Painting Ideas for Bathrooms

Painting ideas for bathrooms can make a small room larger or turn a strictly functional bath into a soothing, relaxing personal space. The colors you choose for your bathrooms have a powerful impact about the way you feel when you're getting ready for work in the morning or winding down after a stressful day. Painting is an easy, affordable way to freshen or brighten bathrooms without spending a lot of time or money on elaborate design ideas.

As you consider the most appealing colors for your painting ideas for bathrooms, think about the type of paint that's best suited for the room. Semi-glossy paints are more resistant to water than matte products, which makes them more suitable for high traffic bathrooms with a high level of water exposure. Matte paints are more likely to show water damage over time, which makes matte painting ideas more appropriate for guest bathrooms that have no shower or bathtub.

Faux Paint Techniques

If you're looking for ideas for bathroom sinks or making a simple bath more exotic, inviting or visually interesting, consider faux painting ideas for bathrooms. Faux painting techniques use a variety of materials and supplies to replicate the appearance of another textured surface with paint. Sponge painting is a popular faux technique that utilizes a sponge to create a textured surface that can resemble terra cotta or stone. Using this technique with a warm ochre or coral color can give bathrooms a Mediterranean look, with the appeal of sun-warmed stone.

Faux techniques can give your walls an interesting weathered look, creating a sense of the past. A crackle technique complements vintage painting ideas for bathrooms. Your walls will resemble the texture and appearance of fractured glass or porcelain. A clawfoot tub, a pedestal sink or a porcelain vessel basin and a collection of heirloom ceramics in a recessed wall niche complete the look of a vintage bath.

Wall Mural Ideas for Bathrooms

Murals, stencils and other decorative paint ideas give your room a look that's completely your own. Colorful mural painting ideas for bathrooms make grooming and washing fun for little ones. If you don't have time to design and paint a mural by hand, you can choose from a wide assortment of wall decals depicting cartoon characters, fairy tale heroes and heroines, vehicles, animals or flowers. Your kids will have fun choosing their own customized decals and selecting a complementary paint.

If you buy mural decals to enhance your painting ideas for bathrooms, choose products that are water resistant. Decals that aren't designed for high moisture areas may bubble or peel. Adding brightly colored, stenciled designs to your walls is another way to liven up your room with unique designs that will appeal to children and guests alike. Stenciled flowers and abstract designs can also add interest and aesthetic appeal to an adult bath.

Setting a Mood with Color

Painting a bathroom is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to create a specific atmosphere or change the mood of this personal care space. With one or two shades, you can make a poorly lit room appear brighter, make a somber area look more cheerful and turn a loud bathroom into a soothing, calming retreat. You can create a dramatic, striking bath with rich crimson, bright fuchsia or mandarin orange tones, or tone down the space with an oceanic blue theme.

As you select colors for this personal care area, keep in mind that darker shades may make the space look smaller. If you're already feeling crowded when you stand at the mirror or take a shower, dark shades may add to this claustrophobic feeling. Think about repainting a dark half bath with light, soothing, space-enhancing colors. Use two slightly different versions of the same pale hue to add depth and dimension to the room.

Painting ideas for bathrooms should reflect the purpose of the room. In a master bath designed for relaxation, a calming color may be more appropriate than a bright, bold hue. In a powder room reserved for guests, a subtle, universally appealing shade may be more suitable than a brash, eccentric color. When you think of painting ideas for bathrooms for kids, enlist their help in selecting a color palette that will make them feel good about brushing their teeth, washing their hands and taking baths.

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. Creating the right mood with color, texture and design can make a big difference in the way you feel about using this space. Your painting ideas for bathrooms play a vital role in creating the atmosphere you want. Browse through online galleries, home design books and professional designers' portfolios for ideas and tips. Compare quotes from several home improvement professionals if you want expert assistance with your painting project.

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