Whether you’re working with a small powder room or designing a sizeable primary suite, add style and function with unique bathroom wall decor.
Your bathroom walls provide a great opportunity to get creative and infuse the space with personality and character.
With projects such as dramatic wallpaper, classic subway tile, statement wall lighting, and practical shelves, we’re sharing many ideas for decorating a bathroom wall that will give your bathroom a refreshing makeover.
Create a serene oasis with a neutral color palette and elegant artwork, or go bold with a striking wall covering and an eclectic floor-to-ceiling gallery wall.
Whatever your style and budget, this inspiring collection of bathroom wall decor ideas has a little bit of everything.
Vintage Bathroom Wall Decor
:strip_icc():format(webp)/10WillowAve.0516_preview-354cada983b8476db08052780187854c.jpg)
A collection of vintage artwork fills this cozy bathroom with ample charm and character.
Check your local flea markets, antique shops, and thrift stores for miniature vintage pieces you can assemble into a bathroom gallery wall.
To continue the vintage-inspired theme, replace a standard vanity mirror with a more unique mirror such as a gilded gold one.
Add Picture Molding
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-shelf-candle-CH6l3KpxasTB58H3UOIgzD-3e2cd9e1426d460083754269614a12eb.jpg)
Picture molding instantly elevates this green bathroom and looks like an architectural feature that’s always been there.
For a traditional look, paint the molding the same color as the walls and trim (known as color drenching) and use it to frame artwork or floating shelves, as seen here.
Build a Ledge
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-ledge-3zsW8irta2rA-8In4UpRBH-f3d354b03e9a4dd2887866f6865fe492.jpg)
Build a narrow ledge with decorative tile extending halfway up the wall.
This bathroom’s two-tone design, featuring seafoam green subway tile and white walls, sets a relaxing tone and creates a ledge for layering framed artwork and fresh (or dried) cut flowers.
Use a Statement Light Fixture
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-statement-light-fixture-9EF0vsZbK1BBFEzdzk4Dga-5029adcab99b49259def14822d757c4d.jpg)
Dramatic floral wallpaper forms a vibrant backdrop for an antique-style iron wall sconce with a pleated fuchsia shade.
Lighting is a great way to make a big design statement, so opt for a unique fixture.
When using a fabric shade, pick a color used elsewhere in the space, whether tile or wallpaper, to incorporate it intentionally.
Divide the Wall with Beadboard
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-wall-beadboard-B9jTT0kta_wAh5PzQg0eFd-bd07b62c61f84f9db8a4b999cfceb6d5.jpg)
Create sectioned bathroom wall decor by installing beaded board on the lower portion.
Paint it a bold color and use a different paint color, tile, or wallpaper on the upper half of the wall for contrast.
If you’re installing wallpaper and want to cut down on cost, supplementing it with beaded board is a great design trick.
Draw the Eyes Up
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-DPhQXUPT4Li8JdeX7RZe_n-4f9d01da2945444fa399697960a4c8e5.jpg)
Soft blue and white wallpaper, hanging mirrors, and tall wall sconces are bathroom wall decor ideas that direct the eyes toward the ceiling to emphasize its height and create the illusion of space.
Using the same wallpaper throughout the entire bathroom helps maintain continuity and keeps the room bright and open while adding subtle pattern.
Bathroom Gallery Wall
:strip_icc():format(webp)/20220601_diy_379-ba381742b8a440448c9057b071417072.jpg)
Take inspiration from this eclectic bathroom and create an interesting gallery wall with a mix of framed paintings, drawings, and playful typography.
Layering different sizes, mediums, and frames will give the gallery wall a collected feel which adds to the bathroom’s overall relaxed aesthetic.
Modern-Meets-Vintage Bathroom Design
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Modern-vintage-bathroom-BeaconAve-286-2_CNjv_AzZ4XdB5pOdZganb_-b2797e930cc24969a2603091d407bbe4.jpg)
Layer contrasting decor styles to give bathroom walls a unique look.
Here, traditional beadboard and floor-to-ceiling built-ins are juxtaposed with a modern geometric wallpaper and vintage-inspired wall sconces.
The dark color scheme pulls the contrasting elements together while the solid colored surfaces on the cabinetry help balance out the busyness of the wallpaper pattern.
Kids’ Bathroom Wall Decor
:strip_icc():format(webp)/HGQ36968-2-35381e6afe404a2aa0b07bb080afcda4.jpg)
Pink and white stripes painted on the wall set a playful backdrop for this kids’ bathroom.
The stripes are layered with a colorful framed portrait, sculptural wall sconces, and an arched mirror that ties in the lights’ matte black finish.
