What Color To Paint A Basement Bathroom? [And What Type Of Paint To Use!]

A basement bathroom is a functional space for people nearby to freshen up. But it doesn’t have to focus on function alone. You can paint the bathroom in the basement to enhance its aesthetics. What color then should you paint a basement bathroom? We researched and asked the experts about the ideal paint color and type for basement bathrooms and here’s what they say.

Picking the right color for a basement bathroom necessitates that you think about how you’re going to use the space. The main purpose of using a bathroom can be obvious. But choosing any of the paint colors below can impact the overall experience while you’re inside the basement bathroom:

• Taupe: A safe choice to encourage neutrality while giving the space some warmth.
• Gray: Balances the cool tones and wood elements.
• White: Delivers sophistication and goes well with yellow, pink, or green accents.
• Charcoal: A great choice for contemporary themes.

Aside from the paint color, it’s also important to consider the type of paint to use in the basement bathroom. Using the wrong paint can lead to costly issues, especially since this particular space tends to be high in moisture. Keep reading to learn more details about the best color and type of paint to use in your basement bathroom.

What Is A Good Color For A Basement Bathroom?

Many homeowners would paint their basement bathrooms with neutral colors because those tend to be safe choices. You can enhance the overall experience of using these spaces by painting their walls, floors, and ceilings.

Ask yourself the following questions while you’re thinking of the ideal paint to color your basement bathroom:

• Do you want to enhance the warmth of the room?
• Does the bathroom have cool tones? How about wooden trims?
• Do you want to make household members and guests feel luxurious while in the basement bathroom?
• Do you have a modern-looking basement?

Your answers to those inquiries will help guide you in choosing the ideal color to paint your basement bathroom. Additionally, here are some great color samples for your upcoming basement bathroom painting project:

Taupe

Taupe is a color found between dark brown and gray. It shares similar characteristics to those two colors. It’s also a neutral shade, promoting neutrality and timelessness without sacrificing modesty and practicality when used in household interiors, particularly for your basement bathroom.

Painting your basement bathroom taupe can liven the space without exaggerating the warm feelings it brings. It can also add a good contrast to a fairly warm basement as the color can make it seem like the environment is cooler than usual.

For more information about the ideal basement temperature, check out our post: What Is The Ideal Temperature For A Basement?

Check out the Color Atelier soft taupe lime paint on Amazon.

Gray

Gray is the color of compliance. In other words, it’s not a color that tends to stand out on its own. Instead, gray can blend well with many other shades and tones.

This fairly ‘unresponsive’ color presents neutrality in a basement bathroom. It’s the color that will help blend cool tones and earthen highlights across the space. Choosing light gray can help highlight darker tones in the room.

Take a look at the Prestige gray semi-gloss paint and primer in one on Amazon.

White

In some cultures, white is the color of cleanliness, innocence, simplicity, and peace. It also promotes luxury when painted on different interior surfaces like those in the basement bathroom.

Painting the bathroom in your basement white will make the space look striking yet sophisticated. However, painting everything in the space white for it can be blinding. Instead, break the brightness by using different textures and colors such as the characteristics found in light wood accents and neutral-colored bathroom accessories.

Check the Rust-Oleum Perma-White mold & mildew proof paint on Amazon.

Charcoal

Do not confuse charcoal with gray. Gray is a combination of black and white, whereas charcoal adds a tinge of blue into that mixture. The result is a bold, dramatic look, ideal for contemporary-themed basements and their connected bathrooms.

Charcoal is a versatile color as it helps promote coziness into the space while still keeping its modern edge. Furthermore, if used in certain patterns, such as vertical stripes, it can make the room appear taller than usual, which can be an ideal choice for fairly small basement bathrooms.

If you want to know more about the ideal height for a basement ceiling, you can read our post: How Tall Does A Basement Ceiling Need To Be?

Check out the Weathervane all-in-one charcoal paint on Amazon.

What Type Of Paint Is Best For A Bathroom?

Choosing the right type of paint is crucial for a functional and stylish bathroom. Do not use any paint as it might cause unwanted bubbling and peeling when exposed to a humid and moist environment.

Also, avoid paints that are solely for external use, such as masonry paint. Generally, paints for basements tend to have waterproofing or are highly water-resistant.

Here are some great options for the types of paint you can use in a bathroom:

• Matte: Despite many matte paints being susceptible to moisture damage, this type of paint can include a soft dimension to a fairly striking color, such as orange and yellow.
• Satin: A type of paint that sits in the middle of matte and gloss finishes. Satin paint is ideal for bathroom ceilings, trims, and walls because of its easy-to-clean trait.
• Semi-gloss: An ideal choice for bathroom cabinets, semi-gloss paints are a versatile option that's both water-resistant and easy to clean.
• Glossy: Also called full-gloss, this type of paint tends to be the top option for many homeowners for its long-lasting and moisture-resistant properties.

Take a look at THE ONE paint and primer on Amazon.

Do I Need To Prime Bathroom Walls Before Painting?

It is recommended to use a primer on bathroom walls before applying a fresh coat of paint. Walls without paint primer can end up peeling because of the more-than-average amount of moisture in the room.

Check out the KILZ Kitchen & Bath interior primer on Amazon.

What Is The Best Paint Color For A Small Bathroom?

"Best" is a relative term, which means that one homeowner's best paint might not be ideal for another property, especially when talking about the color for small bathrooms. Some colors do work better than others when applied to small bathrooms. Some of these colors include:

• Teal: A vivid color that can make the ceiling and walls of small bathrooms pop.
• Black: Combine this color with silver accents and accessories to make the space shine.
• Magenta: Paint this color on the walls of the bathroom to access neutral or cool tones on the room’s countertop and décor.
• Green: Pair this color with white to transform the bathroom into a personal, tranquil space.
• Rust orange: This color is ideal for homes with vintage themes.

Can You Use Bathroom Paint In Other Rooms?

Yes, you can use bathroom paint in other rooms. But you need to consider certain factors if you want to go with this plan. For instance, use the matte paint applied on your bathroom’s walls to your bedroom’s walls and ceiling.

The flat color will help eliminate glare and shine, which can be an excellent choice. This is clearly applicable if your bedroom gathers sunlight during the day.

Final Words

In summary, different colors deliver different impacts and results to your basement bathroom. For example, gray balances wood tones while white can go well with pink or green highlights.

Also, the type of paint can affect the overall experience of the bathroom's users. Take note of these details, and your bathroom can transform from a functional space to one that’s both practical and stylish.