Bathrooms are utilitarian spaces, but that doesn't mean they can't be stylish. Whether you bring nature indoors withsmall houseplants, swap out the hardware on your vanity, orcreate a gallery wall that showcases your personality, simple cosmetic changes make it possible to update a bathroom on any size budget.
Get an elegant, enviable look by taking inspiration from these bathroom decor ideas that fit every design style. We've gathered our favorite bathroom decor ideas ranging from simple to involved. Whether you add just a few accessories or opt for a full bathroom refresh, these ideas will make your space the most-loved room in your home.
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Bathroom Vanity Decor
Antique dressers that have withstood the test of time function wonderfully as bathroom vanities. They offer plenty of storage space and room to hide plumbing. You can purchase a custom-cut marble top for a waterproof surface.
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Add Pattern to Shelves
Draw attention to your bathroom shelves by lining the back with a patterned wallpaper. Tile and stencils can also achieve the same effect. Complete the look with thick wood shelves stained your favorite way.
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Bathroom Wallpaper Ideas
Bathrooms are an ideal space for a bold wallpaper choice. They're usually smaller spaces (meaning you'll spend less on wallpaper) and you can opt for a louder pattern or color than you might in a living space. If your bathroom receives proper ventilation (or doesn't have a tub or a shower) you shouldn't experience issues, although you can find moisture-specific wallpaper made specifically for bathrooms. And, choosing a wallpaper with a larger print can actually create the illusion of more space!
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Display Your Jewelry
When brainstorming bathroom decor ideas, try to merge form with function. You don't need to add unnecessary decor to clutter your space. For example, you can show off your favorite jewels on a stylish necklace stand.
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Lay a Vintage Rug
Vintage rugs add a nice time-worn flair to any space. However, there's something extra beautiful about how they pop against a sleek tiled floor. There are plenty of washable reproductions on the market, so you can create a vintage look without ruining an antique.
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Mix Metals with Bathroom Decor
Gold fixtures are back in vogue, and they definitely have staying power. If you're not ready to fully commit to all gold, don't be afraid to mix it up. Opt for classic chrome on the more expensive and harder-to-replace fixtures, such as your shower and sink faucets. Then, you can opt for gold on your sconces and cabinet hardware.
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Paint Your Trim
One way to introduce extra color to your bathroom is to paint the trim. While white baseboards and window trim are a classic move, experiment with some bolder hues, such as a fresh green paired with a lively wallpaper.
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Decorate with Trays
Spare serving platters and decorative trays make for a wonderful spot to house your everyday products. Plus, corralling your bottles, soaps, and trinkets onto a tray reduces visual clutter, keeping the countertops organized.
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Decorate Every Surface
It's helpful to take advantage of any spare surface space you have in a tiny bathroom. The back of a toilet is an often-overlooked space where you can place a candle and extra bars of soap.
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Picture Rail Bathroom Decor
Give your bathroom walls an upgrade by installing picture rails. Overlapping the frames offers a laid-back look, similar to a gallery wall. Consider sticking to a loose theme for your collection, such as nature-inspired art or pieces in a similar color family.
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Decorate with Dried Flowers
If purchasing a weekly bouquet of flowers for your bathroom seems a bit unrealistic to you, dried flowers are a good alternative that achieves a similar effect. Styling tip: They look lovely next to other natural statement pieces, such as dried coral.
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Bathroom Tile Decor Ideas
People often play it safe when it comes to tile. While choosing a timeless version is important due to the installation effort and monetary cost, basic subway tile isn't your only option. For example, this bathroom features tile in a classic square shape, but in a bold cobalt blue shade.
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Work With Original Details
If you own a home from the 1950s, there's a good chance your bathroom has some pastel fixtures or tile present. When you're ready to remodel your bathroom and make it your own, consider keeping a couple of these nods to the past. Pair some updated tile with pink grout to match an original pink tub.
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Tile Your Counter
Natural stone or quartz is the norm for vanity tops, but tile is an option to consider. Tile your vanity counter, and go ahead and also run it up the wall behind your mirror to tie everything together.
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Decorate with Houseplants
Plants love bathrooms, especially ones that receive natural light. They thrive in humid environments, so they will grow quickly next to a bathtub and window.
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Decorate with Fresh Flowers
Flowers are an instant mood booster, and keeping a vase on your vanity will add a cheery pop to the room year-round. Plus, scented blooms will make your bathroom smell amazing.
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Install Large Sconces
Sconce lighting i flattering because it provides you with a horizontal light source. When it comes to selecting the right sconces for your bathroom, try opting for the boldest, largest ones you can. These light fixtures offer an opportunity to show off your taste a bit. And the more light your sconces emit, the better you can see to apply your skincare and makeup.
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Bathroom Decor Color Schemes
When it comes to implementing your bathroom decor ideas, sometimes figuring out where to start is the hardest part. If you feel overwhelmed, consider starting with a limited color palette, such as blue, green, and a couple of neutrals. Then, you'll have a starting point when it's time to choose things like wallpaper, paint colors, or decorative accents.
