How to tone down a dark blue color on bathroom wall?

Susan Richards
by Susan Richards

I rolled my bathroom walls with a textured roller over Sheetrock mud. It came out great, looks like small waves.

I then painted it a blue to accent the blue in the grout on the shower. I love the color, it’s just alittle too dark. Is there a white glaze or something I could use to tone the color down some? I love the color , the next color in the pallet of colors is the the right color I’m wanting.

Anyone have any ideas?..


  10 answers
  • Oliva Oliva on Jul 29, 2020

    Try "color washing" with a lighter colored glaze.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jul 29, 2020

    How to Lighten Paint Color on Walls

    https://www.hunker.com/13416689/how-to-lighten-paint-color-on-walls


    You could add bright or light colored molding. A mirror with a large frame would help. Any accessories on the wall that are light colored will also help break up the dark blue somewhat.

    You could always just go back to the paint store and request they mix up another gallon the same color just a few shades lighter.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jul 29, 2020

    You could do a white wash but try adding some white decor, maybe beach themed light colors or driftwood to lighten the area.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Jul 29, 2020

    I would try to accessorize lighter , bring light before I would go back and paint .Keep in mind that it is your new color that you are not used to yet ...That may change after couple of days

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jul 29, 2020

    What type of light/lightbulbs do you have in the bathroom now?


    If you do not presently have LED, I would strongly suggest that you first switch to high lumen LED, as this in itself can alter what color the walls appears to be and how light or dark it is.

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Jul 29, 2020

    How about bright artwork or paintings

  • Joye R. Foster Joye R. Foster on Jul 29, 2020

    Personally,, if I had to put something to tone down the blue, I would purchase the correct color and repaint. You will never be happy with a “Tried to fix” color. Good luck.

  • Originally Worn Originally Worn on Jul 29, 2020

    I would say repaint, but if you have enough left over of the gallon and some white latex paint hanging around, you could mix up your own custom blue. That way you aren't really out more money, just time.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 31, 2020

    Hello Susan,

    If you still have enough paint left, add some white to it and paint it again, or buy the next shade and go over it. It will be worth it in the end!

  • Susan Richards Susan Richards on Aug 01, 2020

    Thanks for the tips everyone! I tried just about everyone of them and on day 3 decided the paint was just too “loud” for the small bathroom. Ran up to Lowe’s bought another gallon of a much lighter color :)