Stylish Grey Bathroom Paint Schemes
From cool sleek grays to warm dove shades, grey bathroom paint colors offer versatility for all types of bathrooms. With the right grey paint scheme and decor, you can create a soothing oasis, spa-like retreat, or striking modern space. But with so many grey paint options, where do you start?
Read on for gorgeous grey bathroom inspiration.
Factors For Choosing Grey Bathroom Paint
Grey paint may seem straightforward, but subtle undertones and finishes can make a big impact. As you evaluate shades of grey paint, keep these key factors in mind:
- Personal Style - Cool modern greys or cozy antique shades?
- Natural vs Artificial Lighting - Warm or cool undertones?
- Tile Colors - Contrast or complement?
- Room Size - Lighter or darker grey paint colors?
The right grey bathroom paint also depends on whether you want a monochrome look or plan to incorporate accent colors. Dark charcoal greys pair beautifully with brass fixtures while light greys work with silvers.
Popular Shades of Grey Bathroom Paint
From barely-there greiges to rich plums, grey paint contains blue, green, or brown pigments that lower lightness/value. Most greys have a coolness though warmer tones like dove grey, tan grey, or beige grey temper this.
A) Light Grey Bathroom Paint Ideas
The most popular light grey bathroom paint colors include:
- Warm Light Greys - Benjamin Moore Silver Slate or Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Crisp Light Greys - Behr Pale Slate or Valspar Rainswept
Light greys keep small dark bathrooms feeling airy. For maximum light reflection, use high-sheen eggshell or semi-gloss finishes.
B) Dark Grey Bathroom Paint Ideas
For a cozy, soothing effect try these sophisticated dark grey bathroom paints:
- Inky Dark Greys - Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black or Behr Ryegrass
- Charcoal Dark Greys - Benjamin Moore Galileo Gray or Valspar Rock Garden
Dark greys make small powder rooms feel intimate. Temper their boldness with lighter materials like marble or metals.
C) Cool vs Warm Grey Bathroom Paint
Most grey bathroom paint colors have blue/green undertones creating a cool, tranquil effect. Warm greys with hints of brown, red, orange add coziness. Evaluate bathroom lighting when deciding between warm or cool greys.
- Cool Greys - North-facing or artificially lit bathrooms
- Warm Greys - South-facing bathrooms with natural sunlight
Unsure which suits your space? Warm greys with cool undertones like Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray offer flexibility.
Creative Grey Bathroom Color Combinations
While single grey paint colors keep bathrooms serene, adding contrasting or complementary hues pumps up the style. Here are fresh, foolproof ideas:
A) Grey and Blue Bathrooms
Blue accent walls or tiles paired with grey create a soothing, water-inspired oasis. Try these stylish combinations:
- Benjamin Moore Silver Lake Blue + Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
- Sherwin Williams Naval + Behr Gray Area
- Valspar Nebulous Blue + Valspar Rock Garden
Add polished chrome, woven seagrass, or driftwood accents to enhance the coastal vibe.
B) Grey and White Bathrooms
Crisp white trim makes grey walls pop. White bath fixtures and tiles keep the scheme fresh. Our favorite grey and white combos include:
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray + Bright White trim/tiles
- Benjamin Moore Pale Oak + White shaker cabinets
- Behr Dolphin Fin + White marble counter
Avoid bright white which may clash with cool greys - opt for soft whites like Swiss Coffee instead.
C) Grey and Wood Bathrooms
Natural wood warms up grey paint in chic, inviting bathrooms. Grey also beautifully flatters wood grains and textures. We love:
- Light grey walls + dark wood vanities
- Charcoal grey on walls + light oak on floors
- Warm grey paint + wood panel feature wall
Ensure wood and grey tones complement rather than blend together.
Choosing Bathroom Tiles For Grey Paint
Tile color, material, and layout impact how grey paint looks. Avoid matching grey paint with grey tiles - aim for harmony instead of monotony. Here are foolproof tile options:
A) Grey Bathroom Paint With White Tiles
Crisp white subway, brick mosaic, or hexagon tiles pop against grey walls. White bath tiles also keep small grey bathrooms feeling spacious and airy rather than dark and closed in.
B) Grey Bathroom Paint With Patterned Tiles
Make grey walls shine by introducing playful patterned, colorful, or metallic tiles. Hand-painted Moroccan-style tiles, terra cotta patterns, or faceted penny mosaics all work beautifully.
Echo colors from patterned tiles when choosing towels, rugs or shower curtains to tie the whole room together.
C) Grey Paint That Complements Grey Tiles
For contemporary cohesive style opt for grey on both walls and floors. Choose a light grey paint color and bold dark grey floor tile or vice versa. Accent with chrome fixtures and clean lines.
Or introduce warmth and texture with natural grey stone tiles combined with a cool dove grey or greige paint color.
Complementary Colors For Grey Bathrooms
While grey bathroom walls look stunning alone, accent colors add personality, contrast, and visual interest.
A) Stylish Accent Colors
Inject color thoughtfully with bath towels, rugs, shower curtains or amenities. Forest greens, light blues and peachy neutrals all complement grey bathroom paint.
- Warm Colors - Sage green, peach, terracotta
- Cool Colors - Powder blue, slate, lavender
B) Clashing Color Combos
Avoid pairing grey bathroom walls with overly warm red tones or bright primary colors like yellow without plenty of decor buffers. The boldness competes rather than complements.
Unsure if colors work? Use the 60-30-10 rule - your main bathroom color (grey) should take up 60% of the scheme. Second accent shade 30% and third color no more than 10%.
