How to Use Gray Paint in a Small Bathroom

Gray paint can transform a small bathroom by visually expanding the space and creating a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. When properly chosen and applied, grays make an elegant and soothing color palette for bathrooms of any size. But small bathrooms especially benefit from neutral gray tones that recede, conceal flaws, and open up tight spaces. With the right prep work and painting technique, a coat of gray can give new life to a tiny bath.

We'll recommend gray paint colors, provide application tips, and suggest complementary shades that enhance grays. Read on to learn how gray bathroom paint ideas can upgrade your powder room or master bath into a peaceful oasis.

Reasons to Use Gray Paint in a Small Bathroom

Before choosing a gray paint color, consider why this versatile neutral works so beautifully in petite baths:

• Expands the look and feel of a small bathroom - Light grays visually push back walls, and dark charcoals ground a space with moody drama.
• Provides a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere - Cool grays are soothing and evoke a sense of calm ideal for a bath.
• Comes in cool, warm, and neutral grays to suit any decor - Gray adapts to modern, traditional, cottage, or contemporary styles.
• Works with most tile and fixture colors - Gray paint acts as a clean backdrop that lets other features shine.
• Conceals flaws and water damage on walls - Grays hide imperfections better than white due to subtle variations in tone.

For these reasons, gray paint creates an irresistible palette for bathrooms needing an update. The key is choosing the right shade and tone to enlarge your small space.

Choosing the Right Gray Paint

With so many gray paint options, it helps to narrow your choices by considering these factors:

• Light vs. dark gray shades - Light opens up a room; dark cozies it up.
• Undertones like blue, green, purple - Hint of color warms up or cools down gray.
• Test gray paint samples on walls - See it in your lighting before committing.
• Consult color wheel for coordinating shades - Analogous, complementary, etc.
• Use matte or eggshell paint finishes - Higher sheen amplifies flaws.
• Buy quality primer and paint - Better results come from pro-grade products.

Browse gray paint swatches online or at your local paint store. Shortlist 6-8 grays across the spectrum from light to charcoal. Paint them on test patches to view in your bathroom's lighting. Move the samples around the room at different times of day. Determine whether you prefer a warm gray with golden undertones or a cooler tone with hints of blue or green.

Light Gray Bathroom Paint Colors

For opening up a small bath, lighter grays work wonders. Try a warm, greige shade like:

• Cotton Twill by Behr - soft, light tan gray
• Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore - warm tone with brown undertones
• Mindful Gray by Sherwin-Williams - calming, airy neutral

Dark Gray Bathroom Paint Colors

Make a statement with deep, dramatic charcoals like:

• Peppercorn by Sherwin-Williams - classic blackish-gray
• Caviar by Behr - rich blackened gray hue
• Black Fox by Benjamin Moore - deep charcoal with green undertones

Once you settle on the perfect gray paint color, follow our tips for prepping and painting your small bathroom walls.

Application Tips for Gray Bathroom Paint

Proper technique ensures your gray bathroom paint job looks professionally done. Follow these steps:

• Prep walls - Clean, patch holes, sand, prime
• Use painters tape - On trim, baseboards, ceiling
• Apply 2-3 coats of paint for best coverage
• Cut in edges with angled trim brush
• Allow drying time between coats
• Consider a pro painter for best results

Expect to apply several coats of bathroom paint to fully cover the walls. Use a high-quality roller and work in sections. Cut in edges first with a brush, then roll paint in 4-5 foot widths. Finish each section with light vertical strokes to smooth out the paint. Allow 2-4 hours of drying time between coats.

Bathroom Paint Prep Work

Proper prep prevents poor paint adhesion or touch-ups later. To get surfaces ready for gray paint:

• Clean walls, remove wallpaper, repair damage
• Fill holes, cracks, nail pops with spackle
• Sand glossy surfaces for better adhesion
• Wash walls with TSP or other degreaser
• Apply primer-sealer to unpainted drywall

Preparing your bathroom correctly takes time but leads to better final results. The coat of gray paint will look smooth and consistent without flaws peeking through.

Paint Like a Pro

These pro tips produce a polished gray bathroom paint job:

• Use high-quality applicators - spend on good brush, roller.
• Work top to bottom, walls first, then trim.
• Always use drop cloths to protect floors.
• Paint walls in 4-5 foot sections.
• Smooth out paint strokes vertically.
• Allow adequate drying time between coats.

Follow our step-by-step process to get bathroom walls ready for gray paint. Then apply it carefully using professional painting techniques for stunning results.

Ideas for Using Gray Paint in a Small Bathroom

When planning a small bathroom makeover, how you apply the gray paint makes a big impact. Consider these captivating concepts:

• All-over gray for a soothing spa aesthetic
• Dark lower half , light upper half for contrast
• Bold gray vanity against a light gray wall
• Gray walls with clean white trim for definition
• Varying grays on each wall to add depth

Don't simply cover every inch in the same flat gray. Create visual interest by playing with light and dark tones, contrasting sheens, or using grays in select areas as accents. Continue reading for more ideas on coordinating colors with gray bathroom walls.

All-Over Gray Bathroom

For a relaxed, spa-like look, paint the entire room in a light to mid-tone gray with a matte or eggshell finish. Try:

• Gauntlet Gray by Sherwin-Williams
• Gray Matters by Behr
• Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore

Then accent with crisp white moldings, chrome fixtures, and pops of color in towels, artwork or floral arrangements. An all-gray background keeps the focus on elegant metallic fixtures.

Two-Tone Gray Bathroom

Define spaces and add depth by painting the lower and upper halves in contrasting gray tones. For example:

• Dark charcoal wainscoting below chair rail
• Light ethereal gray on upper walls

Or paint the vanity a dramatic gray and walls a soft neutral. Varying shades of gray add visual intrigue.

Complementary Colors for Gray Bathroom Walls

Gray paint serves as a stylish neutral backdrop that lets you get creative with other bathroom colors. Popular pairings include:

• Whites and off-whites keep it airy
• Pops of blue add a cool contrast
• Earth tones like beige and tan for warmth
• Metallic fixtures and accents modernize
• Avoid other cool colors like green or purple

Decorate a gray bathroom with plenty of crisply contrasting elements. White molding, tile work, window treatments, and linens prevent gray walls from feeling flat or monotonous. Then infuse color through rugs, towels, stools, or artwork. Brushed gold and chrome fixtures add sheen.

Whites Complement Gray

Lighten up gray walls with clean whites:

• Crisp white wainscoting or chair rail molding
• Snowy window treatments in linen or lace
• White quartz vanity top and sinks
• Pearlescent glass light fixtures or sconces

White tile, fixtures, and fabrics keep a gray bathroom feeling open and airy. Contrast prevents dreariness.

Pops of Color Enliven

Awaken gray walls with vibrant hues in towels, rugs, stools and decor:

• Cerulean blue bath mats and shower curtain
• Coral artwork or flower arrangement
• Mustard yellow ceramic bathroom accessories
• Teal or navy hand towels

Colors from opposite sides of the color wheel, like blue and orange, create an energizing complementary color scheme.

Gray paint can take a small, boring bathroom from dull to dramatic. The right shades make compact rooms appear larger while creating a relaxing vibe. After selecting a gray paint color, prep walls properly and apply with care. Then finish off your gray bathroom with plenty of crisp white trim and pops of color. With some planning and elbow grease, gray paint can transform tile and fixtures into a serene home spa.