Should Bathroom Vanities Be Lighter Or Darker Than Walls?

When selecting bathroom vanities, the age-old question arises – should you go lighter or darker relative to your wall’s paint color? As an interior decorator, I hear this question a lot. The answer depends on the feeling you want. Lighter-toned vanities can breathe airiness into smaller floor plans, they bounce around light and even pair nicely with darker paint shades. Think crisp and contemporary with a Scandi, modern, or coastal look.

However, darker-toned vanities too can make a statement, especially when placed against white or lighter backdrops. These feel cozy and elegant and can become a focal point that draws the eye. These darker pieces work well in traditional, industrial, or luxe room designs and especially for those with larger floor plans.

Let’s break it down further into the reasons to consider a lighter or darker cabinet.

Why Choose A Light Colored Vanity

• Creates a light, airy atmosphere with a softer contrast.

• It can give the impression of a larger bathroom

• Smaller spaces or areas with less natural light are better for working.

• It’s simple to add other colors as accents without looking cluttered.

• It will go with almost any color of paint.

• Because of their timeless style, lighter cabinets increase the resale value of your home and appeal to more buyers.

Why Choose A Dark Colored Vanity

• Create a more edgy and dramatic appearance.

• Incorporate formality, richness, and depth into the space.

• Bring a sense of coziness and personality to your bathroom.

• White/light cabinets show fewer stains and wear-and-tear.

• Although they are fashionable, they may not appeal to more traditional or conservative buyers.

Designer Tips:

• In small bathrooms, I often recommend a lighter vanity to help enlarge the feel of the space.
• In large bathrooms or those with plenty of natural light, a darker vanity adds visual weight and richness without overwhelming the space.
• A white, light gray, or medium wood toned vanity can work with practically any wall color.
• Choose your wall paint first, then find a cabinet style that complements the color.

Here are a few more color schemes using lighter bathroom cabinets:

Wall Color	Cabinet Color
Navy blue	White
Warm taupe	Ivory
Sage green	Cream
Pale blue	White
Blush pink	Light maple
Mint green	Off-white
Warm yellow	Light birch
Light coral	Soft white
Pale gray	White marble-look
Lavender	Antique white

Here are additional color pairings using darker bathroom cabinets:

Darker Bathroom Cabinets Color Schemes

Wall Color	Cabinet Color
Pale yellow	Dark walnut
White	Espresso
Light green	Charcoal gray
Soft blue	Navy blue
Warm beige	Chocolate brown
Dusty rose	Deep cherry wood
Cream	Black
Light gray	Dark olive green
White	Deep mahogany
Pearl white	Dark espresso

Both looks are gorgeous. Light cabinets have a light and airy appearance that opens up your bathroom and appeals to almost any taste. But I have to admit, that there’s something about deep navy cabinets or a moody deep-stained piece that appeals to me.

When choosing hardware pairing a darker cabinet with brass, gold, or matte black can be an excellent option. Lighter vanities will always look great with chrome or brushed nickel finishes. Also keep in mind that a dark vanity may show dust, watermarks, and soap scum easier than a light color.

Consider this: to achieve a balance of light and dark, choose a little bit of both. You get the best of both worlds when you combine light lower cabinets and wainscoting combined with with darker paint shades on the walls above for a pop of contrast.

Another option is to paint your vanity in an accent color. Customers have used contrasting tones like navy, gray, black, or green with white or lighter wall paint with stylish results. You’ll end up with a look that’s a little modern, a little classic, and a lot to like.