By: Cindy Tse | Published: August 30, 2024
20 Easy Bathroom Decor Updates
No need for a remodel! Turn the bathroom into your personal relaxing oasis with budget-friendly and beautiful decor updates. From lighting and wall art to shelving, storage and scent, your bath is easily transformed into a stylish sanctuary where everything has its place.
1. Go for Greenery
Bring a touch of nature into your bathroom by adding potted plants in beautiful planters or hanging baskets. Choose low-maintenance plants that thrive in humid environments, like ferns, snake plants or pothos. Choose pots and planters that complement your bath’s decor and be sure to rotate them occasionally to ensure they get even light.
2. Add a New Mirror
As a crucial focal point of the bathroom, a new mirror instantly refreshes the space. Consider replacing a plain mirror with a decorative one with a detailed frame or in an interesting shape. You can also add a frame to your existing mirror for a quick and inexpensive update. Remember that the size of your mirror should suit the scale of your bathroom. You don’t want a too-small mirror that’s difficult to use!
3. Refresh Your Bath Towels & Linens
Swap out your old bath textiles for an easy update that makes your bathroom feel like new! A new shower curtain or bath mat can change the entire vibe of the space, while adding coordinated towels provides a cohesive look. High-quality colorful or patterned towels are also a simple way to add interest to a monochromatic bathroom and are easy to change at a whim or to suit the season.
4. Install Floating Shelves
Give your bathroom extra storage without taking up floor space by adding floating shelving. You can use them to display decorative items like plants and candles or store pretty bath products and stylish containers for toiletries. Choose shelves that match your bathroom’s decor and arrange in odd-numbered groups for a balanced look.
5. Add a Statement Light Fixture
Add a touch of elegance and style to the bath with a statement chandelier or pendant light. Not only will this transform the look of the space, but extra lighting is always helpful! Make sure the light is bright enough for shaving or applying makeup — but consider installing a dimmer to create the ambiance you want, every time. Make sure the fixture you choose is rated for use in damp environments.
6. Organize with Stylish Storage Solutions
An organized bathroom can make it feel more spacious and calming. Add stylish storage like baskets, decorative trays and glass jars to help keep your countertops clutter free. Use pretty storage containers to stash essentials, like glass jars for cotton swabs and acrylic boxes for makeup. Even kitchen items like cake stands can be used to display beauty products or fragrance and add a bit of height!
7. Decorate with Art & Objects
Give your bathroom a dose of your personal style with art and accessories. Hang framed prints, photos or create a gallery wall of smaller pieces. Make sure your frames and decor are moisture resistant. You can also decorate with items like candles and small sculptures — along with stylish soap dispensers to give a polished look to your bath.
8. Update the Bathroom Hardware
An easy and effective way to refresh your bathroom is by updating the hardware. Swap out old cabinet knobs, drawer pulls and faucet handles and choose hardware that matches your bath’s style. Sleek chrome or matte black are great picks for a modern look or choose brass or bronze for a more classic feel. Be sure to measure your current hardware to ensure your new pieces fit.
9. Paint Your Bathroom
Another simple way to freshen up the look of your bathroom is with a new coat of paint! Use light, neutral colors for better visibility and to make the space feel more open. If you want a pop of dark or brighter color, choose an accent wall. Paint the ceiling a lighter shade to enhance height and be sure to use paint that’s moisture and mildew resistant.
10. Put Up Bold Wallpaper
Add instant personality to the bathroom with fun wallpaper! Choose everything from botanical patterns to geometric designs and add an accent wall or cover the entire room for dramatic effect. Pair these bold patterns with simple, solid decor and accessories for balance and make sure to choose moisture-resistant wallpaper that can withstand the bathroom’s humidity.
11. Get a Stylish Soap Dispenser
No more ugly bottles! Get a pretty soap dispenser and transfer your liquid hand soap inside. Not only will your bathroom look pulled together, but you can also buy large bottles of soap and save money on refills. This is a great way to make your sink look stylish and ready for guests!
12. Put in a Freestanding Ladder
Save floor space and provide extra storage by using a ladder! You can put in a regular freestanding one or purchase a ladder made specifically for decor — some even come with shelves replacing some of the rungs! This is a great solution for a shared bathroom, providing extra hanging space for towels and robes.
13. Add Wall Hooks
For extra style and function, a pair or row of wall hooks works wonderfully in the bathroom. Use them to hang your robes, put one by the shower door to hang your towel within reach or give loofas and bath mitts a great spot to dry.
14. Use Catch-All Trays
Make everything feel a bit more pulled together with a stylish tray. They come in a huge variety of sizes, styles and material, so they’ll work no matter the size of your space. Arrange essentials along with candles, flowers and other decor to make a pleasing display on your sink, vanity or shelf.
15. Beautify the Atmosphere with Candles
Candles are a great way of keeping the bathroom smelling fresh and clean and are a lovely touch for the tub. You can find lovely candles in beautiful containers that really add beauty to the space. Keep several of your favorites on hand so you don’t run out and consider enhancing the fragrance with room sprays and diffusers.
16. Get a Spa-Ready Stool
Having a stool handy in the bathroom is one of those little luxuries you’ll soon not want to live without. They provide a great spot to put a drink or phone while taking a bath or a place to sit while cleaning. You can even style a stool or a small side table with candles, rolled hand towels and decor.
17. Provide a Laundry Solution
Piles of laundry got you down? Put in a stylish solution so used towels, pajamas and washcloths have an immediate spot. Use a chic hamper or beautiful basket that works with your decorative style. To hide dirty laundry, use a basket with a lid!
18. Bring Blooms Into the Bath
If you don’t have a green thumb, opt for real or faux flowers in your bathroom! Arrange a fluffy bouquet of fresh blooms into vases weekly or use seasonal faux stems on the vanity that fit your bathroom’s color palette or overall aesthetic.
19. Use a Cabinet for Storage
If your bathroom is low on closets and shelving, an armoire, sideboard or buffet table is a great way to add extra storage, if your bathroom has space. Great for keeping towels, shampoo, toilet paper and soap, a cabinet's doors ensure that unsightly products are hidden away and your bathroom stays beautiful.
20. Get a Tub Caddy or Tray
Keep everything within reach while in the bathtub with a tub tray or caddy. Line up your favorite bath products or keep your drink, snacks and tablet within reach. An attractive tray also serves as decor when the bath isn’t being used — place flower arrangements and other decor there for a little pop of personality.
Cindy Tse, Fashion & Beauty Expert
With almost two decades of fashion retail experience, Cindy is our Senior Buyer for Personal Care, Bath and Accessories, which includes Apparel and Jewelry. She loves avant-garde fashion houses, such as Comme des Garçons, Prada, Sacai and Simone Rocha. Her current favorite travel destinations are Japan and Mexico.
