One of the easiest and cheapest rooms in the house to redecorate is the bathroom, partly because it’s the smallest room in the house. Here are some great bathroom decor ideas that will make a surprising difference in the look and feel of this space.

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CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHTING

The first thing you should do is check to make sure the lighting is optimal in your bathroom. If you have lighting fixtures above the sink mirror, make sure they’re bright enough. You shouldn’t have to lean close to be able to see details when shaving or applying makeup.

For an overhead light, use a bulb that emits daylight spectrum light, since that will brighten the corners and make the room seem larger.

If you have a larger bathroom or ensuite you can do a large chandelier to create a more dramatic look.

SPLURGE ON COORDINATED ACCESSORIES

In the scheme of things, buying matching bathroom counter accessories is a modest extravagance, and it will really make a difference when you’re done. You can find complete coordinated sets including a toothbrush holder, soap dish, tissue caddy and countertop organizer almost anywhere; it’s simply a matter of finding one that suits your taste. Add a matching wastebasket, and you’ve got a seamless style for your bathroom.

This glass mosaic bathroom set from Amazon has a classic look to it, and it has a matching wastebasket too!

PICK OUT A PAINT COLOUR

Next, choose a paint colour in a light and appealing shade for the walls. If they’re already painted, a light sanding and washing are all that’s needed before applying a coat of the new paint. If you have to remove wallpaper, the walls will require more prep work.

A key tip is to apply a coat of mildew-resistant primer before you paint. It’ll do double duty by masking the previous colour while also preventing mildew, a common problem in bathrooms.

Take a look at this gallery from House Beautiful for a ton of colour ideas.

REPLACE THE BATHROOM FIXTURES

Look around at the fixtures in your bathroom like towel racks and bathroom tissue holder. Chances are, they’re showing their age. Replacing these, along with any cabinet knobs and other small hardware, can give your bathroom a shiny new look.

This 5-piece hardware set comes in matte black, brushed steel, and polished chrome.

And it’s fun to pick out the new fixtures! It’s best to remove hardware before painting, so you can sand and paint around the area where the new items will be attached.

GET SOME LOVELY LINENS

Once you’ve picked out the fixtures and accessories for your bathroom, take one of the small accessories with you when you go shopping for a shower curtain and towels. This is the only way to ensure that you’ll match the colours perfectly unless you have a photographic memory.

You can probably find a shower curtain that compliments the towels, but it’s also fun to choose towels that coordinate and contrast with the shower curtain, and it adds visual interest to the room.

KEEP YOUR FEET COZY WITH A RUG

When you’re shopping for a rug to put in the bathroom, it can be tempting to get a fluffy rug that will feel great under your feet. The only problem there is that it could be hard to clean and would tend to attract dust and lint.

Instead, opt for a sleek, plush bathroom rug with rubberized backing. This keeps it from sliding around on your floor and usually means it can be thrown in the washer when needed.

This chenille bathroom rug is machine-washable, non-slip, and super soft, plus it comes in a variety of sizes.

PICK AND CHOOSE YOUR BATHROOM DECOR

There are so many concepts out there, so here are a few more to consider:

• Tiles just have to make the list when you’re talking about bathroom decor ideas. You can add just a hint as a backsplash over the vanity, or go bright and bold and take it from floor to ceiling.
• Play with mirror shapes to add some interest; you don’t have to go with just a square/rectangular mirror.
• Look at suspended/floating shelves or an over-the-toilet unit if you’ve got a smaller bathroom to maximize storage and space.
• Add some art – just because it’s the bathroom doesn’t mean you can’t add some great (or cheeky) imagery!
• Add some greenery to your bathroom to bring in a live element; just make sure it’s something that does well in humidity.

Some hard work and a modest budget is all you need to brighten and invigorate the look of your bathroom. Of course, if you want to spend more, that’s totally up to you! It’s amazing what a difference a little bit of colour and coordination can do to the stylishness of a room. All of these tasks are easy to accomplish, even for someone without any home decorating experience. Now, you just have to decide which room to tackle next!

Continue updating your home decor with our other decor idea posts:

• Cute Kitchen Decor Ideas That Look Great
• Lovely Living Room Decor Ideas
• Divine Dining Room Decor Ideas
• Clever Kid Room Decor Ideas You’ll Love

Originally published Feb 18, 2018; updated May 5, 2023

Author: Sereena S.

Mom of two, wife to one, and a dog lover. Although cats can be okay too, but only sometimes...