Here’s proof that small upgrades can have a big impact.
By Monique Valeris and Alyssa Gautieri
Photo by: Marc Mauldin Photography
Don’t let your bathroom decor be an afterthought! Whether it’s chic paint colors, statement artwork or a trendy mirror, seemingly small details can bring personality into your modern bathroom. In fact, because bathrooms tend to be the smallest rooms in your house, they’re actually the perfect space to flex your creativity — think moody wallpaper, geometric tiles or vintage rugs.
We’ve rounded up designer-approved bathrooms that prove you don’t need to spend a lot of money — or time — to upgrade your bathroom. For example, you can replace an outdated faucet, apply peel-and-stick wallpaper or swap in modern hardware in only a few hours. Regardless of your style, these beautiful bathroom decor ideas will help you fall in love with your layout.
1. Modern Meets Vintage
With a statement rug, wallpaper and lighting, Hattie Collins of Hattie Sparks Interiors brings unexpected layers of texture and interest to a bathroom. The vintage wool rug elevates the space in a way a simple bath mat can’t.
Photo by: Jacqueline Marque
2. Geometric Tiles
Uninterrupted from floor to wall, these playful geometric shower tiles help create the illusion of a larger bathroom. A transom window shows off the surrounding forest, while the thick shower wall is the perfect depth for displaying greenery — “a tangible way of bringing nature inside,” says designer Regan Baker.
Photo by: Suzanna Scott. Designed by: Regan Baker
3. Dramatic Wallpaper
In this sunny bathroom with a floating white vanity, a dark floral wallpaper creates depth and drama. Weave in gold accents, just as Elle Du Monde does here, for added character.
Photo by: Marc Mauldin Photography
4. Colorful Vanity
Add a hit of color in a white bathroom. The green vanity (painted in Benjamin Moore’s Dakota Shadow) and Moroccan rug add personality to this spacious primary bathroom, located in designer Heather Lucas‘ 1920s home.
Photo by: Jess Isaac
5. Warm Woods
Layer in organic textures, namely warm woods to create a spa-like retreat. Here, designer Ryann Swan adds off-center wood paneling around the tub to increase the zen feel.
Photo by: Read McKendree
6. A Mirror Over the Window
If you’re short on space, suspend a unique mirror in front of the window and ensure natural light can enter from behind. For a pop of pattern, designer Marian Louise also hangs cafe curtains.
Photo by: Kerry Kirk
7. Drenched in Color
Purple is having a moment in interior design. We’re seeing more rich and moody shades in the bathroom, like this deep eggplant (Wine Stain by Dunn-Edwards).
Photo by: Studio DIY
8. Tile Accent Wall
Striking geometric tiles turn a wall behind the sink into a design moment. We love that interior designer Margarita Bravo weaves in gold accents with a modern vanity mirror, artistic sconce and wall-mounted faucet.
Photo by: Tahvory Bunting @ Denver Image Photography
9. Nature-Inspired Hues
Embrace an earthy color palette — think sandy whites mixed with sage green, subtle pink and light gray. To tie the space together, Elle Du Monde brings in organic texture with warm wood furniture and jute rug.
Photo by: Marc Mauldin Photography
10. Spa-Like Curbless Shower
Transport to a luxury spa every time you enter this sunny shower. White subway tiles on the walls and penny tiles on the floor pair beautifully with a small wooden bench and trailing plant.
Photo by: Cherished Bliss
11. Modern Makeover
For this modern Moroccan bathroom makeover, vertical shiplap walls cover up old textured walls and a secondhand dresser is transformed into a vanity. The star of the show? Custom sea glass floor tiles.
See more at Jenna Sue Design »
Photo by: Jenna Sue Design
12. Leaning Shelf
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Swap your bathroom cabinet for a ladder shelf — a more stylish way to store bathroom essentials like toiletries and extra towels. You can even make one yourself with plywood.
Photo by: Bre Purposed
13. Geometric Wallpaper
Whether it’s an abstract design or floral print, geometric wallpaper adds a touch of whimsy to any space. We love that designer Jessica Risko Smith pairs it with black herringbone floor tiles for added dimension.
Photo by: Leela Cyd Photography
RELATED: 16 Latest Wallpaper Trends That Designers Are Loving
14. Persian Rugs
Add rich color and warmth to your bathroom design with a patterned area rug, just as designer Raili Clasen does in this texture-filled bathroom. Embrace vintage reds, gorgeous greens or creamy neutrals — or a combination of all three.
Photo by: Karyn Millet
15. Unexpected Lighting
Frame a window above the bathtub with decorative wall sconces. Here, designer Candace Shure matches the matte black and gold fixtures with a black bathtub faucet, then tops a stool with dried flowers.
