Your bathroom should be more than just a functional space – it deserves to be a personal oasis, a calming retreat from the stresses of daily life. You can turn even the most diminutive washroom into a luxurious spa-like sanctuary with some intelligent bathroom design choices. This comprehensive guide covers all the key areas to focus on when decorating your bathroom from top to bottom.
Key Takeaways:
- Set the tone with an impactful color scheme and durable flooring
- Create visual interest with decorative wall finishes like tile or wallpaper
- Upgrade basics like sinks, faucets, and storage for an elevated look
- Maximize light and space with strategic window dressings and mirrors
- Personalize with curated accessories for a cohesive, pulled-together look
- Incorporate luxe touches like premium materials and lush textiles
The bathroom is one of the most critical spaces in the home – it deserves to be a finely decorated oasis that you can’t wait to retreat to. By investing some creative thought into the colors, finishes, fixtures, and furnishings, you’ll love the renewed spa-like atmosphere. What are you waiting for? Get inspired and start designing your dream bathroom today!
How to Decorate a Bathroom
With so many exciting design options, decorating a bathroom lets you get creative and put your unique stamp on the space. From bold color schemes to luxe materials and striking accents, there’s no limit to the wow-factor looks you can achieve.
1. Pick a Color Scheme for Your Bathroom
Color has a powerful psychological impact on how a space feels. Shades like soft green and blue evoke calm, zen-like vibes, perfect for a serene bathroom retreat. On the other hand, rich jewel tones like deep plum or ruby red create a boldly luxurious, romantic ambiance.
Don’t be afraid to use darker colors – contrary to popular belief, they can make a small bathroom feel cozier and more high-end when used thoughtfully. The key is to anchor the darker tones with lighter elements like white wainscoting or plush towels.
As you select a color palette, consider any existing permanent features like tile floors or countertops you’ll want to coordinate with.
2. Lay Down the Foundations for Bathroom Flooring
Your bathroom floor is beaten by water, humidity, and heavy foot traffic, so choosing a durable, water-resistant material is essential. Here are some of the best bathroom flooring options:
Cost-Effective Options:
- Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Highly water-resistant with a wide variety of patterns mimicking wood or tile
- Laminate: An affordable wood look with some water-resistant properties (avoid in very humid bathrooms)
Higher-End Options:
- Hardwood: A classic choice that adds warmth but requires sealing/refinishing over time
- Engineered Wood: More dimensionally stable and water-resistant than solid hardwood
You can also soften hard bathroom floors with plush mats or area rugs (choose low-pile for easy cleaning).
3. Decide on Your Wall Finishing
The walls set the overall tone for your bathroom’s aesthetic, with many stylish options to choose from:
Paint bold with an accent wall in saturated color, create an ombre effect, or use stencils or faux finishes like distressed concrete. Satin or semi-gloss sheens are ideal for moisture resistance.
Tile: Make a statement with patterned cement tiles, create a wainscoting effect with subway tiles, or use oversized tiles to make a small bathroom feel larger. Glass or ceramic mosaic tiles in the shower add a spa-inspired touch.
| Tile Option | Pros | Cons |
| Ceramic | Affordable, huge variety | Can crack/loosen over time |
| Porcelain | Highly durable, water-resistant | Expensive |
| Glass | Stunning, customizable | Requires very precise installation |
Wallpaper From bold botanicals to geometric prints to textured grasscloths and metallics, wallpaper adds unbeatable character. Choose vinyl options for ultimate moisture resistance.
Exposed Brick For an industrial vibe, expose and seal any original brickwork behind drywall or plaster. Just be prepared for the demolition work.
4. Be Bold with Your Sink and Faucet Design
Updating your bathroom sink is an easy way to completely transform the look and feel of the space on a budget. Freestanding vessel sinks make an undeniably luxurious statement, while pedestal sinks create an airy illusion in tight spaces.
“Don’t be afraid to go bold with your bathroom sink choice. It’s easy to elevate the entire room without a full reno.” – Karen Harautuneian, Bath Designer.
Splurge on a new showstopping faucet to complement your dream sink. Some on-trend options:
- Matte black for a modern, minimalist vibe
- Brushed gold or brass for a touch of warmth
- Wall-mounted for a space-saving look
5. Elevate Your Space with Elegant Bathroom Storage
Every bathroom is complete with intelligent storage solutions to keep clutter at bay. As you’re planning bathroom cabinets, shelves, and furniture, keep these tips in mind:
✔️ Look for moisture-resistant materials like solid wood, metal, or glass
✔️ Incorporate open shelving to display decorative accessories
✔️ Try a freestanding cabinet, ladder shelf, or etagere for added character
✔️ Mount shelves or create built-in niches between wall studs
Make your bathroom furniture double-duty by storing it and displaying ornate towels, greenery, candles, and other accents.
