Skip to main content

This one change will transform your bathroom (for the cost of a can of paint)

If you’re in full spring cleaning and remodeling mode, you’re not alone. This is the season to clear clutter, make room for new decor, and breathe life into the rooms you use most. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to tackle one such space is to paint your bathroom cabinets. It’s a project that will take less than a day to complete but will transform your bathroom entirely.

The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing bathroom cabinet colors. While you can search for months for the perfect hue, there are colors that are on-trend now and will last well into the future. Not only that, if you’re thinking about selling, picking the right shade can actually increase the value of your home.

bathroom with double vanity
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What kind of paint is the best for bathroom cabinets?

Because it’s a room with a lot of moisture and humidity, picking the right type of paint is important.

Paints that are latex, oil, or chalk-based hold up the best under these conditions. Not only do they help protect the cabinets from scratching or chipping, but they’re also easy to clean and won’t warp or crack.

In a moisture-rich bathroom, semi-gloss and high-gloss paints work better than eggshell or flat paints to repel water, but they will give off a shinier look.

Use wood filler to prevent mold. Once you’ve sanded the cabinets and removed the hardware, make sure you fill any holes or gaps with wood filler. This will help keep water out of the wood, reducing the chances of mold. Give your cabinets a coat of primer before you paint for optimal results.

Bathroom with luxurious vanity
Joe Hendrickson/Shutterstock

What vanity color is most popular?

When thinking about what color options will work best in your bathroom, ask yourself, “What colors do bathroom vanities come in today?” Researching the hot colors designers are using is a good indication of what hues are popular and will work well into the future. Sherwin-Williams’ color of the year 2022 is Evergreen Fog, which we love for a bathroom because of its serene and calming qualities. Other popular colors are matte black, navy, and most shades of green.

If you prefer a lighter tone, mint green and blush are also popular to use in the bathroom. Of course, classic white will never go out of style, and it keeps your bathroom looking clean and bright. Before you land on a color, place a paint sample in the room for a week or so to ensure you’re still in love with the color after living with it.

white bathroom
Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

What other vanity elements are important to consider?

Your overall color palette

When thinking about your vanity color, you’ll also want to consider the other colors in the space, including your floor, countertops, and walls. If you’re looking to keep costs low, you may not be able to change out your counters or tile floor, so make sure the color you choose doesn’t clash with either element.

Your hardware

If it’s in your budget, another easy way to transform the look of your bathroom is by changing out the hardware. We love muted gold or brass handles and knobs, which go well with all of the above color recommendations. Since you have to remove the hardware before you paint, you may as well update it.

Your bathroom is a space that should be calming but also invigorating since it’s where you wind down at the end of the day and refresh in the morning. Color is a personal choice, so find one that makes you feel happy. Just keep in mind that if it’s too unique (for instance, hot pink or bright purple), you may turn off potential buyers down the road. (Of course, if you do eventually sell, repainting your cabinet a neutral color wouldn’t be a tough job.)

As we said, this is an easy project that you can tackle on a Saturday as long as you have everything you need. Pick well-reviewed rollers and paintbrushes (you can ask your local hardware store for recommendations) so the paint goes on evenly. Make sure each coat dries thoroughly before adding a second coat. Use a drop cloth or old sheet so you don’t get paint on your bathroom flooring or walls.

You’ll be surprised how a coat of paint will completely transform the look of your bathroom. Color can make an immediate impact and turn your boring, outdated bathroom into one you look forward to spending time resting, relaxing, and getting ready for the day in.

Editors' Recommendations

Julie Scagell
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
Is laminate flooring in bathrooms a terrible idea? 8 things to consider
What you need to know about laminate flooring in bathrooms
best bathroom tile ideas with bathtub and plant

If you're thinking of the bathroom as a fall remodel project and are looking to replace your old flooring, there are tons of options on the market. From water-resistant wood to tile to concrete, flooring has come a long way in a room that needs special consideration for materials due to the moisture and humidity in a bathroom. Once you choose the right material, your choices come down to style and budget.

If you've been looking for something relatively inexpensive and easy to install, you've likely come across laminate flooring as an option. Before you make a final decision, there are a few things to know about laminate flooring in a bathroom.

Read more
Modernize your oak wood decor with these gorgeous paint colors
These colors can give oak wood a modern, refreshing look
Kitchen with black cabinets and dark wood inspired by midcentury design

Whether you’ve just installed your favorite oak kitchen cabinets or you’ve decided on a stunning oak wood floor for your home, it can be difficult to find a modern color palette that looks seamless alongside these warm wood tones. While oak wood is stunning with traditional design, modernists who favor its classic appeal might find blending this tone with their existing palette frustrating.

Oak wood has a tendency to look outdated or overly traditional in a home's design. This happens for several reasons. For example, a dark or brown color palette makes oak look a bit drab in spaces where modernists prefer light or airy tones.

Read more
These are the best shower plants for your bathroom (and why you really need one)
Shower plants have design and health benefits: Here are the best ones
Bathroom lowlight plants

Keeping indoor plants has been popular in interior design for years, but this nature-inspired decor has gone to a whole new level in recent years. From green being the "it" paint color of the year to design styles adopting a "friluftsliv" appeal, designers and DIYers alike are finding new and interesting ways to incorporate nature into the modern home. What's one of our favorite green design trends? The shower plant.

Whether you have a bathroom with a green palette or a super luxurious, modern bathroom design, keeping a plant inside your shower is a unique and fun design approach. Did you know that it's also incredibly beneficial for your health? These are the benefits of a shower plant — and the best ones you can get.

Read more