Decorating the bathroom
How to stylishly spruce up your bathroom
Key points at a glance:
- Maintain a consistent style: Colors, materials, and decorative elements should be harmoniously coordinated with the bathroom’s overall design.
- Using functional elements for decorative purposes: Mirrors, towel racks, baskets, and soap dispensers combine practicality with stylish accents.
- Create ambiance with lighting and details: Plants, candles, rugs, and creative accessories add personality and coziness to the bathroom.
General tips for bathroom decor
Of course, there are many different ways to decorate a bathroom. Nevertheless, there are a few basic points to keep in mind.
Keep the style in mind
If the bathroom is decorated in a particular style, the bathroom decor should also reflect that style. This doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be in the same style—contrasting elements can also create a successful sense of space. Nevertheless, a minimalist or Scandinavian bathroom, for example, should be decorated differently than an opulent luxury bathroom.
Choosing the Right Material
The bathroom decor should also complement and tie together the rest of the bathroom in terms of materials. For a marble bathroom, you can use marble accessories. A natural stone bathroom, on the other hand, pairs well with wooden accessories, for example.
Harmonious color schemes
When it comes to choosing the right colors for your bathroom, bathroom decor can either complement or contrast with the existing design. Especially in monochromatic spaces, it’s a good idea to use small decorative items to create interesting points of contrast when decorating your bathroom.
Bathroom wall decor
Bathroom walls are often overlooked as purely functional elements. However, aside from the areas regularly exposed to water splashes, they offer an excellent opportunity to decorate the bathroom. There are a wide variety of options available:
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is the most basic way to decorate bathroom walls. It’s important to note that, due to high humidity, special wallpaper may be required in some cases. Other than that, there are few limitations—with the right wallpaper, you can transform your bathroom exactly as you wish.
Pictures
If you don’t want to go with a full-wall photo mural right away, pictures make excellent wall decor for the bathroom. Here, too, it’s very easy to reflect and/or influence the overall atmosphere of the room. Whether it’s seascapes, personal photographs, or abstract art—whether on canvas or in a frame—pictures are perfect for adding a special touch to the bathroom.
Mirror
Of course, no bathroom is complete without mirrors. They also allow you to combine form with function. Sleek, understated mirrors accentuate a minimalist style, while mirrors with elegant gold frames are an excellent choice for decorating luxurious bathrooms.
Bathroom accessories as bathroom decor
Small accessories and everyday items in the bathroom should never be underestimated. After all, it is these details that help create a cohesive overall look. That is why they should definitely be taken into account when decorating the bathroom.
Towel rack
Whether simple or eye-catching, in a rod or ring design—towel racks come in a variety of styles that can help define the character of your bathroom. Choosing between matte black, metallic finishes, or even gold and bronze tones also offers plenty of options.
Soap dispenser
Soap dispensers offer a great way to easily add a touch of extravagance or luxury. Soap dispensers made of marble or other high-quality materials make the perfect bathroom decor.
Toilet paper holders and toilet brushes
Even these everyday items can add a touch of style. Using a variety of materials is a particularly effective way to decorate the bathroom.
Decorative storage
Many items are stored in the bathroom, from toiletries and towels to cleaning supplies. Storage space in the bathroom should not only be sufficient but also blend in with the overall design.
Baskets and bowls
Baskets are ideal for storing items in the bathroom. They can also help decorate the space. Rattan baskets blend perfectly into a natural setting, while metal wire baskets are a great fit for a minimalist, modern room. For a more luxurious look, bowls made of natural stone or marble are a good choice.
Towel racks
Cleverly chosen towel racks can make a real statement in any bathroom. Choose a material that complements the rest of the decor to add a stylish touch. By the way: extra storage space is also helpful for keeping the bathroom tidy.
Other options
You can find more bathroom decor ideas in many parts of the room. Here, too, we particularly recommend solutions that combine practicality with functionality.
Light and candles
Lighting is essential in the bathroom—especially for skincare, shaving, and applying makeup. But lighting also plays a key role in setting the mood of the room. That’s why it’s a good idea to use different types of lighting to decorate the bathroom. Candles, in particular, can create a very special atmosphere for a relaxing bath.
Rugs
Rugs play a big role in making a bathroom feel cozier and also serve as a practical way to absorb dripping water. Of course, they’re also great for decorating the bathroom. For example, in a bathroom with a focus on wood and natural elements, they can create the impression of a layer of grass or moss.
Shower curtains
If you want to add a curtain to an open shower in a bathroom, it goes without saying that the curtain itself can also serve as bathroom decor. Curtains come in every color imaginable, making it easy to coordinate them with the rest of the room.
Plants
Whether your bathroom is modern, classic, or natural, there’s always room for plants. However, it’s important to pay special attention to which plants are best suited for the bathroom.
Creative elements
When decorating your bathroom, don’t be afraid to get a little creative. Unusual elements can give the room a unique touch that reflects your own personality. We’ve put together a few more unconventional bathroom decor ideas here.
DIY and repurposed items
Nothing speaks to individuality quite like handmade items. Whether they’re small decorative pieces or larger objects, if you want to decorate your bathroom with a truly personal touch, a do-it-yourself approach is just the thing.
But repurposed items can also add a touch of individuality. For example, empty wine crates are all the rage as a substitute for baskets in natural or nautical-themed bathrooms.
Eye-catching patterns
Even if your bathroom follows a strict color scheme, adding an unusual pattern can sometimes work wonders. For example, a rug with an animal print could add a unique touch to opulently decorated rooms. A wall tiled in a checkerboard pattern can provide a striking contrast in otherwise monochromatic rooms.
Decorative items and art
Even purely decorative items can look great in the bathroom. For example, a classic or luxurious bathroom could be further enhanced with a stylish bust. Those who prefer a more modern look, on the other hand, can decorate their bathroom with a steel sculpture.
For a natural-looking bathroom, a sōzu—a classic Japanese bamboo water feature—might be just the thing. Don’t be afraid to let your creativity run wild here to make the bathroom your very own favorite space.
