9 Best Bathroom Paints For Your Home (2025)

Bathrooms are wonderful for long showers, bad karaoke, and that morning dash when the kids hog the mirror. What they’re less good for is paint, unless you pick the right one. Steam, condensation and poor ventilation can leave ordinary paints peeling, streaking, or growing a fine collection of mould spots that no one asked for.

At Beams, we know paint isn’t just about colour charts. The right bathroom paint is your shield: it has to resist water, fight mould, and keep looking fresh long after the grout’s been scrubbed. In this guide, we’ll cut through the marketing jargon, look at which paints genuinely last in UK bathrooms, and recommend the best options whether you want a matt, eggshell, or something eco-friendly.

Think of this as your shortcut to avoiding “redecorate every six months” syndrome.

Why Bathroom Paint Needs to Be Different

Bathrooms are a war zone for walls. Steam from showers, splashes from sinks, condensation on cold surfaces, it’s a cocktail that ordinary emulsion simply can’t handle. Left unchecked, you end up with peeling paint, dark patches of mould, or that chalky streak down the wall where water has trickled one too many times.

This is why bathroom paints are designed differently. They use stronger polymer binders so the paint film resists moisture, and in many cases, they’re loaded with anti-mould additives that stop spores before they spread. In simple terms: where standard matt might sulk and flake, durable bathroom paint holds its ground.

It’s the same logic that makes you weigh up a bathroom refurbishment carefully — you want choices that will actually last, not quick fixes that look tired after a year. Good paint isn’t just cosmetic; it’s protection for your walls and ceilings.

And while every manufacturer will tell you their “bathroom” line is perfect, the reality is some finishes are better for certain situations than others. High-shine eggshell might be brilliant in a steamy ensuite, while a durable matt gives that soft, modern look in a family bathroom. We’ll break down the best options shortly.

The Different Types of Bathroom Paint

Not all bathroom paints are created equal. Some are built to shrug off steam, others to stop mould in its tracks, and a few are even marketed as “eco-friendly” so you don’t feel like you’re fumigating the house while decorating. Here’s the lowdown on the main types and when to use them.

Trade vs Retail Paints

This one’s simple. Retail “kitchen and bathroom” paints — the kind you grab in a DIY superstore — are often watered-down versions of their trade counterparts. They’ll cover, but not for long. Trade paints cost a little more upfront but last longer, look better, and usually save you money in the long run. Think of it like the difference between a budget renovation and one that actually adds value to your home.

Durable Matt Emulsion

Durable matt is the go-to for most modern bathrooms. It has that soft, low-sheen finish people love, but unlike ordinary matt, it’s built with stronger binders that make it more water-resistant. It won’t mind the odd splash or steamy mirror session, and it’s scrubbable, which is a lifesaver in family homes.

Acrylic Eggshell

Eggshell has a slightly higher sheen (around 20–30%), which makes it more resistant to water. Think of it as wrapping your walls in a thin, wipe-clean film. If your bathroom suffers heavy condensation — say, a small ensuite with no window — eggshell is often the smarter choice.

Anti-Mould Paints

If your bathroom is prone to mould because of poor ventilation or cold walls, anti-mould paints are worth their weight in gold. They contain additives that kill spores before they spread, keeping your ceiling from developing those tell-tale black spots. Pair it with a decent fan (and maybe read our bathroom ventilation guide) for the best results.

Eco & Low-VOC Paints

For households worried about air quality or sustainability, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints are becoming a popular choice. They’re kinder to the environment and safer in small, poorly ventilated rooms. Brands like Little Greene and Tikkurila are leading the charge here.

Ceiling-Specific Bathroom Paints

Ceilings suffer the worst of condensation, so they need special attention. A mould-resistant matt (such as Zinsser Perma White) or a durable matt designed for high-humidity zones is the best bet. Avoid silk finishes unless you’re deliberately going for a 1990s council office vibe.

Best Bathroom Paints in the UK

There are hundreds of paints marketed for “kitchens and bathrooms,” but only a handful genuinely stand up to UK bathrooms with their unique mix of cold winters, hot showers, and questionable extractor fans. Here’s our shortlist by finish and function.

1. Crown Trade Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt

Crown Clean Extreme is the paint decorators rave about when it comes to family bathrooms. It’s scrubbable (handy when toothpaste seems magnetically drawn to walls) and tough enough to deal with steam and the odd shampoo explosion. Coverage is generous, and unlike cheaper retail paints, it doesn’t fade or streak after a few months.
Best for: busy households, family bathrooms, and rental properties where walls get a lot of wear and tear.

