A powder room is the perfect place to add a pop of bold color. As a space that’s often small and sees quick visits, it can handle bolder paint choices that you may not select for larger living areas. The right paint color can transform your powder room into an eye-catching focal point.
When selecting a bold paint color for your powder room, consider the size of the space, the style of your home, and how much natural light the room receives. Smaller powder rooms can handle deeper hues without appearing overwhelming. For a more modern home, experiment with brighter, playful colors. Rooms with lots of natural light can complement darker paint colors.
Here are 8 bold paint color ideas to give your powder room a jolt of vibrant style:
1. Deep Blue
Navy, cobalt, or other rich shades of blue lend an elegant, upscale vibe to a powder room. This versatile classic provides a nice contrast against white trim and can be complemented with metallic accents and accessories in silver, gold, copper or brass. Deep blue evokes a calming, tranquil environment, perfect for a room dedicated to quick refreshment and regrouping.
Some popular navy and cobalt paint color options for powder rooms include:
- Behr Mariner
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Sherwin-Williams Naval
- Valspar Seagrass
Pair deep blue powder room walls with crisp white wainscoting or tile for a classic look. Or go bold with dark blue on both lower and upper walls for a sophisticated enveloped effect.
2. Vibrant Orange
For a fun, cheerful look, paint your powder room walls a vibrant orange. Shades like peach, terra cotta, or pumpkin will infuse light and energy into the small space. Orange pairs nicely with additional warm tones like red, yellow, brown and turquoise.
Some orange powder room paint colors to consider:
- Behr Tiger Eye
- Benjamin Moore Caliente
- Sherwin-Williams Firecracker
- Valspar Tiger Lily
Keep the rest of the decor simple to prevent an overly busy look. Add accents in complementary colors like blue, green or violet. Orange walls pop against crisp white moldings and fixtures.
3. Soothing Green
Refreshing green is perfect for a powder room, evoking tranquility, renewal and nature. Soft green shades like sage work well in spaces that get plenty of natural light. Deeper emerald tones can create an elegant spa-like environment.
Some green paint options to consider:
- Behr Quiet Moments
- Benjamin Moore Healing Aloe
- Sherwin-Williams Greenscape
- Valspar Hippie Green
Pair green walls with earthy terra cotta floors and cream marble countertops for a natural look. Or go more bold with dark green walls and golden fixtures for an art deco style.
4. Regal Purple
Rich purple is a surprising and sophisticated color choice for a powder room. It pairs well with metallic accents in gold, silver and copper. Try a soft purple like lilac in a more feminine space, or go bold with eggplant purple for drama.
Some likable purple paint picks include:
- Behr Dazzled Plum
- Benjamin Moore Violet Vista
- Sherwin-Williams Plum Brown
- Valspar Royal Lilac
Keep purple powder room walls looking bright by opting for lighter purple shades. Add mirrors to amplify the light. Windows with natural light will also keep the space from feeling too dark.
5. Retro Yellow
Yellow is a cheery color that brings warmth and personality to a powder room. Soft pastel yellows work well for a cottage or farmhouse style space. Bold mustard yellow makes more of a retro statement.
Some trendy yellow paint options:
- Behr Lemon Twist
- Benjamin Moore Grant Beige
- Sherwin-Williams Mustard Seed
- Valspar Omaha Gold
Have fun pairing yellow walls with red, white or turquoise accents. Add natural elements like woven baskets and wood frames for a beachy accent. Or go mod with circular mirrors and metallic finishes.
6. Fiery Red
Red is a daring color for a powder room, perfect for making a bold statement. Crimson, burgundy, cherry and apple red all deliver serious drama and vibrancy. Red pairs well with metal hardware and lighting fixtures in bronze, gold and brushed nickel.
Some red-hot paint picks:
- Behr Picket Fence
- Benjamin Moore Caliente
- Sherwin-Williams Romantic Red
- Valspar Red Pearls
Use red paint on an accent wall, or envelope the entire room for a cocoon effect. Add artwork or tiles in yellow, blue or green to play off the vibrant red walls. Crisp white wainscoting can offset the intensity.
7. Mysterious Charcoal
For contemporary elegance, consider a rich charcoal or gray paint color for your powder room walls. The deep shade provides contrast and moodiness, offset by metallic finishes and white fixtures.
Some chic charcoal and gray paint options:
- Behr Dark Clove
- Benjamin Moore Black Panther
- Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn
- Valspar Kettle Black
Charcoal gray walls call for modern decor with clean lines. Add contemporary wall sconces, floating shelves and graphic art prints. Use gray grout and stone surfaces to complement the walls.
8. Confident Coral
Vibrant coral instantly wakes up a powder room, providing an energetic and uplifting ambiance. The pinkish-orange hue pairs nicely with navy blue, mint green and sunshine yellow.
Some lively coral paint picks:
- Behr Spiced Coral
- Benjamin Moore Peach Blossom
- Sherwin-Williams Hot Coral
- Valspar Coral Reef
Have fun decorating a coral powder room with nautical or beachy accents. White trim keeps the look fresh and bright. Add blooming flowers, seashells and artwork with abstract ocean themes.
Design Considerations for a Bold Powder Room
When selecting a bright, bold wall color for your powder room, keep these tips in mind:
Lighting is Key
Proper lighting prevents a bold color from feeling too dark and encapsulating. Add sconces on the wall for ambient lighting. Install a bright overhead fixture. Add can lights in the ceiling for a wash of illumination. Place a window in the space if possible.
Test Paint Swatches
Buy sample sizes of paint colors you’re considering to paint swatches on the walls. Evaluate how the paint interacts with the room’s lighting at different times of day before fully committing to the color.
