The best neutral paint colors for bathrooms that aren't white – 5 timeless shades designers always turn to

When choosing the color scheme for a bathroom, neutrals are one of the most popular choices, and for good reason. Neutral paint colors create a soothing, light, and airy feel in these functional rooms, while also feeling timeless.

That said, an all-white scheme can often result in the space feeling stark and clinical, especially true whites and those with cool undertones. It's no surprise then, to see designers and homeowners alike embracing delicate neutral bathroom ideas that feel more welcoming.

Below, we've rounded up a selection of the best neutral paints for bathroom colors, as recommended by interior designers. With these picks, your bathroom can feel pared-back and sophisticated without running the risk of looking bland.

5 neutral paint colors for bathrooms

Whether you're looking for a warm white paint or a soft pink, the following shades from leading paint brands Benjamin Moore and Farrow & Ball are a great place to start.

1. Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore

'A fantastic go-to neutral paint is Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore,' says interior designer Alexandra Richter of Mint Interiors. 'Its warm undertones create a perfect backdrop, allowing bold vanities or patterned floor tiles to truly stand out while maintaining a serene and inviting atmosphere.'

If you're looking for a bathroom paint color with just a bit more warmth than pure white, decorating with Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee is a great choice since it doesn't feel too yellow. You'll be able to maintain a light and airy feel but with more of a cozy feel than cooler whites.

2. Skimming Stone, Farrow & Ball

While gray paints can cause bathrooms to feel cold and unwelcoming, warm gray paints are a great way to add more depth to the walls without feeling drab. One such paint is Farrow & Ball's Skimming Stone, which is a favorite for designer Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors. She explains that 'it adds a sense of calm and depth to a space'.

As seen in the above bathroom, Skimming Stone is light in tone, with its subtle warmth making it a versatile choice for plenty of different bathroom design styles.

3. Classic Gray, Benjamin Moore

Similarly, Benjamin Moore's Classic Gray is another light gray paint that feels gentle and soothing, a great choice for modern bathrooms where it provides a welcoming feel without too many undertones.

'I love Benjamin Moore's Classic Gray as it is neutral with a touch of gray. It pairs well with white marble and lighter stone,' shares interior designer Dana Wolter of Dana Wolter Interiors.

4. Pink Ground, Farrow & Ball

Neutral paints for bathrooms don't have to equate to gray and beige. Pink paints are becoming an increasingly popular 'new neutral' that adds warmth and boasts a flattering quality. Interior designer Nadia Watts has several soft pink paints she recommends, including Farrow & Ball's Pink Ground which was used in the above space.

'Everyone looks pretty in pink making it a great option for a bathroom. When choosing a bathroom color, look for muted neutral pinks with undertones of brown and beige. Benjamin Moore’s Fairest Pink is the perfect dusty pink with a touch of brown, complementing every skin tone,' explains Nadia.

'Benjamin Moore’s Gentle Blush has more purple for a bolder look and still works beautifully as a neutral. If the purple in Fairest Pink is too much color, try Warm Blush by Benjamin Moore. Warm blush reads almost as a taupe or tan with just a touch of pink. Similar to Warm Blush but a bit bolder and more saturated is Farrow and Ball’s Pink Ground,' Nadia adds.

5. Coventry Gray, Benjamin Moore

If you're looking for a cooler neutral paint for your bathroom, Benjamin Moore's Coventry Gray is a mid-tone gray paint that feels modern and crisp. If you have a south-facing bathroom that receives lots of natural light, this one's a great choice to balance warm tones.

'Coventry Gray by Benjamin Moore is a great bathroom neutral as it enhances Carrara marble tones and complements a range of ceramic tiles,' says Patrick Fox, designer at Crafted Interiors. 'It is also a perfect way to add moodiness to a bathroom, especially when paired with black accents.'

From soft grays to muted pinks, there are many neutral paints to elevate your bathroom color scheme. Whichever you're drawn to, sample the paint color before committing to see how it looks as the lighting changes throughout the day.