom feel either open and inviting or cramped and boxy.

According to the American Society of Interior Designers, light warm tones can increase the perceived size of small rooms by up to 15%. After redesigning more than 30 small bathrooms, I can confidently say: color is your most cost-effective tool to “expand” a space without tearing down walls.

Here are 3 real projects that show how the right color choices completely changed the feel of a small bathroom.

1. Seattle – 45 sq ft Bathroom Feels Bigger with Warm Neutrals

The owner said, “I don’t need fancy tiles, I just want it to feel bigger.”

I used soft beige walls and warm off-white tiles to reflect light naturally. A pale beige ceiling gave a cozy glow. After adding a large backlit mirror, she said:

“It doesn’t feel small anymore—it feels cozy and fresh.”

✔ Why It Works: Warm neutrals bounce light, visually pushing walls outward.

✘ Avoid: Pure stark white—it can feel harsh and clinical.

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2. Boston – Stylish Depth with a Bold Accent Wall

The Boston client wanted an all-white bathroom, fearing dark colors would shrink it. I suggested a muted navy accent wall behind the vanity while keeping the other walls light.

A week after completion, she texted me:

“The blue makes it feel stylish, not just small.”

✔ Designer Tip: One dark accent wall adds depth without closing the space.

✘ Avoid: Wrapping the entire room in dark shades.

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3. Los Angeles – Glossy Surfaces Multiply Light & Color

In a tiny LA condo bathroom, I paired pale green glossy tiles with a frameless mirror. Warm LED lights made the green tiles shimmer, and the client said it felt “fresh and airy, almost like a spa.”

✔ Why It Works: Glossy finishes and mirrors amplify color and light, visually “doubling” the space.

✘ Avoid: Matte dark tiles—they absorb light and make walls feel closer.

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2025 Trendy Color Palettes for Small Bathrooms

1. Soft Beige + Warm Gray + Brass Fixtures – Timeless and warm.
2. Sage Green + Off-White + Light Wood – Relaxed and spa-like.
3. Sky Blue + White + Matte Black Accents – Modern and fresh.

Plan Before You Paint

Bathroom lighting can distort colors, especially in small or windowless spaces. I always preview palettes with an online bathroom layout and color planner. Ten minutes of testing saves clients hundreds in repainting costs.