On an adjacent wall, hanging potted greenery adds a lively touch and a unique decorative feature.
Add Vintage Wall Decor
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-vintage-wall-decor-5Jk-L_mV4qx9lylb7IuMaO-d0e28f8f50ba41ec956d28f69715bb7c.jpg)
To infuse your bathroom with charm and character, hang vintage finds on the walls.
A mix of portraits, drawings, and animals gives this small space instant personality, as does an antique-style gilded mirror that dresses up a wood-top vanity.
Bathroom Wall Paneling
:strip_icc():format(webp)/BeaconAve-235-35d67721ce084cfc991b60d72a70236f.jpg)
Light gray wall paneling creates a layer of warmth, color, and subtle pattern in this modern farmhouse bathroom.
Sometimes simple is best, so instead of covering wall paneling with artwork or shelves, allow it to stand out by only mounting necessary elements such as a mirror or light sconces on the walls.
Whimsical Bathroom Wall Decor
:strip_icc():format(webp)/102259441-3d20e48b4ec84d7e837616e09d00ceee.jpg)
A playful animal-themed wallpaper brings a touch of whimsy to these bathroom walls.
Framed prints are displayed on white floating shelves and a gray vanity stands out against the white wallpaper and pulls in the gray animal print.
Say It with Artwork
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-artwork-DrMcUYL6qfy9A3vL6CtT-r-c2fe5448c16c4af4927d081d6b287e5e.jpg)
Instead of a gallery wall, hang one large statement piece of art, such as this colorful portrait.
A beautiful brass wall sconce highlights the oversized framed piece, while a subtle blue and white abstract print wallpaper provides a soft and understated backdrop that allows the artwork to shine.
Add Warmth with Wood Accents
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-shelf-storage-5Bd0utLJKSa8CLPWxonJrb-0f2cedd3596f4d67be02b6e378a50f9c.jpg)
Two floating shelves, a rustic vanity, and a driftwood heart add warmth to this white bathroom.
A matte black mirror, faucet, and hardware introduce a new material and color contrast for a touch of modern industrial style.
Create a Gallery Wall
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-gallery-wall-8DDQci9LaNvBjb2tW93jpJ-21b07000088440dc8190aa8b709c75b0.jpg)
A bold black and white wallpaper is a dramatic backdrop for floor-to-ceiling gallery bathroom wall decor in this striking powder room.
A collection of photographs, sculptural pieces, typography, and line drawings come together for a collected feel and an eclectic look.
Play with Wall Tile Arrangement
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-wall-tile-480E_yV7q9mBgaulXzsyxw-fbf032abf0384ae3b40cdc59b332fde2.jpg)
Subway tile continues to be one of the most popular and timeless choices for bathroom wall decor.
To give the classic an updated twist, play around with its arrangement.
Here, dusty pink subway tile is stacked horizontally for a fresh and modern design.
Hang Floating Shelves
:strip_icc():format(webp)/DIY5-23-1820885-aaa174e848cc43eb959696dfa0e98a77.jpg)
Maximize storage space and add a decorative surface by hanging floating shelves in your bathroom.
These chunky wood shelves bring in warmth and provide a spot for practical items such as towels and cotton balls and an opportunity to display seasonal flowers or cute storage baskets.
This is one of our favorite ideas for bathroom wall decor when storage is limited.
Stick with Neutrals
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-neutrals-F5T9Rsqf4JtAjifzPZiDYL-dfefdcecb47c4fa48501e9d8d8245084.jpg)
Brown subway tile, a marble-topped wood vanity, and light gray walls give this small bathroom a warm and peaceful feel.
When working with a neutral color palette, keep it interesting with a variety of textures and materials, and mix hardware metals for an added layer of interest that doesn’t depart from the limited color palette.
Incorporate an Accent Wall
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-accent-wall-4yux2j1_KWZBFnz0lXazwa-564c38ec4e294c54b878570201c923a6.jpg)
A patterned gray and white tile is a highly detailed accent bathroom wall decor behind a modern vanity.
When working with a small-scale pattern, keep the rest of the elements—such as the mirror, sink, and hardware—simple.
This will allow for visual balance without individual design components competing with each other.
Choose an Arched Mirror
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-plants-3pUI3WqzaD1BCwA6CiO8LV-4a28d0b8fcd448968c9d858f1c6ea6c7.jpg)
An arched mirror with a chunky wood frame elongates this narrow powder room and creates the illusion of height.
Its frame ties in a floating wood vanity and rustic crate used to hold extra towels, while leaf-print wallpaper and candle-style wall sconces emphasize the mirror’s vertical design.
