Budget-friendly inspiration fit for every space, even your small powder room!
The bathroom doesn't have to be all about function, it can easily become one of your most well-designed spaces — whether you're crafting a spa-like oasis or an art-filled powder room. If your bathroom design has been an afterthought up to this point, it's time to start brainstorming fresh inspiration. To kick off your much-needed redesign (even if you're working on a budget), we've rounded up our favorite bathroom decorating ideas.
Rest assured, you don't need a complete renovation to breathe new life into your bathroom. There are a ton of affordable improvements you can make in only a few hours: installing peel-and-stick wallpaper, introducing expressive artwork and adding clever storage solutions. Layer other decorative accents, like stylish rugs, swap in new cabinet hardware or hang a floating shelf. The best part? Most of these simple upgrades don't have to be permanent, making them ideal for renters and homeowners alike.
We've included spacious spa bathrooms, tiny half bathrooms and small bathroom decorating ideas, so you can find inspiration no matter the size of your space. Whether you prefer all-white bathrooms, moody and eclectic interiors or rustic bathroom designs, we suggest starting off with a mood board — a roundup of possible bathroom paint colors, your favorite textures and finishes (like wood stains, hardware finishes and tile materials) and ideas for bathroom lighting. Take notes as you click through these beautifully decorated bathrooms.
Go bold with an abstract black-and-white wallpaper, like this one inspired by female beauty. For another touch of intrigue, there's a gold rectangular mirror with bird motifs and unique wall lights.
SHOP MODERN WALLPAPER
Not only do the two large windows have an indoor-outdoor feel, this light-filled space is full of organic textures like raw woods and rattan.
SHOP RATTAN PENDANT
Country meets chic in this small bathroom, which features wood panels painted in a soothing mauve shade, gold fixtures and a rustic cow portrait.
SHOP PAINT
Balance dramatic floor-to-ceiling tile with a standout piece of wall art and a stylish pendant that won't overwhelm the overall design scheme.
SHOP PENDANT
Whether it's built-in storage or an open shelf bookcase, showcase your collection in the bathroom for a cool, vintage feel. A forest wallpaper and candlelight sconces elevate the look.
SHOP BOOKSHELF
From the round vessel sinks to the complementary vanity and tub hardware, this modern farmhouse bathroom is full of subtle matte black accents.
SHOP ROUND SINKS
Here, Shaolin Low chose to keep original wood paneling around the bathtub to serve as a statement wall. To create contrast, she went with modern, all-white fixtures for the rest of the space.
SHOP WOOD PANELS
RELATED: Studio Shaolin Turns a Dated Honolulu House Into a Coastal Contemporary Abode
A minimalist mirror with graceful curves brings contrast, as well as a touch of elegance, to this bathroom's eye-catching terrazzo sink.
SHOP MIRROR
Make any space feel more sophisticated with simple gold accents. In this airy California home, Alice Arterberry and Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke Architecture go for brass — from lighting and cabinet hardware to the faucet and shower head.
SHOP BRASS FAUCETS
While only the upper walls of this bathroom are sheathed in botanical wallpaper, the look still manages to make a major impact. A floral plant and candelabra-style chandelier with leaf accents adhere to the nature-inspired theme.
SHOP WALLPAPER
Although it's a small space, this bathroom by designer Tamara Day is full of bold accents — most notably, the gold hexagon mirror, but also the oversized art and daring blue cabinet with acrylic pulls.
SHOP HEXAGON MIRROR
A traditional bathroom vanity isn't the only way to go, especially if your space is on the small side. Simply suspend a compact wooden shelf on the wall above your sink and style it with your favorite decorative accents. Achieve a cohesive look by installing a wire storage basket on a wall nearby for hand towels.
SHOP SHELF
Chevron tile wall on one side, floral wallpaper on the other. This trendy bathroom is proof that two totally different patterns can complement each other when used correctly.
SHOP CHEVRON TILES
Lifestyle blogger Anna Mae Groves proves that graphic wallpaper can transform a room in an instant. The en suite bathroom in her Cincinnati home features removable wallpaper in a brushstroke pattern — the perfect backdrop for black modern sconces and brass rectangular mirrors.
SHOP MIRRORS
RELATED: Lifestyle Blogger Anna Mae Groves Takes Us Inside Her Stylish Home Makeover
A decorative ladder that's perfect for towels stands out against a palette of warm neutrals and soothing blue tones.
SHOP LADDER
Any interior designer will confirm that it pays to remember the fifth wall — your ceiling. Take yours to the next level with floral wallpaper, like the design featured in this lively southern California cottage.
SHOP FLORAL WALLPAPER
In this bold bathroom, landscape art is all that's needed to complement sunny yellow shiplap walls.
SHOP WALL ART
Along with leaf-patterned wallpaper, a mix of simple decorative pieces — propped art, a candle and a small table lamp — give this bathroom a homey feel.
SHOP LEAF WALLPAPER
Gallery walls shouldn't be reserved for living rooms. Take your creativity to the bathroom, filling walls with unique pieces you love. Bonus points if you go vintage!
SHOP ART
A basic bathroom received a boho-inspired makeover, courtesy of Mandi Gubler. An oversized map pops against the emerald wall, while new tiles and fixtures pull the look together.
SHOP HANGING MAP
Go for a fresh and vibrant look, thanks to windowpane wallpaper and a botanical sink skirt.
SHOP SINK SKIRT
Give a bathroom an old world feel with beadboard and an assortment of curios, including brass picture frames and vintage light fixtures.
SHOP BRASS FRAME
Go bold with graphic floral wallpaper, which works especially well in a small bathroom. Layer the design with a woven mirror and fresh blooms.
SHOP RATTAN MIRROR
A zebra-print ottoman adds a dose of drama to this all-white bathroom design, featuring floor-to-ceiling shiplap.
SHOP ZEBRA OTTOMAN
A lush plant, a colorful rug and elegant window treatments make the bathroom feel as decorative as the rest of the house. Try a small potted orchid or asparagus fern in a corner (either will thrive in humidity) or reach new heights with a fiddle leaf fig.
SHOP PLANTS
A simple shelf across the tub provides a perch for fresh flowers and a scented candle — plus a glass of wine when it comes time to unwind.
SHOP BATH TRAYS
While you'd typically find a China cabinet in the dining room, this one gets a new life in the bathroom as a storage hub for towels and supplies.
SHOP CABINETS
This do-it-all piece of furniture is perfect for holding overflow items from a small shower or as a movable place to perch while bathing kids.
SHOP GARDEN STOOLS
Think pink for an inviting place to get ready each morning. "Perhaps one of my favorite warm paint colors is a hue that dances right between blush and nude," says designer Erika Dale. "This color is perfect for a bedroom, dressing room or bathroom. There is a reason every Hollywood starlet is lit with soft pink light… it is so flattering!"
Try the other side of the color wheel if you want a space more suited for unwinding, like this powder blue cabinetry. "Cool colors bring to mind water and the sky and therefore a create a more calming, focused, relaxed, restful, soothing and refreshing feeling," Dale says.
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