Decorating a Bathroom: Your How-To Guide
Spruce up your getting-ready space.
The right bathroom decor can completely transform your primary bathroom or guest powder room and make it an enjoyable space to practice self-care. Follow these steps to achieve your bathroom aesthetic:
1. Choose a Theme & Color Palette
(Shop this image: tropical wallpaper, round vessel sinks, woven pendant lights, bathroom tiles, bathroom sink faucets, and stoneware vases.)
The first step is to consider what colors, design styles, or themes you want to incorporate into your bathroom decor scheme. This will give you a sense of direction when it comes to picking out decor pieces and functional bathroom accessories. Whether you want to transform your getting-ready space into a tropical oasis, a sleek modern retreat, a rustic washroom, or a color-packed statement, there are endless possibilities!
Tip!
Trying to decide on the perfect bathroom color palette? Take a look at these 12 Bathroom Color Ideas You'll Love. For bathroom style inspo, review 19 Inspiring Bathroom Design Ideas (With Photos!).
2. Use Towels for Pops of Color
(Shop this image: yellow bath towels, purple bath towels, red bath towels, pink bath towels, blue bath towels, patterned bath towels, and black bath towels.)
Once you've established a bathroom theme and color scheme, we recommend upgrading your hand towels and bath towels. These easy swap-ins give you the chance to see how different colors or patterns work in your bathroom. Plus, you can never have enough towels!
(Shop this image: coastal wall mirrors, modern wall sconces, stoneware decorative bowls, jar candles, stoneware vases, and faux flowers.)
The next area of focus should be your vanity countertop. Clear the entire countertop and wipe it down so you have a fresh canvas. The key to decorating a vanity is to merge style and function through decor pieces that pull double-duty. Bring in a bathroom accessory set with matching marble soap dispensers, accessory trays, and countertop storage for all of your essentials. For a simple yet effective display, consider a vase of seasonal flowers, a jar candle, and a decorative bowl to store handmade bar soaps or rolls of hand towels.
(Shop this image: polka dot bath mats, geometric bath mats, floral bath mats, and abstract bath mats.)
Next, turn to your bathroom floors. They endure constant moisture-exposure, so they deserve a little love! Give them a good cleaning and dress them in stylish bath rugs/mats. Choose from bold abstract rugs, colorful prints, or ultra-plush (yet moisture-proof) bath rugs for an instant refresh. This is especially helpful to make rental bathrooms feel like your own. Not to mention, bath rugs prevent instances of slipping and shield you from cold tiled floors – it's a win-win.
(Shop this image: green floral & botanical wallpaper, coastal mirrors, glass wall shelves, and armed wall sconces.)
Completely revamp your getting-ready-space with a vanity mirror upgrade! Choose from an endless variety of mirror sizes, shapes, frame finishes, and frame designs to achieve the desired look. Check out How to Hang Wall Mirrors to install a vanity mirror with ease.
(Shop this image: gold bathroom vanities, glam wall mirrors, small display cabinets, sets of four art prints, and candlestick wall sconces.)
When in doubt, add some artwork to your bathroom walls. 'Wow' with a set of abstract prints, up the cozy feel of the bathroom with a tranquil nature scene, or lean into the purpose of the space with bathroom-themed wall art and signs – it's really up to you!
(Shop this image: gold tiered shelves, small nature prints, pink bath towels, soap dispensers, gold storage canisters, and live plants.)
Use decor pieces to add glimmers of style throughout your bathroom while still leaving plenty of room for storage. This set of wall shelves features an abstract painting, a lush trailing houseplant (or a faux plant for windowless bathrooms), and a golden storage canister to add a bit of decorative flair to bathroom shelving while still providing plenty of room for you to store towels and self-care essentials. You can even use decorative storage canisters to store extra toiletries in style.
(Shop this image: boho shower curtains, rectangular wall mirrors, wicker laundry hampers, utility carts, and faux hanging plants.)
Never underestimate the power of a shower curtain to upgrade your bathroom's style! Here are some tips for choosing and styling a shower curtain:
- Consider shower curtain designs that go with the vibe you're trying to achieve.
- Hang your shower curtain higher up to give your bathroom the illusion of high ceilings.
- Use two shower curtain panels and tie backs to create a stunning draped look that frames your shower enclosure or bathtub.
(Shop this image: wooden bath caddies, floral arrangements, and votive candle holders.)
Set the tone for self-care and relaxation with intentional decorative displays. This could look like a staged bath caddy with a book or magazine, a flower arrangement, and a scented candle so you're always ready for a bubble bath. It could also look like a shower bench or a decorative stool placed outside of a tub or shower enclosure and equipped with a decorative tray, a scented oil diffuser, and shower care products – whatever makes you feel relaxed!
(Shop this image: blue bathroom tiles, green bathroom tiles, white bathroom tiles, round vessel sinks, and black modern wall sconces.)
For the ultimate bathroom makeover, choose one or more areas of your bathroom that you want to renovate, whether it's the vanity lighting, sink hardware, or bathroom tiling. You can even use peel-and-stick bathroom tiles to achieve a whole new look without having to remove old tiles! These 23 Beautiful Bathroom Designs for Your Next Home Renovation demonstrate all the ways you can remodel your bathroom.
