If you’ve had your old bathroom for a long time, it’s only natural that you want to give it a makeover at some point. Just like art and interior design, bathrooms are evolving. Before you skim through a magazine for bathroom décor ideas in the UK, you want to make a few considerations.
Is it going to be a full-blown bathroom remodel? Are you looking for budget-friendly features or would you rather splurge? Last but not least, is your bathroom spacious enough to accommodate all the stuff you want to include?
Having done that, feel free to check out how to decorate a small bathroom, plus tips on modern bathrooms and cheap bathroom decor ideas. Stick around to see what your bathroom renovation and decor options are.
Modern Bathroom Decor Ideas
Let’s start with some trendy ideas for bathroom designs. Sure enough, you’ll want to add a bit of a modern twist to your bathroom, even if it involves a single unit or several details.
Wall-mounted vanity units
The interesting thing about this type of bathroom wall decor is that it doesn’t take up floor space, which means you can tuck in more stuff under them. This feature technically enables easy floor cleaning, as there are no hard-to-reach nooks and crannies underneath. It has a sleek design that calms the mind while also providing a great storage area.
Since they don’t reach the floor, they trick the eyes that there is more room than there actually is. Everything just looks neater and tidier. You’ll love it. The most popular style is a wooden base coupled with marble countertops. But you can have many more. The market offers loads of options. Some of them might prove cool small bathroom ideas too.
Matte finishes bathroom ideas
When thinking about a matte finish for the bathroom, the washbasin comes to mind but you can use this material for just about any surface you wish, e.g. the floors. As it exudes a natural and warm look, it will make the place feel like home. You will feel so good you will want to while your evenings away in your bathroom. Your family will probably reciprocate.
When choosing a colour scheme, you want to stay away from black. Although it looks irresistibly good, it is best to use it in small amounts. For one, it will shrink the appearance of your bathroom. But the biggest issue with black is that it more readily shows limescale, so don’t be surprised if you notice these whitish spots on your black surfaces after a shower.
Chick fixtures bathroom ideas
Speaking of black, you can still incorporate this colour into your bathroom without sacrificing functionality. Choose black soap dispensers, vases, and mirrors. In other words, we are talking about accentuating some elements and adding high contrast to a certain section of the room.
It goes without saying that you can achieve that using other colours. For instance, you can buy a soap dispenser that matches the colour of the wall tiles and bath tub. Or better yet - create a feature wall that will stand out from the rest. Keep the other part of the bathroom neutral.
Invisible shower curtains/walls
Glass doors and surfaces look good in any bathroom or wet room. They make it visually larger, cleaner, and classier. This is a simple bathroom decor that can give a dull space a contemporary touch and feel. Besides, a walk-in shower/walk-in enclosure lends a timeless appeal to the washroom. And the best part is, it fits both a modern style and a vintage bathroom decor.
Small Bathroom Decor Ideas
The problem with small bathrooms is pretty self-explanatory: there is not enough room for all your belongings and bathroom essentials let alone decorating elements. On the other hand, a small space is easy to clean. It is what it is. The best thing you can do is to accept reality and consider the size before you start your makeover.
If you are dealing with a small bathroom, you want to make every inch count. A wise way around this is to take full advantage of vertical space, especially the one above the toilet. It will hold your towels, soap, toilet paper, and other toiletries.
Not to mention, it can be the focal point of your bathroom - the one that gets all the compliments, as long as you do a good job.
Here are some small shower room ideas to get you started.
Mirrors
Mirrors add dimension to a place making it look much bigger than it actually is. If you struggle with a small bathroom, this feature will prove a great decor piece, no matter what the existing style is. You can have large mirrors stretched across the wall for a fuller look. Or you may opt for one piece. Put in the right place, it will be a game-changer, we promise.
Yet, that is not the only reason why you want to use this small bathroom ideas option. If you have an awkward corner or a flaw that you want to conceal, decorative bathroom mirrors are the way to do that. The shape and frame will create a different vibe. Just so you know, oval shapes are ideal for small rooms and are basically timeless. They make up for a serene atmosphere and calm the mind.
Baskets
Talking about small bathroom ideas, here is a small item to go along with the plan. If you have counters or cabinets, make fuller use of them by throwing in wooden crates or containers to the mix. They will store so much. You can keep your essentials there: toilet paper rolls, medicine, supplements, toothbrush and whatnot. Baskets are pretty attractive on their own, not to mention they are available in various materials, textures, and colours. So, they double as bathroom storage and decorative pieces.