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Install Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are excellent features for small bathrooms since they don't require a lot of clearance. Think beyond sliding barn doors for your space. Here, two slender antique doors that part in the middle will make for a grand entrance.
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Add a Brass Shelf Rail
It's the small touches that make a bathroom feel custom and not builder-grade. For example, adding a brass rail to your shelves will give off a high-end look and keep your decor from slipping.
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Play With Tile Install Patterns
Subway tile is typically an affordable choice, but there are ways to make this common tile look more unique. For starters, consider a non-traditional layout. Opting for a stacked grid layout instead of the traditional offset adds a modern flair.
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Add Pattern to Tile
Transform your shower niches into a work of art by introducing some pattern to them. For example, you can line the back with waterproof wallpaper or a tile that shows off a toile print.
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Decorate with Cafe Curtains
Cafe curtains make wonderful bathroom window coverings. Light-filtering or not, they allow ample natural light to pour in while still providing privacy.
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Use a Desk as a Vanity
Creating a sit-down area to apply your makeup is a nice feature to have in a bathroom. While you can purchase a vanity that's separate from your sink, you may be able to repurpose a desk that you already have on hand.
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Natural Bathroom Decor Ideas
Wicker, rattan, and bamboo add an organic touch to a bathroom. Introduce these materials into the space through storage baskets, a laundry hamper, or shades.
Home Accessories
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Install Swing Arm Sconces
Swing arm sconces bring an industrial feel to any space, especially in a gold finish. Installing a matching set above double vanity mirrors is a good design move, especially if you're working with tall ceilings, as it will draw the eye up.
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Build a Ladder Shelf
Ladder shelves provide a warm, rustic touch to an all-white bathroom. You can even make one yourself to fit the exact dimensions of your space and storage basket needs. Here, the warmth of the wood complements the shower bench and cozy floor rug.
Combine Tile and Wallpaper
Floor-to-ceiling tile isn't always in the budget. Installing it on just the bottom half of the wall and applying wallpaper above it is an alternative that still looks very intentional.
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Add Functional Shower Decor
Stand-alone shower benches are just as aesthetic and useful as built-in shower benches. Simply place a stool in your walk-in shower, and you have a new surface for your favorite bathroom decor ideas. A sponge or a stack of beautiful washcloths will look right at home there, and is extra functional in a shower without shelves.
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Play With Patterns
Don't limit yourself to just one pattern when choosing the finishings for your bathroom. A more subdued pattern, like faded stripes, won't compete too much with bold geometric flooring.
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Add a Colorful Rug
The smallest bathroom decorating idea can sometimes make the most significant impact. Soften the hard edges found in bathrooms with fun fabrics andsoft rugs.Alternatively, opt for a mix of patterns with abold shower curtainand rug combo.
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Bathroom Decor Details
When styling your bathroom shelves, pay attention to the little details. For example, if you have a few springs of faux flowers on display, add some water inside the clear vase to make them appear real. Put your cotton swabs in a beautiful apothecary glass, and prop a bar of soap on a pedestal.
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Hang Removable Wallpaper
Decorating withremovable wallpaperis a simple, inexpensive bathroom decorating idea to achieve color and pattern. Plus, it's simple to switch up your bathroom when you no longer love the design. Look for heat- and moisture-resistant varieties to prevent peeling and mildew.Apply peel-and-stick wallpaperto a single wall for a showy accent, or go all in and paper the entire room for a bathroom brimming with personality.
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Create Contrast with Decor Elements
White walls give off a relaxing and bright feel in a bathroom. To add a grounding element to the space, throw in a contrasting dark hue on your vanity cabinets and other features such as sconces.
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Keep Your Surfaces Minimal
If you have limited counter space, less is more when it comes to decor. The perfect trifecta is one candle, one vase of flowers, and a beautiful soap dispenser. Opt for fresh flowers that make a bold statement, such as these yellow blooms against the dark blue wall.
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Color-Coordinating Bathroom Decor
Beautiful hand towels and bathing towels actually double as decor. While you can't go wrong with classic white, choosing towels in the same hue as your wall treatment will create a nice monochromatic moment. Contrasting and complementary color choices also tend to work well together.
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Give Your Vanity a Mini-Makeover
Your bathroom vanity anchors the entire room. It's a visual focal point, so giving it some TLC will make a big impact. If your vanity already has good bones, you don't have to install a new one. A fresh coat of paint and new knobs and pulls will do wonders.
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Antique Bathroom Decor Ideas
Antique gold tones and wood textures are an exquisite pairing because the warm tones play well together. Hang a gold-framed mirror above a wood vanity to incorporate both.
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Bathroom Table Decor
Cocktail tables aren't just for living rooms. These small and convenient furniture pieces are perfect for placing by your tub to house a candle and your favorite beverage of choice while you soak.
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Statement Mirror
The ocean evokes feelings of calmness, which is exactly how you want to feel in the room where you start and end your day. Framing your vanity mirror in shells—or incorporating them throughout your bathroom decor—is a unique way to embrace these natural beauties.
