How to Decorate a Small Bathroom (Full Walkthrough)
Bathroom: If you are looking for ways to decorate a small bathroom, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with some tips
Tired of the boring little bathroom in your apartment? Sick of the old tile, the faucets you can’t replace, and the color of the walls?
As a tenant, there are limitations to how much remodeling and decorating you can do. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t make your small bathroom look bigger. Even in a tiny apartment, you can still have a bathroom that feels spacious and looks luxurious.
Ready to turn that small bathroom into one of your favorite rooms in the apartment? Here’s our full walkthrough on how to decorate a small bathroom.
#1 Use Bright Colors
The most drastic change you can make in any room is to paint the walls a new color. So, ask your landlord if you’re allowed to paint. If the answer is no, ask if they will let you paint just one accent wall—that alone can make a huge difference!
If you’re allowed to paint, go with a bright color. That’ll add some energy to the small space.
You can keep the rest of the décor neutral, or you can go bold and incorporate brightly colored accents as well.
If painting is strictly forbidden, you can always inject some bright colors with a new shower curtain and an area rug. You can either keep it simple with a solid curtain or opt for an eye-catching curtain in a hip, geometric design.
#2 Hang Bold Wallpaper
Another option is to hang removable peel-and-stick wallpaper. In a small space, we love hanging wallpaper with big, bold prints. This allows the print to become the focal point of the room, which is a great way to detract from the size of the space.
If you want to make a real statement, look for whimsical prints, oversized floral themes, or unexpected patterns in bright colors. Vertical stripes are also a good option, as they create the illusion that the room is taller (and generally bigger).
#3 Minimize Clutter
In a small space, clutter is your worst enemy. So, add some portable storage or wall shelves to hold extra toilet paper, towels, and personal items.
If you have a pedestal sink, take advantage of the space beneath it by adding a rolling cart or storage cabinet. If you have a vanity sink with a built-in cabinet, maximize your storage space by adding a shelf inside. Two layers of storage are always better than one!
It’s also important to keep the countertops and sink as bare as possible. The neater the room is, the less restrictive the space will feel.
#4 Add Shelves
Floating shelves and shelving units are perfect for organizing things washcloths and bath products.
The tinier the room is, the more important it is to make use of all available wall space. Consider hanging a shelf or two over the toilet or high up on an empty wall.
Shelves also make it easier to minimize clutter. You can fill them with storage boxes and bins to hold all sorts of hygiene products and miscellaneous items. Invest in a few decorative storage boxes, and you can create a concealed storage system that’s both fashionable and functional.
If your landlord won’t allow you to mount shelves to the walls, look for an over-the-toilet standing shelf that doesn’t require any mounting hardware. You can use it to hold folded towels, extra soap, or decorative items that otherwise wouldn’t have a home.
#5 Add a Large Mirror
There’s one decorating trick that people have been using for centuries to make small rooms look bigger:
Mirrors.
A large mirror can trick the eye and create the illusion of a larger space. If you hang a massive mirror above your sink, your tiny bathroom will instantly look and feel bigger than it is.
If you can’t change out the mirror above your sink, consider adding one to the back of the bathroom door instead. That way, the bathroom won’t feel so claustrophobic when the door closes.
#6 Get a New Rug
There’s something nice and cozy about the feel of a plush bath mat beneath your feet. But if you want to give your small bathroom a fresh new look, consider adding a textile area rug instead.
In a square room, you can place a large rectangular rug at the base of your bathroom sink. If the room is long and narrow, opt for a runner like you might see in a hallway or entryway.
Also Read: How To Decorate Your Master Bedroom Like a Pro
Rugs come in many patterns, sizes, and colors, so it’s easy to find one that reflects your personal style. Just remember to buy one that’s machine-washable. It will get wet, and you’ll want to be able to wash it from time to time.
Adding a new rug is also a great way to disguise any old or outdated tile underfoot. The bigger the rug is, the less you’ll have to look at that old tile and grout.
#7 Hang an Over-the-Door Organizer
An over-the-door organizer is a must-have in a small bathroom with limited space. Unfortunately, most organizers aren’t deep enough to store towels or robes. But, they are perfect for holding toilet tissue, cosmetics, and personal hygiene products.
Over-the-door organizers don’t require any mounting or hardware, which makes them easy to attach to any door in any room. Just slip the hooks over the top of your door, and you’re done!
Conclusion
The trick to decorating a small bathroom is not to get hung up on the size of the space. Instead, look for ways to distract from it with the use of bright colors, bold prints, and mirrors.
Keep your clutter at bay by placing a storage cabinet beneath your sink or hanging a rack on the back of the door. Add texture and interest with a new shower curtain, a matching floor mat, or a patterned area rug.
And if there’s any open wall space, add some shelves. The biggest battle in decorating a small bathroom is creating enough room for all of your stuff. A few small shelves may be all you need to eliminate clutter and open up space for decorations!
Aaron Hunt is the Property Manager for Prime Place UNL, a student housing community near the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.