We’re excited to revisit the tiny transformation we achieved in the tiny bathroom at the 2017 Curbly House. While the space was small, the impact was huge thanks to a bold color choice. Get ready to explore our stunning blue bathroom makeover.
For the past year, I’ve become increasingly captivated by the charm of dark powder rooms. Perhaps it’s their compact size that makes a bold, dramatic color feel like a delightful surprise. Or maybe it’s the intentionality behind the design – choosing a dark blue for a bathroom is a deliberate decision that lends a special touch to the space.
Whatever the reason, small, dark, and dramatic rooms, especially bathrooms, transport me to a glamorous 1920s Gatsby-esque atmosphere. This instantly elevates the experience, even when I’m just washing my hands. Dark bathrooms are a true indulgence, and I absolutely adore them! Let’s delve into why this design choice is so impactful.
In the Curbly House, this bathroom stands out as the only room adorned with a bold color. The rest of the house is painted in Sherwin-Williams Simple White SW 7021, a personal favorite. This small bathroom, often overlooked due to its functional purpose, presented the perfect opportunity for a dramatic transformation.
My quest for the ideal deep, rich navy blue began on the Sherwin-Williams website. The Pottery Barn palette immediately caught my attention with its classic and sophisticated appeal. I appreciate the versatility of the neutrals in this collection and how well the darker shades complement them.
From the start, Naval SW 6244 stood out as the perfect choice. It’s a captivating, deep, and stunning shade of blue. Here are some inspiring examples of this color in real-world settings:
Now, let’s take a look at our own experience with Sherwin Williams Naval and how it transformed our small bathroom:
Editor’s note (Bruno): in fairness to me, I had a bunch of much better ‘before shot’ on a hard drive that crashed and burned last week, so this pathetic phone snap is all I had left!
Tips on painting with a dark color in small rooms:
1. Dark colors recede. Counterintuitively, painting a room a dark color can actually make it appear larger, not smaller. This is because the dark shade creates an illusion of depth, pushing the walls back and expanding the perceived space.
2. Use two coats to ensure full coverage. Dark paint tends to be less forgiving than lighter colors. To achieve a rich, even finish, applying a minimum of two coats is essential. Adequate lighting, both natural and artificial, is crucial to ensure you can see the coverage as you paint and catch any missed spots.
3. When working with dark colors in small spaces with low ceilings, consider painting the ceiling the same color as the walls. While we didn’t need to implement this in our project, maintaining a cohesive color scheme throughout the room can create an illusion of height and make the space feel larger and more unified.
4. Painting in a small room can be tricky due to limited space to maneuver. To maximize your workspace, consider removing the door from its hinges. This allows you to paint without obstruction and ensures you can easily reach all areas of the walls.
Product List
- Paint: Sherwin-Williams Emerald® Interior Satin in Naval SW 6244
- Light: Possini Euro Ava French Brass Light (currently out of stock)
- Hand towel: Ferm Living (discontinued)
- Mirror: Discontinued, this one is similar
- Soap dispenser: Project 62 Brass & Marble Soap Holder
- Faucet: Delta Marianna Bathroom Faucet
This post is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, but all opinions are mine alone. Brand partnerships help our platform thrive and enable us to provide free content. We appreciate your support for the brands that support us.
Looking for more bathroom inspiration?
- 8 Solutions to Help Your Rental Bathroom
- 15 Solutions to Small Bathroom Organization Woes