Decorative bathroom wall panels
For small bathrooms, decorative panels on the walls will help to transform the space without rearranging the centre. It does not require grouting and it’s easy to install. Another advantage is that it reduces condensation. So, worry not. Wall panels are hygienic and resistant to moisture (100% waterproof). You have your choice to designs at that.
Marble self-adhesive paper
More small bathroom ideas are coming your way. For example, here is how to transform those countertops that are sturdy enough for you to keep but that could use some improvement.
Marble self-adhesive paper is a material that mimics the appearance of real marble, only it’s much less expensive and more lightweight. It comes with gird lines on the back which enables you to cut them into manageable pieces.
Now, marble isn’t the only option when it comes to style. There are plenty of patterns and colours. This is perfect for those in search of small bathroom ideas.
Aside from the floors and walls, adhesive papers can be glued to all other smooth surfaces in the house. Think kitchen counters, furniture, bookcase, bedside table, dresser drawer, etc.
The good thing about this option is that it’s easy to remove and it doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind (perfect for renters).
Floating shelves on the walls
The final stroke on our small bathroom ideas has to do with storage. In case you didn’t know, walls equal storage space. Just assemble floating shelves on them to make it work. This is a simple way to spruce up your washroom all the while keeping everything together. Instead of letting an avalanche of products and accessories take over your countertops, you can store your stuff on these shelves to deal with clutter once and for all.
Bathroom Decorating Ideas on a Budget
It’s easy to come up with decorating ideas when money is not an issue but the reality is that a lot of people have to get by with a restricted amount of cash. In that case, some of the ideas suggested above will not be applicable. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do to breathe new life into your bathroom space. Here, check out what cost-effective steps you can implement into your decorating project without consulting an interior designer.
Paint
It’s a no-brainer that the fastest way to transform a room is to give it a fresh coat of pain. In the case of your bathroom, bathroom tiles (cement tiles, mosaic tiles, etc.) that go all the way from the baseboards to the ceiling might present an obstacle. But if you don’t have any, then this is the ideal solution for you. The same applies to floorboards.
What’s great about this project is that it can be done over the weekend and you don’t have to call in a specialist for it. Even if you have never painted a room before, just hit the Internet. There are loads of guides online to explore, including video tutorials. This will get you going.
Now, if you want to take things up a notch, you might settle on an ombré effect. It will add an instant vibe of diversity and depth. It will be best if the shades match other elements such as the bathtub or shower curtains.
Stylish storage
Another quick bathroom update is swapping your old storage with a stylish cabinet, box, or shelf. Not only will it create more space and keep everything together but it can be the focal point if you make it right. Open shelving means you have to get creative with how you arrange your belongings like floss, soap, towels, soap, etc. You can decorate with house plants and candles.
Not to mention, some of the essentials will probably fit into big glass jars. Taking care of all the details is what renders a room charm and personal touch.
Floor cloth
What better way to conceal your old flooring than using a water-resistant vinyl floor cloth? It will hide any unattractive parts of the bathroom. In addition, it can really give the room a brand new look. All you have to do is unbox them to get started. The floors have to be cleaned beforehand. You lay the pieces as you go. Little by little, you move on to the next row.
Interlocking rubber floor tiles
Now, if you want something more water-resistant for your bathroom and wet room, try rubber floor tiles. They require no adhesive. This has a few upsides. First, it’s super easy to install them and it takes a few minutes to get the job done. Second, if you get tired of them, you will spend the same amount of time, if not less, on taking them out. Last but not least, if you move house, you can bring the decorative bathroom tile with you. They hardly take any space and are relatively lightweight.
Just be careful with installation. You want to start within the centre of the room and work your way toward the perimeter. When you reach the edge and you get to a point where you can’t fit an entire tile, measure the distance between the wall and the last tile that you laid out. This will show you how much of the material you need to cut so it can fit.
Peel-and-stick floor tiles
Peel-and-stick floor tiles are exactly what their name implies. You take it out of the package, remove the backing, and stick it in place. There are multiple patterns and bathroom design ideas to choose from. If you are willing to brighten up your bathroom without spending too much money or effort on it, then this is a perfect option.
No gout or tools needed. The majority of these tiles come with a cutting tool for your convenience. Plus, they are water-resistant.
Pictures on the walls
When you can’t think of anything else to doll up your washroom, resort to good old pictures. Slide them into beautiful frames and attach them to the walls. If you don’t want to stare at family photos while you are in the shower, choose abstract paintings, landscapes, or things that have deep meaning for you. There, you have the most accessible bathroom ideas. And cheapest at that.
Make sure the frames are identical to create a uniform look. You can also divide one picture into smaller pieces, resembling a jigsaw puzzle, and scatter them around the wall. Every time you perform your morning or night rituals, you will be cheered by the lovely view. If you have tiles instead of wallpaper, this may not be a good idea, though.