2. Dulux Trade Diamond Matt

The updated formula of Dulux Diamond Matt has taken it from “avoid” to “absolutely worth it.” It leaves a rich, low-sheen finish that looks premium, almost velvety. While it is more expensive than Crown, you can really see the difference in finish quality, especially if you’re going bold with colour.
Best for: feature bathrooms where design is as important as durability. If you’ve invested in a walk-in shower and designer tiles, this paint will complement the look rather than let it down.

3.Armstead Trade Acrylic Eggshell

Armstead is the dependable workhorse of bathroom paints. The eggshell finish has just enough sheen to repel water, making it great for small, steamy ensuites or bathrooms with no windows. It won’t peel when condensation drips down the walls, and it’s reasonably priced compared to premium alternatives.
Best for: smaller bathrooms and ensuites where ventilation is poor and walls are frequently damp.

4.Crown Trade Clean Extreme Eggshell

Think of this as Armstead’s stronger, more glamorous sibling. Crown’s eggshell delivers a tougher finish that resists scrubbing, stains, and steam damage. It’s slightly pricier but worth it if you want walls that still look fresh years later.
Best for: bathrooms that double as a spa — or at least try to. If you’ve got underfloor heating or a rainfall shower, this is the paint that will keep up appearances.

5.Zinsser Perma White

This is the mould-fighter. Zinsser Perma White contains built-in fungicides that actively kill mould spores, making it essential for bathrooms where ventilation is poor or ceilings are prone to black patches. Coverage in white can be a bit thin (expect three coats on ceilings), but tinted colours apply more evenly. Once it’s on, it lasts for years.
Best for: mould-prone bathrooms, older properties with cold walls, or homes where extractor fans are more decorative than functional.

6.Little Greene Intelligent Matt/Eggshell

Little Greene is for those who want eco-friendly performance without compromising on luxury. It’s low odour, low VOC, and the colours have real depth. Plus, it’s washable and resistant to steam. You’ll pay more per litre, but you get sustainability and style in one tin.
Best for: eco-conscious homeowners, period homes, and family bathrooms where indoor air quality matters as much as design.

7.Tikkurila Luja 7

Tikkurila Luja is one of those under-the-radar paints decorators swear by. It’s exceptionally durable, scrubbable, and moisture-resistant, designed for high-humidity environments like swimming pools — which makes it perfect for UK bathrooms. Available in a wide range of colours, it also has mould-resistant properties.
Best for: bathrooms that take a daily beating — big households, rental flats, or anywhere the shower runs more than the kettle.

8.Zinsser Perma White (Matt) – Ceiling

Ceilings take the brunt of bathroom steam, and this paint is built for it. It resists mould, doesn’t peel, and has a smooth matt finish that won’t highlight imperfections in plaster. If your bathroom ceiling has been repainted more times than you care to admit, this is the fix that will finally last.
Best for: ceilings in small, windowless bathrooms or steamy family spaces.

9.Dulux Trade Diamond Matt (White) – Ceiling

If you want a flawless ceiling finish that matches the quality of your walls, Dulux Diamond Matt is a solid choice. It’s tough enough for condensation-heavy spaces and looks far more refined than cheaper retail options.
Best for: family bathrooms with decent ventilation, where style and finish are just as important as performance.

FAQs About Bathroom Paint

What’s the best paint for a bathroom ceiling?

Ceilings take the worst of bathroom steam, so they need mould resistance above all else. Zinsser Perma White is the safe choice, while Dulux Diamond Matt works beautifully if your bathroom has decent ventilation.

Can I use normal emulsion in a bathroom?

Technically yes, but you’ll likely regret it. Ordinary matt emulsion isn’t designed for condensation and will peel or stain quickly. Spending a bit more on durable matt or eggshell saves you from redecorating every six months.

Is kitchen paint the same as bathroom paint?

Not quite. Kitchen paint is formulated to resist grease and stains, while bathroom paint is focused on fighting mould and moisture. They overlap in durability, but for best results, stick to paints designed for the room you’re working on. (See our section on Kitchen vs Bathroom Paint above for the full breakdown.)

How much does bathroom paint cost?

On average, trade bathroom paints range between £30–£60 for a 5L tin. Retail versions are cheaper but often need more coats, so the savings don’t always add up. For context, paint is a small slice of the overall refurbishment cost, but it makes a big difference to long-term results.

How do I stop mould forming on bathroom walls?

Good paint is only half the story. Use anti-mould paint, make sure ventilation is up to scratch, and avoid silk finishes (they tend to highlight defects). If mould is already present, clean it thoroughly before repainting.

How often should I repaint my bathroom?

With the right paint, you should get 5–7 years before it needs refreshing. If you’ve cut corners with retail paint, expect to be back with a roller in 18 months.