White Trim is Your Friend
White crown molding, baseboards, wainscoting and other trims prevents bold walls from feeling too overwhelming. Crisp white millwork adds nice contrast against vibrant paint.
Mirrors Reflect Light
Strategically placed mirrors will brightly reflect light around the room, opening up the space. Framed mirrors also provide nice balance against bold walls.
Limit Busy Patterns
Solid colored accessories are best for bold powder rooms. Busy wallpaper prints or heavily patterned fabrics will make the space feel too busy. Keep furnishings and accents minimal.
Mind the Undertones
Test how your bold paint choice pairs with existing tile, flooring and countertops. Blue paint with purple undertones may clash with beige travertine stone, for example.
Consider Sheen
Matte or eggshell finishes help darker colors feel more subtle. Glossy sheens make bold colors really stand out. Satin sheen nicely splits the difference with a soft glow.
Use Lighter Accents
Prevent your vibrant powder room walls from feeling oppressive by adding lighter accent pieces. A glass vessel sink, natural wood shelves and beige patterned towels will brighten up the space.
Have Fun!
Your powder room is a perfect opportunity to take some risks with bold color since it’s a small space that sees sporadic use. So have fun with your color selection and create a memorable focal point.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bold Powder Room Colors
Here are answers to some common questions about using vibrant paint colors in your powder room:
How do I choose a bold color?
Consider the mood you want to create, the size of the space, and how much natural light is present. Look at color wheel pairings for ideas. Purchase sample sizes to test colors before fully committing.
What are some bold color combinations?
Red goes well with yellow, blue and green. Orange pairs nicely with blue, purple and brown. Green complements red, pink, yellow, brown and blue accents.
Should I paint all the walls a bold color?
That depends on the size of the space. Small powder rooms can handle full vibrant walls. For larger spaces, try painting one accent wall in a bold hue.
How do I keep dark colors from making a room feel small?
Use lighter colors on trim and ceilings to create contrast. Add ample lighting sources, mirrors and glass/metallic accents to open up the space.
What type of ceiling goes well with bold walls?
A blank white ceiling provides nice contrast against vivid wall colors. Or consider painting the ceiling a lighter, softer version of the wall color for a cocooning effect.
Can I use wallpaper instead of paint?
Yes, vivid wallpaper with geometric, floral or abstract designs can provide great visual interest. Just avoid heavily patterned wallpaper as it may compete with bold paint.
What flooring works best with bold powder room colors?
Vinyl, tile or linoleum floors in black, white or gray are ideal neutral bases for vibrant walls. Wood floors help warm up cool paint tones.
Should I avoid bold colors with a small window?
Not necessarily! Just be sure to add proper ambient lighting to keep the space bright. Strategically placed mirrors will also maximize sunlight.
8 Bold Paint Color Schemes for Your Powder Room
Here are some specific color pairing suggestions to inspire your own bold powder room makeover:
1. Navy Blue, White & Brass
Deep navy blue walls work beautifully with crisp white trim and brass hardware and lighting fixtures. Add a marble floor and countertop to complement the cool blue walls.
2. Coral, Mint Green & Gold
Pair vibrant coral walls with mint green accents and golden lighting, faucets and framing for a beachy yet glam powder room.
3. Eggplant Purple & Copper
Rich eggplant purple walls contrast nicely with copper pendant lights, sconces, faucets and shelves. Cream tiles and light gray vanity keep the moody space bright.
4. Kelly Green & Brown
Earthy hunter green or kelly green walls provide a stylish backdrop for brown wicker baskets, woven blinds and bamboo shelves. Cream floor tiles brighten the space.
5. Sunshine Yellow & Turquoise
Cheerful sunshine yellow walls create a happy retro vibe when paired with turquoise and white patterned floor tiles. Add red towels or art for pop.
6. Peach & Navy Blue
Blend powdery peach walls with a classic navy floor tile and mask. White trim, towels and accessories keep the bold combo fresh.
7. Charcoal Gray & Gold
Rich charcoal gray walls offset by gleaming gold sconces, faucets and framed mirror provide an elegant, opulent look.
8. Pumpkin Orange & Violet
Pumpkin orange walls look surprisingly chic with violet towels, art and accessories. Cream floor tile and trim prevents an overly autumnal vibe.
Enhancing Your Bold Powder Room with Décor
Once your vibrant powder room walls are painted, complete the look with complementing décor:
- Framed wall art in harmonizing colors will augment the bold walls. Black and white graphic prints also provide striking contrast.
- Sculptural light fixtures like globes, sconces and pendants make artful accents against colorful walls. Choose metallic finishes for extra polish.
- Granite, marble or quartz countertops in creamy white, beige, gray or black make ideal neutral surfaces.
- Vases and candles in coordinating hues bring visual unity while softening hard surfaces.
- Baskets and shelving in natural wood tones warm up cooler paint shades. Woven and textured storage adds interest.
- Bright white towels pops against deeper paint colors. Monogramming adds personality.
- Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Circular, oval, rectangular and square styles all work well.
- Houseplants lend fresh green foliage to liven up the space. Succulents and potted vines do well in powder rooms.
Conclusion
A bold paint color choice is a smart way to transform a powder room from boring to beautiful. While adjacent living spaces may call for more subtle, versatile paint colors, your powder room is the perfect place to take some risks and make a vibrant color statement.
Just be sure to consider the size and lighting of your powder room when selecting a dramatic hue for the walls. Soft finishes, crisp white trim and strategic décor accents will prevent the space from feeling too overwhelming.
Have fun exploring color combinations, testing paint swatches and creating a little jewel-box space that shows off your style. A bold, colorful powder room provides guests a bright and memorable welcome.
