Bathroom Paint ROI Calculator
Calculate your potential return on investment for a bathroom paint job. Based on 2025 real estate data, the right color can add 80-120% to your investment value.
When you’re getting ready to sell your home, the bathroom might be the smallest room, but it’s one of the biggest decision-makers for buyers. Real estate agents in Toronto and across North America agree: a well-designed bathroom can add up to 10% to your home’s resale value. And the color you choose? It’s not just about taste-it’s a financial move.
Neutral tones still win, but not the way you think
For years, white bathrooms were the gold standard. Clean, bright, and safe. But in 2025, pure white is starting to feel dated. Buyers now want calm, layered neutrals that feel like a spa, not a hospital room. Think warm greys, soft beiges, and greige (that’s grey + beige) with undertones that match natural wood and stone. These colors don’t scream for attention-they let the fixtures, tiles, and lighting shine.
A 2024 survey by the National Association of Realtors found that 68% of homebuyers said they’d pay more for a bathroom with neutral tones that felt warm and inviting. That’s not just preference-it’s a pattern. Homes with warm greige walls sold 12% faster than those with stark white, according to data from Zillow’s market analysis for the Toronto region.
Why blue is the new black
Here’s where things get interesting: soft blue is now the top-performing color for bathrooms in resale markets. Not navy. Not teal. Not baby blue. Think soft blue-like the color of a calm lake at dawn. Sherwin-Williams’ 2025 Color of the Year, Sea Salt, and Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl with a blue undertone, are both selling out in home improvement stores across Ontario.
Why does it work? Blue triggers a psychological response tied to calm and cleanliness. A University of Toronto study in 2023 showed that buyers spent 23% more time in bathrooms painted in soft blue tones compared to beige or gray. That extra time? It’s the difference between a quick glance and a real emotional connection.
And it’s not just about psychology. Soft blue pairs perfectly with modern fixtures-matte black faucets, brass hardware, and natural stone vanities. It doesn’t clash with marble. It doesn’t look cheap next to porcelain. It just… fits.
Black and dark tones? Only if you know what you’re doing
You’ve seen them: all-black bathrooms with gold accents. Sleek. Bold. Instagram-worthy. But here’s the catch-only 12% of buyers in a 2025 Canadian home survey said they’d consider buying a home with a dark bathroom if they weren’t already in love with the style. Dark colors make small spaces feel smaller. They show dust, water spots, and fingerprints like nothing else.
That said, if your bathroom is large, has great natural light, and you’re targeting luxury buyers, a deep charcoal or matte black accent wall can add serious drama. But don’t paint the whole room. Use it as a feature wall behind the vanity. Pair it with a white ceiling and light wood floors. Otherwise, you’re risking a buyer walking past without stopping.
Green is making a quiet comeback
Earthy greens-think sage, moss, or olive-are rising in popularity, especially in homes with natural materials. If your bathroom has a freestanding tub, stone tiles, or wooden cabinetry, a muted green wall can tie everything together. It’s not as common as blue or greige, so it stands out in a good way.
But here’s the rule: avoid bright or yellow-based greens. They feel dated, like 1980s bathrooms. Stick to cool, grayed-out greens. Benjamin Moore’s Greenbrier or Sherwin-Williams’ Evergreen Fog are top picks. These colors work because they feel organic, not painted.
What colors should you avoid?
Some colors still kill resale value. Bright yellow? It’s a hard no. It feels cheap and doesn’t age well. Hot pink? Even worse. Bold reds and oranges? They’re emotional, not calming-and bathrooms need to feel like a retreat.
Also avoid overly trendy colors like millennial pink or lavender. They’re not timeless. They’re temporary. Buyers aren’t looking for a statement-they’re looking for a space they can imagine their own towels and toothbrushes in.
Lighting changes everything
Color isn’t just about the paint. It’s about how light hits it. A soft blue might look perfect in the morning sun but turn gray under LED bulbs. Always test your color on all four walls. Paint a 2x2 foot square and live with it for three days. Watch it at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Use warm white bulbs (2700K-3000K) in your bathroom. Cool white (4000K+) makes even the best color look clinical. If you’re replacing fixtures, go for dimmable LEDs. Buyers notice details like this.
Tile and fixtures matter just as much
Paint is only one piece. Your tile, vanity, and hardware have to match the vibe. If you paint the walls a soft blue, don’t install glossy white tiles. They’ll clash. Instead, go for matte white, light gray, or even a subtle beige stone look.
Fixtures? Stick to classic shapes. No funky curves or chrome-plastic handles. Brushed nickel, matte black, or unlacquered brass are all safe bets. They age beautifully and feel expensive without being flashy.
What’s the ROI on bathroom color?
Painting a bathroom costs between $300 and $800 in materials and labor in Ontario, depending on size. If you pick the right color-soft blue, warm greige, or muted green-you can expect a return of 80% to 120% on that investment. That means for every $500 you spend, you could add $600 to $1,000 to your home’s value.
Compare that to a full bathroom renovation, which can cost $15,000 or more. A fresh coat of paint? That’s low-risk, high-reward.
Final checklist: Your color strategy for 2025
- Choose a neutral base: soft blue, warm greige, or muted green
- Avoid white unless it’s off-white with a warm undertone
- Test paint samples in natural and artificial light
- Use warm white lighting (2700K-3000K)
- Pair with matte finishes on tiles and fixtures
- Stick to classic hardware: brushed nickel, matte black, or unlacquered brass
- Never go bold unless you’re targeting luxury buyers
Color isn’t just decoration. It’s a signal. Buyers don’t just see a bathroom-they feel it. And the right color makes them feel like they’ve found a quiet place in a noisy world. That’s what sells homes.
What is the best color for a bathroom to sell a house?
The best colors are soft blue, warm greige, and muted green. These tones create a calm, spa-like feel that appeals to the broadest range of buyers. They’re neutral enough to feel timeless but warm enough to feel inviting. Avoid pure white-it’s too sterile-and bright colors like yellow or pink-they turn buyers off.
Does painting a bathroom increase home value?
Yes, absolutely. A fresh, well-chosen paint job costs under $800 but can boost home value by $600 to $1,000. It’s one of the highest ROI home improvements you can make. Buyers notice clean, updated bathrooms. They assume the rest of the house is well-maintained too.
Is white or beige better for a bathroom?
Neither pure white nor plain beige is ideal anymore. Pure white feels cold and outdated. Plain beige can look dull or dirty. Instead, go for off-white with warm undertones-like cream, linen, or warm greige. These shades reflect light better and feel more modern without being trendy.
What color bathroom is most popular in 2025?
Soft blue is the most popular bathroom color in 2025, especially in North American markets. Shades like Sherwin-Williams’ Sea Salt and Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl are top sellers. It’s calming, versatile, and pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone.
Should I paint my bathroom dark colors to make it look luxurious?
Only if your bathroom is large and gets plenty of natural light. Dark colors like charcoal or black can feel luxurious in a spacious, well-lit space with high-end fixtures. But in small or windowless bathrooms, they make the room feel cramped and gloomy. Most buyers prefer light, airy spaces. Save dark tones for accent walls, not full rooms.
