Software
Houzz Logo Print
tabitha_loosli

Small bathroom paint and lighting

8 months ago

Hi All,
This is a two-part question for the paint choice and lighting.

Our bathroom measures about 8.5x5 ft. I’ve attached photos of:

  1. unfinished sink and toilet
  2. shower tile installation
  3. paint chips against floor and shower tile
  4. Collage of similar fixture and decor choices with Oyster Bay, Evergreen Fog, and Lauriston Stone(current picks for getting samples but open to suggestion).

The floor is an ivory porcelain throughout and the shower is Reves Jade Glossy. The jade reads a gray-blue-green. We’re planning on natural wood and non-polished brass accents. My biggest issue is the shower wall blocks out any of the already little natural light. I hear lumens, kelvin, and CRI but I want someone to let me know what they went with.

Looking for any advice or your own experience with paint and lighting to use in a bathroom like this. Thank you!

Lauriston Stone
Other, comment
Evergreen Fog
Oyster Bay

Comments (14)

  • 8 months ago

    Whoops, these pictures didn’t make it in the post.

  • 8 months ago

    Paint - Lauriston Stone. It creates a mood, whereas the other colors look like they'd be selected to match the shower stone but only result in a miss.


    Lighting - Recessed lighting and scones on either side the mirror instead of the overhead you show.


    It is a very eclectic look. I hope you post pics when it is complete.

  • PRO
    8 months ago
    last modified: 8 months ago

    Sorry but you should have come sooner before choosing that tile for a tiny bathroom now get everything else in and chosen wall color last choice and IMO a color from those shwer tiles so take one to the paint store and try to color match the lightest color. Lighting IMO in a tiny space is beast when good overhead and a nice bath bar over the mirror since a good sized mirro is a must no room for sconces IMO. I use LED 4000K bulbs in bathooms and kitchens no need to get bogged down with all the other stuff just simpl eLED 4000K. Best if you buy the lighting that can do that choice . Amazon has lots of lights that are LED 4000K some dimmable if thta is a must there are also ones to choose which K value you like So probablt 2 pot lights same K and the bath bar Wall color when all else is in including lighting

  • 8 months ago

    Thank you for taking time to comment!
    Eclectic is a kind way to frame it. We had very different looks in mind. I was hoping to bring the vanity area to a more transitional style(even if not cohesive with shower) Please let me know if I’m missing the mark and how to improve.

    When it comes to painting a small bathroom, should the ceiling be the same color? Does it depend if I go with lighter or darker? Or completely up to personal preference?

    Sconces are a lovely suggestion but the space isn’t there. Any suggestions for a light bar that would elevate the look?

  • 8 months ago

    that is a wild shower tile for such a small room. although it is done, simplify the rest of the space. No need for a corner decor shelf, you need a simple enclosed unit for storage.

    Of the paint colors you have posted, choose the lightest.

    Are you able to add electrical boxes?

    Add as many lights as possible, sconces flanking the mirror, a wet rated recessed light in the shower, a fixture over the mirror, and a ceiling light in the bathroom center.

    this is a perfect example of dry fitting a veining tile before you get started.

    Veins should appear as being fault lines going the same direction...


  • 8 months ago

    Thank you for the advice! There is another bathroom in the home identical in size and layout but with double glass shower doors and a slightly larger window. That one will be redone in the next few years but it’ll do for now.

    Might I ask anyone’s recommendations for shower wall and flooring tile for a small bathroom. The advice I’ve read online is to use larger format (albeit not this dark).

  • 8 months ago

    a large format tile in a subtle tone. keeping the colors in the same family make the space feel larger.



  • 8 months ago

    I really appreciate everyone’s input so far. This has been a lesson learned. There will be recessed lighting in the shower and only a light over the vanity and a light on the fan. We have the option for a lighted mirror. Now I think I may need that extra lighting.

    The shelves were mainly decor as I don’t need more storage. It could switch to framed art or nothing at all.
    Those bathrooms are great examples. So bright and beautiful.

    The attached is a close layout to my bathroom but mine is closer to 8.5x5. The wall by the toilet is just over 24”. The entrance is a pocket door across from the 30” vanity.

  • 8 months ago
    last modified: 8 months ago

    I’d use a wall hung vanity with excellent drawer storage. Getting the vanity off the floor makes a small bathroom feel more spacious and less crowded because you perceive space continuing on beyond the boundaries of what your eyes can see. Notice the difference between Lyn’s two pics - one with wall hung vanity vs that without.

    My primary bath is about the size of yours and I have great stoage in my wall hung sink.


    Narrow down your paint selections to two and then order large sampilize swatches. Tape them to the wall. Move them to different areas. Post them on the wall where the painted surface meets the tile.

  • 8 months ago

    The shower is the “star” of the room, so everything else has to be simple. I would look for large format floor tiles if you can find something that complements the shower tile (not green - white, ivory, light beige). Less grout lines make the floor look more modern, and bigger.

    The lighted mirrors are often made with a deadly fluorescent. Don’t do that - it’s not a flattering light or an accurate one for doing makeup in the morning. Use an overhead light with clear glass so the bulbs give off enough light to see yourself.

    Kendrah is right about a wall hung vanity. They have so many nice styles -and they can give you ample storage. No wall shelves. They are visual clutter in a small bathroom. Find a nice mirror with a simple, elegant frame.

    Small bathrooms are challenging but there’s a lot of good examples on Pinterest to give you ideas.

  • 8 months ago

    For your over sink lighting, this type of glass helps lighten up the room. These just happen to be on Bed,Bath and Beyou d, but lots of places sell this idea.

  • 8 months ago

    Not this!

  • 8 months ago

    Here are a couple of small bathrooms with green shower walls.