Install Bold Wallpaper
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-bold-wallpaper-Bb_PZwlhqQt819dJ0gXNqI-a94a5d3ad23e46b2b0addd76b2251e82.jpg)
A bold red and white wallpaper makes a splash in this modern powder room.
Accented with warm brass tones and a cool gray vanity, it packs a punch and eliminates the need for additional bathroom wall decor ideas.
Go Blue
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-blue-and-white-wallpaper-9RNmB0jnKQk9p1UO5bYzg0-70cbc4140e8f4149ad9b6a86e1b82804.jpg)
Blue is one of the most commonly used bathroom colors, but this powder room puts a modern spin on the traditional pastel blue bathroom walls.
When using one color predominantly, incorporate it as a solid and in a pattern to create more interesting bathroom wall decor.
In this case, blue and white medallion print wallpaper and a solid navy blue vanity carry the color in varied ways.
Set the Scene
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-tile-mural-CvPk34XhaNs9mVUw_ya8lR-c7861fb1898040a3bd0cd12a31efc566.jpg)
A pastoral scene mural-style tile is unexpected bathroom wall decor in this black-and-white space.
Use unusual design elements sparingly for an elegant finish, and pair them with more traditional features, such as this classic white subway tile, to allow them to stand out.
Create a Patterned Backdrop
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-floating-shelves-2GBf3WuNKB7AqiIIBYDVOi-41b318ecdb194d83acf8f481a3e3bc02.jpg)
A colorful geometric pattern is an extra decorative layer behind these floating wood shelves.
It highlights the small alcove and turns it into an intentional design feature, perfect for styling towels, potted plants, and rustic pottery.
Mix the Old with the New
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bold-bathroom-wallpaper-3bcLCckpK-vA1ufacpexoU-01170c5c71964ec2992c9f45989049ca.jpg)
A 1930s bathroom gets a modern update with a vibrant leaf print wallpaper.
The bold colors and abstract design contrast starkly with the traditional wall tile and vanity, making for a playful and dramatic space.
Go for the Unexpected
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-design-6A7EOvjq4Nm8WSVIRnWm4B-cbe7499a2fdf40efb77bbac64fb1fc81.jpg)
Unexpected design choices are what make a room memorable.
In this cool-toned bathroom, the artwork is both hung and leaning, white subway tile covers the bottom instead of the top portion of the wall, and a vintage-style wall sconce and unique stool all add one-of-a-kind touches for an elevated, more personalized space.
Keep It Simple
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-tub-Bwqk_BKGqZU9aUFu9ImPdS-e26ead716add45459058997ba46e4d26.jpg)
Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication, as this stunning bathroom proves.
A modern landscape painting serves as colorful bathroom wall decor against gray paint and a modern accent next to a traditional crystal chandelier and freestanding bathtub.
Opt for Calming Grays
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-dramatic-wallpaper-9ntz8mo-aLBA0ptHNDi5vg-20360e6f48c04f6b961fd7c9dacb4dac.jpg)
A cool and calming color palette of gray, black, and white is neutral yet provides depth and contrast.
This classic wallpaper is accented with a less traditional wall mirror and sconces that echo the black penny floor tile and baseboards.
Paint the Ceiling Trim
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-ceiling-trim-4TDlU3Oiqug9Ftefdec3V4-f85c6e59a29a4f5b8aeeedb51e1cd68b.jpg)
Deep brown paint on the ceiling trim in this eclectic bathroom instantly captures your attention.
Set against white walls, a classic tree print wallpaper, a bold red abstract canvas, and an oversized wall mirror offset the trim’s dark color for a balanced and harmonious look.
Install Floor-to-Ceiling Tile
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-tile-0zP9HpffqaW8hmqwFJq4Bp-acab49a66b09405dacb39041e5a04fbe.jpg)
Vertically arranged floor-to-ceiling tile is an elegant backdrop in this contemporary bathroom.
A marble border lines the top, and a rectangular mirror and two ultra-modern sconces break up the all-tiled wall.
Layer Decor Styles
:strip_icc():format(webp)/Bathroom-wallpaper-design-CIrJ-2VMafz9tD7gcrMr6m-4de3581a283e4850b89991fb4f78909a.jpg)
Layer contrasting decor styles for a visually exciting and designer-like effect.
Traditional wallpaper adds a base of repeated patterns, while an abstract piece of art brings in a contemporary touch.
An ornate wall mirror and sconces continue the neutral color palette, and two colorful throw pillows on an accent bench bring in a welcome touch of color that’s easily switched out from season to season.