Stylish Grey Bathroom Paint Finishes
Alongside color, grey bathroom paint type impacts mood and style. Flat and matte finishes minimize imperfections for modern sophistication. While gloss, satin, and metallic add depth and drama. Consider:
A) Matte and Eggshell Grey Bathroom Ideas
Flat, matte and eggshell grey bathroom paints offer:
- Effortless cleanability
- Contemporary minimalism
- Spa-like tranquility
Low-sheen matte paint like Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige works in any bathroom.
B) Semi-Gloss and Gloss Grey Bathrooms
For sleek modern bathrooms try reflective high-gloss or semi-gloss paints. Popular options include:
- Behr Dolphin Fin semi-gloss
- Benjamin Moore Metallic Moonshine
- Valspar Rock Garden gloss
Prepare walls thoroughly - the slick finish reveals every imperfection!
C) Metallic Finishes With Grey
Speckled metallic paint, glazes or inks add wow-factor to grey bathroom walls:
- Silver - Cool, soothing, spacious
- Gold - Warm, inviting, luxurious
- Copper - Vintage, earthy
Metallic accents look striking on charcoal grey backgrounds - keep other fixtures matte so they really dazzle!
Using Textures With Grey Bathroom Paint
Visual texture balances smooth grey paint for added dimension and interest. Play with natural textures like stone, concrete, or wood accents. Or inject color with wallpaper and woven fabrics.
A) Concrete and Stone Grey Bathroom Ideas
Natural concrete, stone and wood add earthy contrast to cool grey walls. Try:
- Concrete style grey paint
- Grasscloth wallpaper
- Marble, limestone or travertine tiles
- Driftwood mirrors or shelves
B) Fabrics With Grey Bathroom Paint
Warm up sleek grey bathrooms with cozy layers of texture:
- Macrame plant hangers
- Plush rugs
- Shower curtains with pom pom or tassel ties
- Woven seagrass accessories
Ensure fabrics complement rather than compete with grey walls.
Grey Bathroom Paint Ideas For All Room Sizes
From soaring master suites to cozy powder rooms grey bathroom paint works anywhere. Simply tailor the shade and saturation to fit the space.
A) Grey Bathroom Paint For Small Rooms
Visually expand a small bathroom with soft light greys or grays with just a hint of color. Try:
- Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray (warm with green undertone)
- Valspar Nebulous Blue (pale blue-tinged grey)
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray (light beige-grey)
Boost light reflection with semi-gloss finish. And keep other elements clean and airy - avoid dark tiles or busy patterns.
B) Grey Bathroom Paint For Large Rooms
Make a bold dramatic statement in bigger bathrooms with deep charcoal greys and sophisticated style:
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Benjamin Moore Black Beauty
- Behr Peppercorn Gray
Temper their bold look with plenty of lighting, mirrors and lighter accents.
C) Achieving Balance In All Bathrooms
Whatever the size, strike harmony with a monochromatic grey scheme for calm confidence. Contrast shades and textures within the same grey family for cohesiveness and balance.
In a powder room make a statement with dark walls and punchy accents. In larger bathrooms try versatile Stonington Gray throughout.
Modern And Traditional Grey Bathroom Ideas
While grey suits any style, adjust tones and textures to complement classic or contemporary spaces.
A) Warm Traditional Grey Bathrooms
Incorporate antique character with weathered wood accents, vintage tiles or floral patterns. Pair with warmer greys like:
- Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray (hints of brown)
- Valspar Signature Dover Gray (calming neutral)
B) Cool Modern Grey And Black Bathrooms
Sleek modern spaces demand crisp charcoals for dramatic edge:
- Black stained wood vanities
- Glossy porcelain grey and black tiles
- Behr Peppercorn or Tricorn Black walls
Keep lines clean, colors bold and decor minimalist.
C) Transitional Design With Grey Bathroom Paint
Blended spaces combining modern and traditional elements are on-trend. Flexible greige or greige paint colors that take decor in any direction are perfect for the transitional look.
Try a wall mounted modern tub filler yet classic subway tiles. Or industrial pendant lighting mixed with antique furnishings and fixtures for eclectic style.
DIY Grey Bathroom Paint Techniques
While pro painters guarantee flawless results, grey bathroom paint projects are very DIY-friendly too. Arm yourself with these handy tips before breaking out the paint brushes.
A) Painting Over Tiles
Love your bathroom tiles but fancy a color change? With correct prep, grey bathroom paint adheres beautifully over existing tiles or varnishing. Ensure tiles are:
- Clean - Remove all soap scum and grime
- Degreased - Use TSP cleaner
- Roughed Up - Lightly sand surface
- Primed - So paint adheres to slick tiles
Then apply two coats of quality grey bathroom paint allowing proper drying times.
B) Creative Grey Bathroom Stenciling
Make boring grey walls dazzling with hand-painted stenciling using our pro tips:
- Choose simple repeat patterns for hypnotic effect
- Use high-contrast metallic inks on mid-tone greys
- Consider tiles, flooring colors when selecting palette
- Apply painter's tape for super sharp edges
Geometric motifs, waving lines, or abstract florals all sing against grey backgrounds.
C) Flawless Grey Bathroom Paint Jobs
For smooth, pro-looking paintwork be sure to:
- Fill uneven areas with spackle
- Sand between paint coats
- Use high quality primer and paint
- Allow proper drying time
And remember to remove switch plates, seals, and vents before starting your grey bathroom paint job.
Hiring Professional Bathroom Painters
While a DIY grey bathroom paint job offers cost savings, professional painters guarantee perfect results every time. Consider hiring pros if:
- Unsure how to best prep bathroom for painting
- Need special faux techniques like ragging, sponging or stippling
- Seeking flawless, smooth, light reflection
- Dealing with outdated shiny tiles requiring special adhesion primers