When decorating your home, bathrooms—especially small ones—often fall to the bottom of the priority list. But decorating a small bathroom can be surprisingly impactful. With just a few thoughtful updates, you can create a stylish, functional space that feels intentional and welcoming.
Today on the blog, I’m sharing six small bathroom decorating ideas I’ve used and loved in our home! Hopefully, you can find inspiration to turn your small bathroom into your favorite room in the house.
Why Decorate A Small Bathroom?
You might wonder if decorating such a compact space is worth the effort. The answer is absolutely yes! Here’s why:
- Instant Impact: Small bathrooms require fewer changes to make a noticeable difference. A fresh coat of paint or updated fixtures can quickly elevate the entire space.
- Budget-Friendly: Less square footage means fewer materials and lower costs, allowing you to splurge on high-quality finishes or statement pieces.
- Personal Oasis: Even small bathrooms deserve personality. The thoughtful decor makes daily routines more enjoyable and leaves guests with a positive impression.
- Maximized Functionality: Decorating often leads to better organization and smarter storage solutions, making your bathroom more practical.
Now that we’ve covered why it’s worth it, let’s chat about the six decorating ideas I’ve tried and recommend:
6 Small Bathroom Decorating Ideas:
- Use Bold Walls To Add Character
- Bring In Art You Love!
- Make Practical Upgrades To Fixtures
- Replace Larger Elements For A Big Impact
- Add Tile That Makes A Statement
- Consider Your Bathroom’s Natural Lighting
Use Bold Walls To Add Character
Small bathrooms are ideal for experimenting with bold design choices. Vibrant wallpaper (my personal favorite), rich paint colors, or wood accents can dramatically enhance your bathroom’s style. Adding color or pattern on one wall creates depth without overwhelming the room.
If you’re interested in finding quality wallpaper with a timeless design, check out my personal wallpaper line – Monarch Home Goods!
Pro Tip: Always clean walls thoroughly before painting or applying wallpaper. Even minimal dust or debris can cause uneven results.
Bring In Art You Love!
Don’t underestimate how much usable wall space even a small bathroom offers. Adding artwork is an easy way to personalize your space—whether it’s framed prints, vintage finds, or unique illustrations. Choose pieces you genuinely love; they’ll make your bathroom feel more like “you.”
If you’re looking for art inspiration, shop my favorite pieces here!
Pro Tip: If your small bathroom includes a shower or bath, opt for moisture-resistant frames or acrylic prints to protect artwork from humidity.
Make Practical Upgrades To Fixtures
Small upgrades can have big impacts. Swap outdated towel bars for modern hooks or stylish racks. Replace old faucets with contemporary fixtures in brushed gold or matte black finishes. Even updating cabinet handles or drawer pulls can refresh the look of your vanity instantly.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix metals! This is one of my all-time favorite tips to incorporate, no matter how small, to really elevate a space. If you’re curious to learn exactly how I do it, check out my post: Mixing Metal Finishes: How To Make Different Metals Look Effortless!
Replace Larger Elements For A Big Impact
Replacing larger elements like vanities or mirrors might feel intimidating at first, but these changes can completely transform your bathroom’s aesthetic and functionality. A floating vanity adds visual space and modern appeal; swapping out a basic mirror for something decorative—like an ornate vintage frame or minimalist round mirror—can significantly upgrade the room’s style.
Pro Tip: If you’re interested in replacing the larger parts of your bathroom, check out the upgrades I made to my bathroom here!
Add Tile That Makes A Statement
With less floor area, you have more flexibility to choose unique tiles without exceeding your budget. Consider classic checkered flooring (my personal favorite) or penny tiles for added texture and charm. Bold patterns also create visual interest and turn your floor into an eye-catching focal point.
Pro Tip: Don’t overlook grout color! Light-colored grout makes bright tiles pop, while darker grout complements patterned tiles and hides dirt more effectively.
Consider Your Bathroom’s Natural Lighting
When choosing colors and decor elements, think about how much natural light your small bathroom receives:
- Lots of Natural Light: Lean into bright colors, cheerful patterns, and reflective surfaces that amplify sunlight.
- Limited Natural Light: Embrace darker tones or palettes—this creates a moody atmosphere that feels both bold and intentional.
Working with—not against—your existing lighting conditions ensures your decorating choices feel intentional and cohesive.
Small Spaces (Even Your Bathroom) Mean Low Pressure
Remember: decorating a smaller space means lower pressure overall.
It’s easier (and less expensive) to experiment with new ideas like bold wallpaper or statement tile in a compact room than it is in larger areas of your home. If you’ve been hesitant to try something bold, a small bathroom is the perfect place to start—it’s a low-risk way to explore new styles and design trends.
Additionally, since small bathrooms often serve as guest spaces, thoughtful decor choices help leave guests with a positive impression of your home. Whether you’re going for bright and airy or leaning into darker tones for a moody vibe, small bathrooms are an opportunity to showcase your personality and make visitors feel welcome.
Do you have any small bathroom decorating tips you love? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts:
Leave a Reply