Tile, plumbing fixtures, and free-standing tubs are obvious ways to make a bathroom feel luxe and indulgent. However, replacing these items or undertaking a full bath renovation can be a costly, time-intensive ordeal. But, don’t fret! We’ve got you covered with easy decorating tips to turn your bath into a dream-like retreat–even if marble and unlacquered brass hardware isn’t in the budget.
Despite being one of the rooms where we begin and end each day, bathrooms often go overlooked when it comes to decorating. Even those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic may find a bath’s cold, hard surfaces a bit utilitarian. Below are our favorite (no demolition required) ways to bring warmth and personality to your wash space.
1. Plants – We love fresh flowers and leafy plants everywhere in the home, but they are especially suited to the bath’s warmth and moisture. Having living things in a room instantly brightens a space, making it feel more vibrant.
2. Artwork – It’s common to save artwork for the more “public” spaces in a home, but blank walls in a bathroom are a wasted opportunity. Artwork in a bath need not be precious to pack a decorative punch. Consider framing inexpensive prints to bring a little color and dimension to bare walls.
3. Paint – Speaking of color, paint offers an easy way to change your bath’s vibe. Consider applying a soft, watery-hue to the walls and ceiling for a spa-like environment, or paint the vanity in a striking, high-gloss shade for something more bold.
4. Textiles – Textiles and fabrics literally bring softness to a space. Whether you choose a vintage oushak or a cotton dhurrie, a rug is a great way to add a layer of softness underfoot, while anchoring the room. And depending on the material, one need not shy away from window treatments in a bathroom as they can bring softness, as well as visual interest to a space. Perhaps the easiest way to embrace textiles in the bath is to invest in plush bath linens or a pretty shower curtain. We love Weezie and Matouk for their softness, durability and great design options.
5. Beautiful Objects with Meaning – Bathrooms, by nature, are intimate spaces where we ready ourselves to go out into the world and return to unwind during the evening. It makes sense to display personal effects like framed photos or a treasured, handwritten note from a loved one. Consider using beautiful glass vessels to decant necessities like cotton swabs and soap, and don’t forget a pretty trinket dish for jewelry. Corralling your perfume collection atop a chic, silver tray brings organization and style to the space.
6. Lighting – Good lighting is essential in any bathroom. We like to go beyond overhead fixtures to layer in sconces and lamps, when appropriate. There are so many chic, battery-operated options available now (we like Pooky and Mrs. Alice) that make it easy to light a vanity or dressing table without worrying about cords.
7. Furniture – We’re big fans of placing a side chair or accent table in a bathroom. Besides making the space feel more charming, they offer a great place to perch or display flowers, respectively. It’s fun to think outside the box and consider pieces not typically associated with the bathroom. Bar carts and etageres, for example, offer a stylish place to stash rolled towels. If space permits, a beautiful armoire cabinet is a terrific option for stowing away everything from hairdryers and curling irons to toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
The takeaway here is to treat your bathroom like any other space in your home. Adding soft fabrics, personal objects, live plants or an interesting piece of furniture that doubles as storage can take any bath from banal to blissful.
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