Indoor plants
Get an indoor plant or tree to freshen up the interior. Your options include asparagus fern, Chinese evergreen, begonia, peace lilly, bamboo, gardenia, dumb cane, philodendron, weeping, fig, spider plant, etc. Of course, you want to select plants that thrive in moisture. Also, if you don’t let much natural light in the bathroom, you need to be extra careful when taking a pick.
Rug
Rugs never grow old. Throughout the years, they have gone in and out of fashion but they have always been around in some form or another. Not only do they add texture to the room they are placed in but they give it a cosy feel and reduce echo. Plus, a rug looks good on tiles, engineered wood flooring, rubber, and stone - you name it.
Fancy soap
The last tip is to buy a fancy soap. It may do nothing to improve the decor but it will give your family and guests a more luxurious experience when using the bathroom. Sometimes that’s all it takes to make a difference. It will immediately boost the value of the place - well, not financially of course.
Bathroom Storage Ideas
Now, don’t forget that your bathroom needs to stay functional at all times. You spend a large portion of your time in there, prepping for your day, taking a bath, and doing your night-time routine. This means you keep a stash of toiletries that you use and they all need a designated place.
Space-saving store ladder
The great thing about a ladder in the bathroom is that it won’t take much space, which is already cramped enough, but at the same time it can house towels, indoor plants, and bathroom decor accessories. You can put it over the toilet where it won’t get in the way. We talked about the space over the toilet - it’s rarely availed of. But if you have a small bathroom, you have to use whatever you’ve got.
Shelves over the toilet
Now, a shelf over the toilet doesn’t just provide more storage options to your teeny-tiny bathroom, it can actually add elegance and style to it. Choose a material that blends well with the rest of the stuff. Whether you go for wood or metal, just choose wisely.
The colour will also be of great importance since it can make a big difference to how the room looks. If the predominant colour is beige or white, go bold with the shelf. It can be red or black or whatever you decide. But if your bathroom has more than three shades already, you want to stick with something that doesn’t stand out. After all, there will be stuff on top of it that will add to the whole colour mix.
Shelves over the sink
If you happen to have a pedestal sink, which many small bathrooms seem to boast, consider mounting shelves over it to make up for the lack of space underneath. Use bathroom design ideas you’ve already settled for as your guide. Your bathroom renovation could include as little as this step and it will still look different in the end.
Bathroom Window Sill Decor Ideas
If you have a large bathroom with a window sill that is in desperate need of redecorating, here are some suggestions.
Window seat
When you finish revamping your bathroom, you’ll like it so much that you’ll want to spend more time in it… sitting by the window with a book in hand. That is, as long as you put in the time to spruce up that area a little bit beforehand. Installing a seat will lend function, comfort, and a luxurious touch to the bathroom. Add cushions and a lampshade for a more realistic experience.
Knick-knacks
When you have no idea what bathroom decoration to display on the window sill, knick-knacks will save the day. Like some souvenirs you got from your last trip overseas. Or family pictures. Those who have children might want to showcase their offspring’s paintings and crafting skills. It’s simple, just put something that holds meaning to you.
Decorative plate
A quick fix to a lifeless window sill is to lay out a decorative plate to your liking alongside a few small pots filled with pebbles and seashells. Or you could as well spell words like ‘family’, ‘love’, and ‘bath time’ with wooden letters for walls. If you let your imagination and creativity run wild, who knows what you might come up with?
For those pursuing a tropical bathroom decor, we suggest you lay focus on greenish plants and their respectful accessories.
In case you are wondering where to get these items, we suggest you shop around in the likes of Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Ikea, and other stores.
Fake book covers
Bathroom shelf decor ideas like that are uncommon so it will make an impression for sure. However, it’s probably not a good idea to keep real books in your bathroom given the levels of moisture they will be exposed to on the daily. But that should not stop you from displaying book covers on your window sill. How about funny titles like, ‘Stalking, how not get caught’ or ‘How to bottle your pets’?
Bathroom Design Bottom Line
If you are reading this, then you’ve reached the end of our post and are now armed with the knowledge on how to decorate a bathroom. The good news is that you don’t have to make any high-budget alterations if you don’t want to. Your place can still look like new if you implement a few small and cost-effective changes to it, be it functional or purely decorative.
As you can see, some bathroom ideas are interchangeable, others aren’t. It is up to you to pick the most optimal solution based on your needs and - most of all - the wall and floor space you have. Good luck!
If you liked this article, make sure you check our house painting and decorating ideas guide or our breakdown on the time it takes to refit a bathroom.