39 Stunning Bathroom Decor Ideas You’ll Want to Steal

Bathrooms are utilitarian spaces, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish.

Whether you bring nature indoors with small houseplants, swap out the hardware on your vanity, or create 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 and soft rugs. 

Alternatively, opt for a mix of patterns with a bold shower curtain and rug combo.

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.

Hang Removable Wallpaper

Decorating with removable wallpaper is 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 wallpaper to a single wall for a showy accent, or go all in and paper the entire room for a bathroom brimming with personality.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.