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Your bathroom should be both functional and lovely. It may be one of the last rooms in your home you even think to decorate. How do you decorate a luxurious bathroom?
Did you know that decorating a bathroom is easier than you might think? Yes, bathrooms come in all sizes, from two-piece, three-piece or four-piece, which typically equals a sink, toilet, bathtub and shower.
The exciting part about a bathroom is that a few key items will make a HUGE difference into turning it from builder-grade boring to a luxurious spa that will rival any hotel.
Make It Lovely
After all, your bathroom is where you clean up, pretty up and unwind after a long day. Let’s make it lovely together!
As I said in my 7 Steps to a Lovely Home, decorating is all about layering.
The decorating process can happen quickly or evolve over time. Maybe you don’t have the funds for a major bathroom renovation. That’s okay. You still CAN still make your bathroom lovely!
Just Imagine…
Imagine soaking in your tub in your newly decorated bathroom. Keep your bathroom simple, clean, and serene.
Your bathroom will be your getaway from the busyness of life. Whether you only have 15 minutes or 60 to relax and renew, make the effort to create a lovely space.
You will honor yourself and your family by doing so.
Let’s Get Started!
I am here to help you along the way. Make sure you begin with my Quick Start Guide before you tackle your entire house.
Marie Kondo is the queen of all things tidy. She teaches to only keep what “sparks joy!” You can decorate the exact same way by only using pieces that you truly love.” Decorating does not have to be expensive to be beautiful.
Take BEFORE photos! I can’t tell you how many people tell me, “Oh, I wish I had taken photos of my room before to see the transformation!” After you complete the 7 Steps, email me your before & after photos! I can’t wait to see them.
Follow my 7 easy layering steps for a bathroom better than a 5-star hotel:
1. Determine Your Style & Design the Space
What is your style? Are you traditional or modern, French country or farmhouse? If you are unsure, think about how you dress. Is it traditional or modern glam?
Use Pinterest and create a “Bathrooms I Love” board with inspiration from others. It can be a public board for the world to see or a secret board for your eyes only.
Make a plan, then decorate. Don’t make the mistake of jumping in head first into decorating, before you design a plan. You could end up frustrated, overwhelmed and waste a lot of money on pieces that don’t work.
With other rooms in your home, I recommend drawing out the layout. There is really no need to do this for the bathroom. Most everything is already fixed.
So, for this lesson in bathroom decorating, let’s just say all those stay in place. You can make a big improvement by changing the faucets and hardware. We recently replaced our builder-grade faucets for these stylish French Country faucets sold by Wayfair.
Yes, you can upgrade these items. If that is in your budget. I have great recommendations. We recently upgraded our, dare I say, “ugly” granite countertops for ultra sleek quartz counters by Lowe’s that look like marble.
In a bathroom, your vanity should be the focal point (unless you have a pretty clawfoot soaking tub like this!)
Your toilet is not the focal point so we will downplay it with minimal decor. Nor should the pile of towels or dirty clothes on the floor be an ongoing focal point.
Bathrooms look better, in my opinion, with neutral colors like white, cream, light gray, and metallics. After all, much of the bathroom is chrome, brushed nickel or brass. Then, add in your favorite pop color. Light blue and pink are relaxing along with some green through faux or living plants or flowers. This brings life to your bathroom.
So for design, quickly do the following:
- Establish your style
- Determine what upgrades you want to do now and in the future with a timeline. If your budget allows for a new toilet, countertops or tile, let’s get it done ASAP.
- If you have repairs that need to be made, from plumbing to electrical, let’s get these out of the way first.
2. Unify Paint, Lighting & Flooring
The next step is to decide on the shell of your bathroom – the walls, ceiling & floors. It’s much easier to start with the outside and work your way into the room after these basics are complete.
If you have a brand new home and all of these are exactly how your want them, lucky you! You can skip to the next step.
Give Your Walls a Blank Canvas
For all the rest of us, we may need to change the paint color, a light fixture or the flooring. The first two are relatively inexpensive, but flooring can be pricey.
For the best long-term investment of time and money, I recommend painting your bathroom a neutral color like white, cream or light gray. These colors will give your wall art a blank canvas. Since bathrooms tend to be small and often dark, a light color will make it brighter and feel bigger.
Paint is cheap, and fast. You can paint your bathroom in an afternoon. If you don’t like the color you can easily change it.
My no-fail, always-a-winner paint color for bathrooms is HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Alabaster White. It’s the perfect color for a light and airy home. It was the Sherwin-Williams 2016 Color of the Year See my favorite neutral paint colors.
Say “No” to Wallpaper!
When we built our first home in 1995, wallpaper was all the rage. After a decade of looking at a wall of flowers, we decided it was time for a change. Removing that wallpaper was one of the worst experiences of my decorating life. It was arduous to get off. I made a promise to myself that never again would I fall in love with wallpaper.
