The One Bathroom Paint Color Experts Say Will Never Be Outdated

If you're going to invest the time and effort into painting your bathroom, you don't want it to look outdated a few months down the line. Choosing the right paint color can be a daunting task, especially if you want the space to stand the test of time. To find out the best timeless bathroom paint colors, we took a poll: We asked the pros to share their pick for bathroom paint colors that will never be outdated—and there was one overwhelming verdict.

Why Experts Love Soft Blue for Bathrooms

The consensus is clear: Soft blue is always an ideal bathroom paint color. "It's a timeless bathroom wall color because it evokes a sense of calm, cleanliness, and spa-like serenity," says Erika Woelfel, BEHR’s VP of color and creative services. The quiet yet luxurious hue spans room sizes and design styles, yet is subtle enough to serve as a neutral while adding a hint of color. Below, experts share why soft blue is a winning choice, and what their go-to shade is.

It Creates a Calming Atmosphere

Soft blue has a calming quality that's ideal for bathrooms. It introduces a hint of color while being subtle enough to maintain a serene atmosphere. For a spa-like feel, Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar, suggests the shade Fragile Blue. "This soothing gray-blue creates a peaceful, airy atmosphere, ideal for a space where you begin and end your day," she says. Kim shares that it pairs well with crisp white trim and says it's the tranquility and ability to flex across design styles that gives this soft blue shade its lasting appeal.

It Has Staying Power

"Blue is the most popular paint color family after neutrals, and soft blue in particular has a sophisticated edge that never goes out of style," says Ashley McCollum, Glidden paint color expert. She describes the shade as chic and modern, and one that will give your bathroom a polished look that you will love for years to come. McCollum's pick is Glidden's Zen, which is a quiet and restful shade that brings in softness and provides a versatile base for pretty much any accent color.

It's Versatile and Easy to Style

Soft blues offer the versatility of a neutral without sacrificing color. Woelfel's favorite shade of soft blue is Etched Glass by BEHR, which she says pairs effortlessly with various accents and a variety of metal finishes. "This barely-there blue is dusted with a touch of frost, speaking of sophistication and utter elegance," the paint expert says.

The color is easy to accessorize, works with any design style, and layers beautifully with neutrals and other colors. McCollum says it's the perfect backdrop for colorful towels, plants, and artwork, noting that it allows you to switch out your decor without having to repaint. "You can easily change the vibe without needing a full makeover," she says.

It Makes a Bathroom Look Bigger

If you're looking for ways to make a small bathroom look bigger, a fresh coat of soft blue paint will do the trick. It reflects natural light well and creates a sense of space to visually open up the room. Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams, recommends the brand's 2024 Color of the Year, Upward. "If you’re looking for a serene, spa-like feel, the shade is a light and airy blue with a touch of gray and periwinkle," she says. When used on the walls, Kantz says it becomes an ethereal escape from the day, and when applied to an accent wall, it serves as a way to break up an all-white bathroom.

Runner Up: Sage Green

While the consensus is that soft blue is the winner when it comes to timeless bathroom paint colors, there is a bonus option: sage green. "Soft and muted, October Mist is a gently shaded sage with a timeless appeal," says Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore. The color expert points out the hue's soothing nature and refreshing vibe that turn an ordinary bathroom into a personal retreat.

Yeo suggests pairing this sage green with creamy off-whites and brushed brass accents for a space that exudes warmth, or layering it with white marble countertops or flooring for striking contrast that adds a touch of luxury. "For a more playful aesthetic, incorporate soft rosy hues or introduce black accents to lend a modern edge," Yeo says.