How to decorate a bathroom - 15 stylish tips

Bathroom decorating is sometimes seen as a whimsical activity, but such assumptions don't do it justice. There are plenty of interior design techniques and strategies you can deploy to transform your bathroom from nice to stylish. Not only will this impress your family and friends, but it will also, more often than not, increase its functionality.

If you’re renovating a powder room or master bathroom, tiling choices are vital to decorating. Tiles must come from a good manufacturer, as lower-quality tiles will leave your bathroom vulnerable to mould. The tile's aesthetic appeal is also important. If it surrounds the shower space and has a wrap-around shower curtain, it’ll be the primary mood setter when someone is showering. It's also at the forefront of vision when someone is bathing and should encourage a calming and relaxing ambience.

Related article: How much does it cost to tile a bathroom in Australia?

Bathrooms can be designed with pops of colour along with a neutral aesthetic, or they can be expressively vibrant spaces. They can also be quiet, understated affairs. It all depends on the preferences of the homeowner. Amber interiors are a popular choice for bathroom walls at the moment because of the colour's warmth. Choosing amber interiors for bathroom walls means a soft glow will be created, something that will also be less harsh when visiting the bathroom in the middle of the night when the light has been switched on.

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Hand towels aren't a permanent physical fixture in the bathroom, but they are an everpresent feature nonetheless. Even though they’re rotated regularly, they should always match the bathroom decor. It's important to select hand towels that match the colour and feel of the room. Fluffy, warming hand towels might be more appropriate for amber interiors while efficient, white hotel-style hand towels might work better for black-and-white aesthetics. It's all about creating a theme and complementing it in a pleasing way.

The shower curtain is another feature in a washroom that deserves more styling attention than it gets. Wrap-around shower curtains are particularly important as they become the main visual focus when the shower is in use. Shower curtains also bring an opportunity to add a pop of colour and show off a bit of personality. Choosing a shower curtain is one of the easier bathroom decorating ideas to follow and by considering the other colours in the room you’ll narrow your search further. Consider what tones would be comforting or oppressive when the shower curtain is wrapped around the shower area.

Extra storage space around the bathroom is never a bad thing but ugly furnishings are. Attractive cabinets and drawers create extra storage space while augmenting the stylish aesthetic of the room. For amber interiors, consider muted, earthy tones to distinguish the warm cleaning space from the homely but functional storage space. For white tiles, white cupboards and drawers make an easy choice. The extra storage space should fit seamlessly with the rest of your design choices.

Related article: 18 neat bathroom storage ideas for Australian homes

A gallery wall can be a great source of colour in a bathroom, not just in terms of tone but in terms of theme and storytelling. The gallery wall tells the story of the homeowner including photos and/or pictures that are meaningful to them. It is an excellent way to make a bathroom more vibrant and an easy way to bring energy to a room that is unique and personal.

White tiles are a popular and timeless choice for the bathroom. There's a good reason for this. They're easy to clean, they create a calm, hygienic feeling and they're often very affordable. White tiles on the wall or as tiled floors work in most situations. If black or white checkered or mosaic tiles don’t seem to be working, have no doubts about falling back on white.

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An accent wall can add dynamism when a showering and bathing space remains neutral. An accent wall gives the room a vivacious, lively feeling without interrupting the tranquillity of the cleaning space. Accent walls are a great way to style a bathroom without having to change the tile choice, as the accent wall can be opposite the showering area.

Black and white is a trending and eye-catching choice for a bathroom. No two colours provide more contrast and it can be expressed in many different ways through tiling, patterned wallpaper, wall art, fixtures and fittings and more.

The bath mat may seem a little unglamorous but it's the first thing someone steps onto after they shower and one of the easiest ways to decorate a bathroom. There are many different colour choices available and the choice for you will depend on your bathroom's aesthetic as a whole. Dark and deep colours are popular and don't stain easily but bright colours can also add an element of fun too.

The toilet roll holder is the unsung hero of any bathroom. From wall-mounted models to stands that hold multiple rolls, it's something that every bathroom needs. It is also noticed every time the toilet is used so has to look the part and be functional.

Indoor plants and flowers are a great way to add elements of nature to the bathroom. They are a fantastic way of adding organic serenity and style to a space that most people find calming. Many species also enjoy the moist environments that bathrooms offer and can thrive without much ongoing care and maintenance.

Using an interior designer will obviously cost you a little bit more than not, but many people find their professionalism a real plus. They are experts in style and can help you achieve the desired bathroom feel quickly and easily. If home decorating is not a natural talent you possess or one that you don’t have the time to develop, then an interior designer will do the thinking for you, creating a design plan that’ll meet all your needs.

Related article: What do interior designers do? Understanding their work, from concept to completion

Aromatic touches can make a bathroom feel more like a spa, providing a multisensory experience that enhances relaxation and comfort. Choose scents like lavender or sandalwood to promote calmness or citrus and mint for an invigorating feel. Incorporating natural elements alongside these fragrances creates a harmonious and rejuvenating atmosphere.

Mirrors are not just functional but also decorative focal points. Opt for statement mirrors with unique shapes, backlit features, or ornate frames to elevate your bathroom's aesthetic. Larger mirrors can also create the illusion of a more spacious area, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms. Additionally, pairing mirrors with well-placed lighting can enhance their reflective quality, brightening the space and adding depth. Consider experimenting with multiple mirrors to create a dynamic, visually engaging design.

Related article: 15 stunning bathroom mirror ideas for Australian homes

Knowing how to decorate a bathroom will give you the confidence to create a pleasant, hygienic atmosphere for all household members and guests. Whether it’s the tasteful use of tiles, themed hand towels, an accent wall, or one of the other suggestions, you’ll give your bathroom a new stylised lease of life that will make it a better, more enjoyable space for all.

This article was updated 26th November 2024

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