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Introduce New Textiles
With so much porcelain and metal present, bathrooms can start to feel a bit sterile. One way to add a soft and inviting edge is through textiles. For example, a piece of lounge furniture with throw pillows should do the trick.
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Vintage Bathroom Decor Ideas
Try to think of your bathroom's storage system as a form of decor and thoughtfully select your shelving. Don't forget that buying new isn't your only option. For example, a vintage metal display or baker's rack makes a stunning backdrop for your lotions and potions.
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Mix Materials
Not all four walls in your bathroom must match. Consider installing a shiplap wall next to a statement wall of patterned tile or wallpaper for added visual interest.
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Paint (or Hang) a Mural
If you have some white space to work with in your bathroom, a large-scale mural will add interest. You can either commission a mural from your favorite artist, or go with mural wallpaper.
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Seasonal Bathroom Decor Ideas
Bathrooms are frequently missed opportunities in terms of seasonal decorating. Next time it's time to deck the halls, add sprigs of evergreen around your mirrors and on your vanity top.
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Hang a Vintage Mirror
New vanity mirrors can be pretty expensive, and sometimes lack originality. To find one that speaks to you at a great price, head to your local flea market and scour the booths or check Facebook Marketplace.
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Install a Chandelier
There's something regal about the look of a low-hung chandelier in a bathroom, particularly when paired with a clawfoot tub. Tie the entire space together by selecting a statement light fixture in a finish that matches your faucet.
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Add Ambiance With Eucalyptus
You may have already heard about the hack of putting a bouquet of eucalyptus in your shower. However, you can also put a few sprigs in a vase near your bathtub to curate a spa-like atmosphere as the steam from a warm bath unleashes the fragrant aroma.
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Hang Abstract Wallpaper
When you picture wallpaper, traditional motifs like florals and geometrics might come to mind. However, there are so many modern and abstract options to choose from. Choose a roll designed by your favorite creator, or look for a design that features a hobby or character you love.
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Modern Nautical Bathroom Decor
Themed-bathrooms tend to get a bad rap, but there are plenty of ways to take a seemingly dated theme and breathe new life into it. For example, this bathroom puts a modern spin on a nautical theme whimsical sea-themed wallpaper.
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Install Beadboard
if you're considering wallpapering half of your bathroom, it's common to install it on the upper walls with a monochrome material below. Beadboard achieves a similar look as tile, but it's much less complicated to install. And, it's easy to switch up the paint color if you decide to give the room a new look.
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Painted Vanity
It's amazing what a budget decorating idea ofadding a new coat of paintcan do to upgrade a bathroom. For the walls and ceiling, you'll want to invest inmildew- and mold-proof primers and paint, which are slightly more expensive than basic formulas, but you won't need more than a gallon to cover an average-size bathroom.
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Replace Old Hardware
New hardware is a bathroom decorating idea that can add showroom-quality sparkle to the bath. You can banish dated decor simply by switching yellow polished brass out for oil-rubbed bronze, traditional brushed nickel, or matte brass. You can also upgrade the fixtures' look, feel, and function bychanging out builder basicsfor pieces with more heft, style, and personality. Like jewelry dresses up an outfit, these items elevate an ordinary space into something special.
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Dress Up White Fixtures
Basic white fixtures,such as tubs, toilets, and sinks, are plentiful at the low end of the price spectrum and are easy to live with. This doesn't mean the room has to be boring, however. If you stick to plain white field tile, you might be able to splurge on a glass mosaic border, for example. Choose affordable accents, such asbright towels, colorful window shades, bold artwork, and fresh wall paint to bring life to the neutral backdrop.
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Swap Out Lighting
An underappreciated bathroom decorating idea that adds a luxe look is tochange the lighting—both the fixtures and placement. Hang a small chandelier with crystal dropsover the vanityfor a sophisticated focal point, or replace harsh bulb stripsaround a mirrorwithsleek sconcesfor an immediate update.
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Decorate with Plants
Adding houseplants and other greenery is a simple, inexpensive bathroom update idea to freshen up a small space. Whether youadd multiple succulentsto your windowsill, a large snake plant on the floor, or avase of flowerson your vanity, plants add texture and color to this hardworking room. Plus,plants will love being in your bathroomand bring the calming quality of nature indoors.
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Hang Window Curtains
Curtains add a little drama to a bathroom. If your windows are close to your bathtub or shower, you can even use shower curtains as window curtains. Shower curtains are typically more moisture-wicking than traditional curtains.
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Hang a Gallery Wall
Bring personality and character into the bathroom without having to do any pricy renovations by hanging a gallery wall. Try using aconsistent color schemeor finding vibrant pieces toupdate a neutral bathroom. If a gallery wall doesn't suit your style, opt for one large print for the same effect.
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Stylish Organization
While you're making your bathroom look pretty, spend some time getting cabinets, drawers, and closets organized and updated, too.Addorganizing systemsto drawers and shelves to corral smaller items and make it easier to find what you need. You'll feel more relaxed when you're organized in your newly updated space.