Photo by: Michael Clifford
RELATED: Interiors That Display Brilliant Bathroom Lighting Ideas for Every Style
16. Floor-to-Ceiling Tile
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.
Photo by: Sara Ligorria-Tramp. Designed by: Ginny Macdonald
17. Pops of Personality
Don’t be afraid to infuse a bathroom with personal touches. Take note from designer Julia Chasman and install playful tiles in the shower and on the floor, then weave in last-minute touches like framed photos, floral curtains and a chic wicker basket.
Photo by: Sara Ligorria-Tramp at Tramp Studios
18. High Contrast
Celebrate the beautiful combination of deep black walls and a bright white vanity. Here, designer Emily Henderson stains the reclaimed wood walls to ensure a dramatic bathroom design.
Photo by: Sara Ligorria-Tramp
19. Pattern Play
Chevron tile wall on one side, floral wallpaper on the other. This trendy bathroom, designed by Ginny Macdonald, is proof that two totally different patterns can complement each other when used correctly.
Photo by: Jessica Bordner. Designed by: Ginny Macdonald
20. Faux Flowers
Rather than replacing fresh flowers every week or two, find fake blooms that look just like the real thing. In this pattern-filled bathroom, designer Jessica Dorling displays faux florals in ceramic white vases for a pop of color.
Photo by: Kara Mercer
RELATED: 15 Best Fake Flowers That Look Shockingly Real
21. Playful Artwork
Lean framed prints on a nearby ledge, a simple way to infuse color and personality into an otherwise minimal bathroom.
Photo by: Mel Yates
22. Victorian Style
Move over minimalism. Embrace a more-is-more aesthetic by filling a wall-mounted shelving unit with Victorian-inspired plates, teapots and teacups.
Photo by: Brent Darby
23. Mauve Paint
Country meets chic in this small bathroom, which features wood panels painted in a soothing mauve shade, gold fixtures and a rustic cow portrait.
Photo by: Haris Kenjar
RELATED: Striking Bathroom Paint Colors for a Luxurious and Serene Space
24. Abstract Wallpaper
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.
Photo by: Ema Peter
25. Wood Accent Wall
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.
Photo by: Megan Moura. Designed by: Studio Shaolin
RELATED: Studio Shaolin Turns a Dated Honolulu House Into a Coastal Contemporary Abode
26. Brass Fixtures
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.
Photo by: Jill Weller
27. Natural Materials
Not only do the two large windows in this bathroom have an indoor-outdoor feel, this light-filled space is full of organic textures like raw woods and rattan.
Photo by: Margaret Austin
28. Rolling Utility Cart
If you’re short on storage space, roll in a utility cart to store essentials, like clean towels and skincare products — plus a plant for decoration.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
Photo by: Sara Ligorria-Tramp
29. Botanical Wallpaper
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.
Photo by: Christopher Dibble
30. Lively Shiplap
In this bold bathroom, landscape art is all that’s needed to complement sunny yellow shiplap walls.
Photo by: William Abranowicz
31. Pretty Photo Display
Fill a blank wall beside the sink vanity with personal photos, whether you create your own display or go for a store-bought option. Below, try a DIY makeup organizer to keep everyday items within reach.
See more at A Beautiful Mess »
Photo by: A Beautiful Mess
32. Hexagon Vanity Mirror
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.
Photo by: Paul Versluis. Design by: Tamara Day
33. Suspended Shelf
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.
Photo by: Brie Williams
34. Leaf Motif
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.
Photo by: Ali Harper
35. Gold Accents
From gold lighting fixtures and hardware to decorative accents, this Parisian-inspired powder room packs a lot of style into a small space. An acrylic shelf above the toilet becomes a perfect place for chic jars and bottles.
See more at Homemade by Carmona »
Photo by: Homemade by Carmona
36. Wallpapered Ceiling
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.
Photo by: Karyn Millet
37. Statement Lighting
Dining rooms shouldn’t have a monopoly on chandeliers. Glam overhead lighting can set the mood in the bathroom, too.
Photo by: Nathan Kirkman
38. Coastal Decor
Drawing on the beauty of the ocean, coastal decor is an ideal theme for any bathroom. Fill open shelving and the ledge of your bathtub with a mix of sea shells. Bonus points if you find the shells at nearby beaches.
Photo by: Anastassios Mentis
39. Tiled Walls
A gorgeous pattern can go on the ground, but you can also feature it front and center on the wall. Sleek sconces and a round mirror punctuate this Moroccan-inspired mosaic.
Photo by: Stephani Buchman
RELATED: Timeless Black and White Bathrooms That Prove the Combo Is Kismet
40. Antique Rug
There’s no furniture more versatile than a tiny table. Here, a wooden stool does the trick for holding potted plants, candles and other spa staples.
