The Best Gray Paint Shades for Bathrooms

Gray bathroom paint colors are becoming an increasingly popular choice for modern and traditional bathrooms alike. The versatility of grays allows them to complement various styles from farmhouse to contemporary. Plus, gray hues like greige can warm up all the white tile and fixtures often found in bathrooms. Keep reading to discover the best gray paint shades to give your bathroom a gorgeous new look.

Benefits of Going Gray in the Bathroom

Before diving into paint recommendations, let's look at why grays make sense for bathrooms. Cool, warm, light, or dark gray tones work well in both small and large bathrooms. Reasons you might consider gray bathroom paint colors include:

• Versatility - Gray bathroom paint colors complement various styles from traditional to modern. They also pair nicely with tiles, wood vanities, metals, and porcelain.
• Calming effect - Cool grays can have a soothing, almost spa-like effect perfect for a bathroom retreat.
• Light reflection - Light gray bathroom paint colors help reflect more light, opening up darker spaces.
• Neutrality - Gray offers a nice neutral backdrop for bold bathroom tiles or textiles.

Choosing the Right Gray Bathroom Paint Color

Grays range from nearly white to charcoal on the color wheel. Most gray bathroom paint ideas fall somewhere between, offering subtle and statement options. Consider the existing tiles, cabinetry, metals, and flooring already in your bathroom when selecting a gray hue.

Warm, Cool, and Neutral Gray Bathroom Paint Colors

Gray bathroom paint colors come in warm, cool, and neutral undertones. Warm grays like greige or mushroom have hints of beige or brown. Taupes offer a middle-of-the-road neutral. Cool grays lean towards blue, green, or purple shades.

• Warm grays offset white fixtures while providing enough contrast against warm wood vanities.
• Cool grays complement white porcelain, marble, and metals with their blue undertones.
• Neutral taupes work well if you want soft gray without obvious undertones.

Light, Medium, and Dark Shades of Gray

The depth or lightness of your gray paint color impacts the feel of your bathroom. Dark, smoky grays create an intimate, cozy look. Soft powdery grays keep things airy and bright. Consider how much natural light your bathroom gets when deciding between light or darker gray paint.

• Dark charcoal grays for bathrooms with ample natural light
• Light, warm greige for small bathrooms with one window
• Medium neutral grays work well in most bathrooms

Most Popular Gray Bathroom Paint Colors

Now let's look at some of today's most popular gray bathroom paint colors. Keep these hues in mind as you shop gray paint swatches for your next bathroom refresh.

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

A leading gray paint color for bathrooms is Benjamin Moore's popular Gray Owl. This dark, smoky gray works well with white porcelain and marble tile. Its green undertones complement brass hardware on vanities and fixtures. Gray Owl creates a cozy spa feel in bathrooms.

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray

Another top bathroom paint color is Sherwin Williams Repose Gray. This light gray paint color has a hint of greige. Repose Gray looks gorgeous on walls next to white marble counters and subway tiles. Its soft neutrality keeps small bathrooms feeling open and airy.

Behr Silver Drop

On the cooler end of grays, Behr Silver Drop offers a hint of purple that sets it apart. Its soft blue undertones complement white porcelain tiles. As a lighter gray bathroom paint color, it suits both traditional and modern bathrooms well.

Valspar Kettle Gray

Valspar's Kettle Gray is a greige paint color with beige and gray blended nicely. It contrasts beautifully against cool grays in tile or textured gray-veined marble. For bathrooms with white cabinetry, Kettle Gray makes a stunning statement wall color.

Decorating with Gray Bathroom Paint Colors

Choosing the right gray paint color gets you halfway to a gorgeous new bathroom. Next, pull together tiles, textures, metals and woods that enhance your gray paint selection. Consider how gray paint colors complement other finishes.

Pairing Gray Paint Colors with Tiles

White subway tile offers nice contrast against dark or medium gray walls. For light gray paint colors, consider mother of pearl or gray stone tiles. Gray bathroom floors might feature mosaic tiles or porcelain wood look planks.

Complementing Gray Paint with Vanities

White quartz vanity tops suit any gray wall color. Cool grays allow you to go bold with a wood-grained gray-stained vanity. For a light gray bathroom, try a natural white-washed wood vanity.

Tying Gray Paint to Metal Fixtures

Brushed brass and oil-rubbed bronze metals enhance bold gray bathroom paint colors. Chrome finishes better suit lighter gray or greige wall colors instead. Ensure fixtures and hardware tie together rather than compete.

DIY Tips for Painting a Bathroom Gray

Painting a bathroom might sound intimidating. But with proper prep and products, you can easily refresh your bathroom with gray paint. Use these DIY tips for best results.

Proper Prep Work

Preparing your bathroom correctly makes all the difference during application. steps include:

• Cleaning surfaces thoroughly
• Sanding glossy areas
• Filling holes with spackle
• Applying primer

Choosing the Right Paint Finish

Due to humidity, bathrooms require paint with mold and mildew resistance. Consider finishes like:

• Eggshell for walls - durable and easy to clean.
• Semi-gloss for trim - enhances woodwork and stands up to cleaning.

Proper Paint Application

Use these techniques for getting flawless coverage:

• Use high-quality mini rollers and angled brushes
• Apply two coats allowing proper drying time between
• Work top to bottom to avoid drips
• Use painter's tape for clean edges along ceilings, trim, and baseboards

Some gray bathroom paint projects work best left to the professionals. If undertaking a complete remodel or feeling unsure, hire professional painters specialized in bathrooms.

Experts properly prepare surfaces, use commercial-grade sprayers, and have experienced application skills. They also handle challenges like paint textures and special ceiling coatings.

A fresh coat of gray paint offers an easy bathroom update that suits almost any style. Next time your bathroom needs a pick-me-up, consider going gray for a sophisticated yet soothing vibe. Using the right gray tone and properly prepping ensures stylish results.