6. Choose Your Window Treatments Wisely
The suitable window dressings add privacy and help insulate and soften echoes in the bathroom. However, moisture levels require smart material choices:
Window Treatment Options for Bathrooms:
- Shutters: A classic option that’s easy to wipe down
- Roller Shades: Moisture-resistant materials that can be customized
- Sheer Curtains: Allow natural light while obscuring direct sightlines
If you have a window directly in the shower/tub area, consider frosted glass, window film, or shower curtains to avoid water damage.
7. Settle Down to Bathtime with Bathroom Seating
A bathroom stool or bench serves dual purposes – giving you a comfy perch for bathing little ones or applying makeup while providing handy display space. An upholstered bench lends a luxe, furniture-like look, while sleek wood or metal stools have a spa-inspired feel.
A fold-down seat mounted on the wall can be a clever space-saver for small bathrooms. Or create an indulgent pedicure nook by including a portable stool beside the bathtub.
8. Maximize Your Space with Mirrors
Mirrors are a strategic must-have for opening cramped bathrooms and bouncing light around. A large, glazed mirror visually doubles the space, making it feel way more significant than it is.
However, bathroom mirrors have moved beyond essential function into significant décor statements. Some design-savvy ideas:
- Pivoting mirrors for better visibility
- Fog-free mirrors with integrated LED lighting
- Decorative framed mirrors in unique shapes, like arches
- Mirrored cabinet doors for bonus reflective surfaces
You can also use mirrored tiles to create a striking accent wall or shimmery backsplash. The possibilities are endless!
9. Lastly, Curate a Collection of Well-Considered Accessories
The decorative finishing touches like towels, bath mats, potted greenery, artwork, and other accessories truly personalize your bathroom design and pull it all together.
However, be thoughtful about what you display. Anything that promotes a relaxed yet stimulating ambiance works well, such as:
- Plush, thirsty 100% cotton bath towels
- Sleek ceramic or glass bathroom accessories
- Living bathroom plants in water-resistant containers
- Artwork featuring soothing nature, beach, or abstract themes
Incorporate elements like wooden trays, bamboo accents, Himalayan salt lamps, or aromatherapy diffusers for a spa-inspired vibe.
When decorating bathroom shelves, create stylish yet organized vignettes by:
- Mixing materials like wood, stone, and metal
- Varying heights with stacked books or pedestals
- Using trays or baskets to corral small loose items
Don’t overcrowd – pare it to your favorite, most meaningful pieces. Rotate in seasonal accents year-round to keep it feeling fresh.
How Do I Decorate a Bathroom to Make It Look Luxurious?
You don’t need to sacrifice style for a small bathroom! You can make even the tiniest water closet feel like an ultra-pampering hotel suite with some luxe design choices. Here are some ideas for an upscale, indulgent look:
🛀 Incorporate High-End Finishes
- Invest in marble, quartz, or granite countertops
- Choose ceramic or porcelain tile in rich colors/patterns
- Use brushed brass, gold, or black matte fixtures
- Install a freestanding soaking tub as the focal point
🛁 Bring in Lush Textiles
- Hang plush, oversized Turkish cotton bath towels
- Use spa-like waffle robes as bathroom decor
- Layer a soft area rug underfoot
👑 Create a Boutique Hotel Ambiance
- Set the mood with scented candles or a diffuser
- Incorporate subtle decorative lighting like sconces
- Display greenery like orchids or eucalyptus bunches
- Include thoughtful touches like monogrammed linens
📷 Moments of Luxury from 5-Star Bathrooms
Go for a modern bohemian vibe with ornate Moroccan tile floors, a clawfoot tub, and lush potted palms. Or evoke an airy, minimalist Scandinavian spa feel with a light color scheme, sleek lines, and natural wood touches.
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FAQs
How can I make my bathroom look nice?
Enhance with accessories: Add plush towels, stylish soap dispensers, and decorative accents for an instant upgrade.
How do you decorate the bathroom with simple things?
Focus on essentials: Use fresh towels, a new shower curtain, and coordinating bath mats for a quick and easy refresh.
How do I start decorating my bathroom?
Begin with a theme: Choose a color scheme or style direction to guide your decor choices, then build from there.
How do you dress up a basic bathroom?
Add personality: Incorporate artwork, plants, and unique storage solutions to infuse character and elevate your basic bathroom design.
Conclusion
By carefully considering every design element, from the floors to the ceilings, you can transform your bathroom from a drab, purely functional space into a personal oasis tailored to your tastes and lifestyle needs. Feel free to get creative with color, finish, and accessory choices that inspire you. With some thoughtful planning, you’ll unwind in the luxurious washroom retreat you’ve always dreamed of in no time!