Photo by: Brian Woodcock
41. Touches of Matte Black
From the round vessel sinks to the complementary vanity and tub hardware, this modern farmhouse bathroom is full of subtle matte black accents.
Photo by: Trinette Reed / Stocksy United
42. Lively Patterns
A small space has a secret advantage. Take the opportunity to use bold wallpaper that would overwhelm a larger room. This beach house bathroom features cheeky lobsters, but any favorite print will do.
Photo by: Jacob Snavely
43. Brushstroke Pattern
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.
RELATED: Lifestyle Blogger Anna Mae Groves Takes Us Inside Her Stylish Home Makeover
Photo by: August Oliver
44. Touch of Greenery
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.
Photo by: Amy Neunsinger
45. Animal Print
A zebra-print ottoman adds a dose of drama to this all-white bathroom design, featuring floor-to-ceiling shiplap.
Photo by: Mikkel Vang
46. Old-World Look
Give a bathroom an old-world feel with beadboard and an assortment of curios, including brass picture frames and vintage light fixtures.
Photo by: David A. Land
47. Decorative Ladder
A decorative ladder that’s perfect for towels stands out against a palette of warm neutrals and soothing blue tones.
Photo by: Raquel Langworthy
48. Bold Ceiling
Dark paint up above adds an unexpected element to this wallpapered bathroom. Pick a more saturated version of what’s already on your walls for a no-fail pairing.
Photo by: Annie Schlechter
49. Curvy Mirror
A minimalist mirror with graceful curves brings contrast, as well as a touch of elegance, to this bathroom’s eye-catching terrazzo sink.
Photo by: Jessica Bordner
50. Polished Fixtures
Give your vanity personality by dressing up the sink with a new faucet. Stylish options include polished chrome or copper, brushed nickel or bronze, and even brass or matte black. If you don’t want to replace the counter or sink too, make sure to measure the existing holes and match them.
Photo by: Alison Gootee / Studio D
51. Handy Bar Cart
Roll in a wheeled cart for instant storage space. Cute catchalls corral toiletries (and extra TP) on the shelves below, while apothecary jars have a new home up top.
Photo by: Mike Garten
52. Gallery Wall
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!
Photo by: Ali Harper
53. Oversized Map
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.
Photo by: Mandi Gubler
54. Metallic Touches
Mixed metals – like gold sconces and silver cabinet pulls — balance each other out in this luxe bathroom.
Photo by: Trevor Tondro
55. Bathtub Shelf
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.
Designed by: Becki Owens
56. Navy Trim
Painting the molding, door and vanity the same rich blue hue elevates this sleek primary suite. We’re also loving the matching cushy chair for getting ready in style.
Photo by: Peter Murdock
57. Spa Essentials
If you’re lucky enough to own a freestanding tub, turn it into a little zen zone with a padded stool and silky-soft towels. Decanting bath salts into a clear jar will inspire you to pamper yourself that much more.
Photo by: Lisa Romerein
58. Storage Baskets
No linen closet in sight? Keep bath and hand towels rolled up in a cute basket on the (bright blue tiled!) bathroom floor, where they double as decor.
Photo by: Alec Hemer
59. Display of Books
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.
Photo by: Rob Karosis
60. Suspended Mirrors
Don’t let windows get in your way. Pulleys and rope can hoist mirrors into place for a rustic vanity.
Photo by: David Tsay
61. Untraditional Tile
Instead of laying them in straight rows, mix up the orientation of your mosaic for a fresh take, like this diagonal herringbone pattern on the wall.
Photo by: David Tsay
62. Repurposed Hutch
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.
Photo by: Lincoln Barbour
63. Glam Mirrors
Changing your looking glass also changes the room. If you have a plain mirror now, go for a little glam.
Photo by: James Baigrie
64. Relaxing Eucalyptus
Hang fresh eucalyptus branches in the shower for a mini aromatherapy treatment each morning. The scented stems release a relaxing fragrance in the steam.
Photo by: Simon Whitmore
65. Bold Shower
Save an unexpected pattern — like this honeycomb-like tessellation — for inside the shower. It’s also a less-expensive way to feature a luxe design without splurging on the whole room.
Photo by: Trevor Tondro
66. Wall-Mounted Faucet
Moving hardware up onto the wall offers a sleeker look — and makes it easier to clean the back of your sink without knobs in the way.
Photo by: Annie Schlechter
67. Pair of Mirrors
In a tiny guesthouse, even a small bathroom doesn’t feel cramped, thanks to white-washed siding. A set of mismatched mirrors doubles down on charm.
Photo by: Cody Ulrich
68. Easy Branches
Warm up cold tiles with a leafy arrangement like this relaxing retreat. If you’d rather exercise your green thumb, choose wet-loving vegetation such as a Boston fern or dracaena.
Photo by: Casey Dunn
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