It’s easy to shut the door and forget about the bathroom — it’s not exactly the most exciting space in the home, after all. And most ordinary bathrooms aren’t that large, making it an extra challenge to do something special in there. Yet the utilitarian space has potential: from creating pretty storage to plastering up wallpaper, here are simple ways to spark joy in yours.
Add Punchy Floors
Bathroom feeling blah? Lay down some punchy tiles. Peel-and-stick works well, or go for the real McCoy, like Ashley Rose over at Sugar & Cloth did. Though it’s only 6×8 feet, the small space in her guest bathroom packs a wallop of style. Read about the transformation here, including info about those gorgeous gold fixtures.
Related: Unusual Bathroom Reno Ideas That Will Be Popular in 2025
Replace the Mirror
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, whose bathroom is fairest of them all? Yours of course. After you punt that boring one out of your life and replace it with something much cooler. New crush unlocked: a unique mirror like this squiggly number from Wayfair will instantly add modern flair to your bathroom.
Plaster Up Wallpaper
Ooh la loo! This pink bathroom by Jacquie Newberry of Bytown Designs is layered in elements that’s making a strong case for using vivid wallpaper in the bathroom and ditching boring white walls. We love the way the feisty botanical print plays against the blush pink oblong tiles and salmon-toned upper wall.
Related: 14 Genius Small Bathroom Design Ideas
Rethink Your Shelves
Add style and storage with floating wood shelves and glass vessels. Wood and glass make for a lovely marriage. Of course, this tip only works if you’re fanatic about keeping your things looking nice and clean. These Crate & Barrel canisters are available in a variety of sizes, and the shelves are offered in different wood species and lengths. Get styling!
Get Yourself a Towel Rack
You’ve probably never considered a towel rack. We didn’t, either. But it makes sense if you have the space — and it feels decidedly unexpected. This stylish metal one from Bouclair has gentle curves that make for a fetching silhouette.
Related: 7 Clever Ways to Expand Your Bathroom Storage
Tuck in Slim Storage
Elevate your bathroom with stylish storage — even if your loo is tiny, IKEA’s tiered Vesken cart has you covered. The price point is amazing! Just pull out the rolled unit as needed.
Replace the Vanity
Has your vanity seen better days? Consider a fresher replacement. We like the on-trend ridges and light tones of this Glacier Bay vanity from Home Depot. So fab against the dark green wall!
Related: 19 Bathroom Vanity Designs That’ll Make You Want to Reno Immediately
Go For Neutral Storage
A bathroom can get chaotic, what with all the products shoved in there, from the creams to the conditioners. To quiet the space, and make it visually appealing, throw everything into boxes that are the same colour. These simple, stackable and customizable pieces from MUJI are a marvel. Go on, and play Tetris on your shelves until you get the perfect fit.
Install a Roman Blind
Yes, the wallpaper and teal vanity are incredible, but did you notice the roman blind with the cheeky stripes and dangling red wooden beads? The details make a bathroom, and we adore this one from JRL Interiors. Check out all of the details here. You won’t believe what it looked like before.
Related: 10 Ways to Bring Vintage Appeal to Your Basic Bathroom
Switch Out the Shower Curtain
A new shower curtain can suddenly make your bathroom feel fresh and different. Instead of reaching for safe, plain versions, why not incorporate colour? This geometric shower curtain from Wayfair in mustard, blue and terracotta has a mid-century-modern vibe. Plus, it’s machine washable.
Create Contrast
A mix of materials and colours adds up to a ton of fun in this basement bathroom. Eschew the matchy-matchy and bring in a variety of elements. Here, Benjamin Moore’s Chrome Green paint is a fun foil to Lust Home’s Groovy, Baby wallpaper. There’s also patterned floors and dark hardware and it all just works.
