The bathroom is one of the most trafficked areas in any home, so it makes sense that you’d want to give it special attention when it comes to painting. Not only will choosing the right paint to help your bathroom look more beautiful, but it can also add value to your home if you ever decide to sell it. Just keep in mind that not all paints are created equal, and some of them could hurt your bathroom instead of helping it. Here are the best paints for bathrooms, according to interior designers at HGTV and Houzz alike.
Which is the best paint for bathrooms?
Picking out your bathroom’s paint color can be both exciting and stressful. Before you commit to one hue, ask yourself these questions to ensure you make an informed decision. What is my bathroom’s main purpose? If you use your bathroom primarily as a place to get ready in the morning or freshen up after work, then light colors are probably best—they’ll help brighten up what is often a small space. If you use it as more of a retreat where you’ll spend time reading or relaxing with friends, then darker colors might do better in creating that soothing atmosphere. Do I want my paint job to last? Painting bathrooms is no easy feat—there are lots of crevices and hard-to-reach places that require special attention when painting. So if longevity is important to you (and it should be), go with oil-based paints instead of latex paints.
What are Bathroom Paints Made Of?
Painting your bathroom can be an easy and effective way to freshen up its look. However, with all of the different types of paints available—from semi-gloss to satin—it’s hard to figure out which one is best for your bathroom. It’s not just about looks, though; certain paints are better for bathrooms than others because they’re more durable.
Do You Need a Primer?
If you’re painting your bathroom, it’s likely because you want to freshen up its look—which means picking out a new color. But before you head to your local paint supply store, consider using a primer as your first coat of paint. Primer is typically white or gray and serves as an invisible barrier between newly painted walls and old colors. Because it is only seen during the application, primer makes it easier to ensure that all wall surfaces are covered evenly with new paint.
What About Bathroom Ceilings?
Before you start painting, wash any soap scum off your ceiling. Water-based paints won’t stick to surfaces that aren’t clean, so give them a good scrub. This will also make it easier to spot and fix any mold or mildew growth before you paint.
How to Pick Best Paint For Bathroom Based on Color
Choosing paints can be tricky, but knowing what color to use in your bathroom can help you narrow down your search. While many homeowners prefer bold and bright shades in other rooms of their home, these colors may not make sense for bathrooms. The best paints for bathrooms are usually warm, neutral hues that don’t clash with shower curtains or bathrobes. Avoid stark white walls and black floors; they can make your bathroom look cold and uninviting.