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Bathroom Decor Ideas to Inspire

Updated: Jun 13




So often our most private interior spaces can get overlooked, and bathrooms tend to be at the top of that list. It's where we're sometimes tempted to stash those tired old towels from a decade ago, hang less-than-stellar art over the toilet, and tuck away a nondescript wastebasket in the corner. But think about it: we use bathrooms every single day of our lives, so why not make sure they're places we actually enjoy spending time in?


Sometimes, stripping a space down to its essentials is the key to creating something truly special. Injecting bold colour or mixing wall and floor tile patterns can transform your space. And what about a small bathroom? Well, it might just be the perfect canvas to try out that feature wallpaper you've been eyeing but haven't had the courage to use anywhere else.


Here are a few bathroom décor ideas to inspire and breathe new life into your bathroom, cloakroom or maybe new master ensuite!


Bathe in Colour


(Image Credit - The Little Greene Paint Company )

If you had the chance to peek into 100 homes and scope out their bathrooms, you probably wouldn't spot many non-white bathtubs, right? But let me tell you, they're an absolute gem for a modern bathroom.


Injecting a burst of colour onto a freestanding bath can make it feel super luxurious. And even if you're dealing with a built-in bathtub, you can easily jazz it up with some colourful tiling around it or vibrant bath panels.


Now, if you're torn between going for a freestanding or built-in bath, it's all about weighing the pros and cons of each - the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your bathroom. Freestanding baths offer a luxurious and timeless look, while built-in baths are more practical and space-saving.


Paint Your Wall Panelling

(Image Credit – @anajulia.arq / Instagram)

While wall panelling is often associated with bedrooms and living rooms, it's not as common in bathrooms. However, it can offer some practical advantages over other wall treatments. For instance, it helps insulate the room, feels warm to the touch and doesn't require grout that can discolour over time. Plus, it's relatively easy to install.


Beyond functionality, wall panelling can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom by adding character, texture and visual interest to the walls without overwhelming the space with clutter. Panelling is versatile, allowing you to infuse the bathroom with a touch of era-appropriate style, rustic charm, or contemporary flair, depending on your preferences.


For a simple yet effective upgrade, also consider painting them to match or complement your room scheme and colour palette.


Mix and Match Patterns


(Image Credit – Claybrook Studio)

Mixing patterned floor and wall tiles in the same colour but different designs can create a fresh and intriguing visual effect. It adds a touch of contrast while maintaining a cohesive and stylish look.


This approach works particularly well in wet rooms, where the consistency of the design is crucial. It's a fantastic way to stay within your chosen colour palette while adding visual interest to the space.


Just as you might paint a feature wall in a bedroom or lay down an eclectic rug in your living room, using accented tiles in the bathroom is a great way to add a further dimension to the room and create a sense of balance.


Whether you choose to draw attention downward with accented flooring or draw it inward with accented walls, it's all about creating a focal point that captivates the eye.


Beautiful Basins


(Image Credit - Florentine by London Basin Company)

It's well worth reconsidering the humble basin and appreciate its potential to elevate your whole bathroom décor scheme, particularly in a small cloakroom or bathroom. With the right standout design, a decorative basin can become the star of the show.


Just as bringing natural elements in the form of plants and greenery adds to our sense of well-being, the same can be achieved by incorporating a beautiful basin with intricate flora and fauna details – bringing the outside into your space.


In fact, a decorative basin can surpass its functional role as a mere spot for brushing teeth or washing your face. It has the potential to become the centre piece, the main focal point that ties your whole bathroom together. These days, there are plenty of interesting and eye-catching bathroom sink ideas to choose from, with options that make functionality fun.


Upcycle a Vintage Piece of Furniture


(Image Credit - Future PLC/ Colin Poole)

If you're aiming to infuse your bathroom design with vintage charm, the vanity unit is a fantastic starting point. With the expertise of a skilled plumber, it's surprisingly straightforward to repurpose a vintage table, antique dresser, or even a simple stool into a stylish counter for your wash basin.


What height should the ideal vanity unit be?


As a general rule, the top of the basin should be around 75-100cm from the floor, so you may need to make some height adjustments if you’re adapting your own piece – or maybe consider mounting it on the wall instead, and pair with some statement vintage taps.


Take, for example, this antique Chinese cabinet featured above, which not only offers ample storage but also adds a touch of timeless elegance to the space with its black hand-painted finish. Paired with a pair of stunning ceramic wash basins from Ksar Living, Ibiza, this master bathroom vanity unit creates a striking focal point. Complete the look with black-rimmed round mirrors and wall-mounted lights for an elegant ensemble.


A New Splash of Paint


(Image credit: Walls and Woodwork in Smalt by Little Greene)

Aside from accessories, a fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable ways to revive your bathroom. Painting your bathroom walls a bright colour will instantly make you feel refreshed and energised in the morning ready to take on the new day! You could go all in with a bold and dramatic hue like the Little Greene paint and wallpaper scheme shown above, or if you don’t feel daring enough, you could opt for a more subtle colour and include colourful accessories instead.


Before diving into the vast array of paint options, it's important to consider a few key factors.


First off, think about the direction your room faces. If it's facing north, you'll likely get softer light, creating a warmer atmosphere compared to rooms facing south. And if you're aiming for a bathroom that exudes moodiness, drama, and style, embracing dark colours is definitely the way to go.


Another thing to keep in mind is the finish of the paint. Glossy paint tends to make colours appear darker because the sheen reflects and absorbs light. On the flip side, eggshell or matte paint usually maintains the colour close to what you see on the swatch.


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