Add Some Bling & Take Some Risks
Light fixtures are a different story. The best thing we ever did in our bathroom was to add a chandelier over our jetted tub. It’s one of my favorite Wayfair chandeliers – the Blanchette 5-Light Candle Style Chandelier by Astoria Grand. It’s less than $150. I love them so much I have four of these in my home. It’s the perfect size for a small space.
Chandeliers and lamps are like jewelry in a bathroom. Like jewelry, you can spend a little or a lot. It’s okay to take some risks with lighting and show your personality. It’s okay to be a little trendy. It can all be easily changed. I challenge you to add a chandelier. You will love the way the light reflects off the mirrors at night.
You’ll need a pretty vanity light. We love our vintage-looking French country vanity lights from Wayfair. Using recessed lighting in the bathroom, especially over the toilet and shower, is another good option.
Flooring That Stands the Test of Time
The most practical flooring for the bathroom is porcelain tile or LVT (luxury vinyl tile). LVT holds up great and looks so much like hardwood but can be 100% waterproof.
Never, under any circumstances, put carpet in a bathroom.
If flooring isn’t in the budget, give yours a good scrub and buy a great rug!
3. Window Treatments, Shower Curtains & Rugs
Now it’s time to add softness to the floors and windows if you have them. A small area rug in front of the vanity or runner if you have a longer bathroom adds softness and comfort to the room. I love how this shabby chic Rose & Cream Safavieh Rug Runner ties in all the colors of our bathroom. Make sure to add a non-slip rug pad to keep it in place.
A rug is a great place to bring color into your bathroom. It also helps cover up flooring that you may not be crazy about.
Never put a rug around a toilet. Hopefully, those days are over but they still sell those things.
Let There Be Light!
If you’re blessed enough to have a window in your bathroom, you also need to cover it if it’s not frosted. We don’t want anyone getting exposed. Ha!
Windows bring in natural light and fresh air which is great for a room with so much moisture. Adding blinds, shades or a soft flowy curtain also will add softness, texture and function to the room.
Shower Curtains Galore
Unless you have glass shower doors, you’ll need to add a shower curtain. I love a pretty white ruffle shower curtain myself, like this one in our guest bathroom. But there are hundreds of choices. A shower curtain is where you can show your style and personality along with color.
I prefer using a clear or frosted shower curtain liner on the inside of my tub. Then, add the pretty shower curtain on the outside. These are my favorite shower double-glide rustproof curtain hooks. They come in lots of colors and allow you to easily replace the liner every few months.
4. Styling the Vanity, Tub & Walls
Now, the beloved vanity! My favorite thing to decorate in the bathroom. Long gone are the days when our great-grandmothers had to stand at a table with a pitcher and deep bowl to wash their hands. And that’s after she walked to the well to pump the water!
Your current vanity may not be the prettiest one on the planet. But thankfully, most of us enjoy the luxury of indoor plumbing.
Three Choices…
If your vanity is not what you want it to be, you have three choices.
- A Complete Remodel: Do what I did and paint the cabinets, replace the countertops and install new hardware and faucets. It can be an expensive overhaul.
- Live With It: The second choice you have is to live with it and make plans to one day update the vanity. There are some reasonably priced ones at Lowe’s and some gorgeous vintage looking Wayfair vanities that I love.
- Easy Updates: Your third option is to make some minor decorating changes that don’t cost a lot of money. We recently added this beautiful frame to our extra-long builder grade mirror using this mirror frame by Mirror Mate. Wowza! The difference this made!!
Mirror Mirror on the Wall
Mirrors make such an incredible impact in your bathroom. They help open up this often small room. Lighting seems to double because of the reflection in the mirrors. Add in one of my favorite Wayfair mirrors.
Update Your Existing Cabinets
To spruce up dated cabinets, I recommend painting them. I really love a white bathroom. It just feels fresh, and will never feel sterile if you follow my tips. Adding pretty drawer and cabinet pulls will make your bathroom feel ultra modern and sleek.
Upgrading the faucets will make a huge difference. We adore our brushed nickel French Country Kingston Brass faucets by Wayfair.
Styling the Tub
Whether you have a separate tub or it’s combined with your shower, there is not a lot of space for decor. You can add a candle or pretty soap bottle in the corner.
I have a little ledge next to my jetted tub so it’s perfect for these pretty pink Wayfair faux peonies and Hobby Lobby Distressed Candle Holder. Did you know that Wayfair sells Kohler Whirlpool Tubs and the shipping is free, or pick one up at Lowe’s.
Adding a cute, tufted ottoman next to your tub is a beautiful way to add extra space for a little tray. Fill the tray with your favorite bath and body products along with your beverage of choice and a great book or magazine. This makes any ordinary bathroom feel like a spa! I love this gold lacquer tray from Wayfair that’s waterproof for candles, wine glasses and my Thistle Farms products.
If you have space for a little stool in your bathroom, this favorite blush pink tufted ottoman from Target is a keeper.
Wall Art in the Bathroom
You don’t need a lot of wall art in your bathroom, if any. Usually, there is not a lot of wall space. Also, because of the humidity, it’s not a great place to hang family photos or art with glass. Canvas art does better.
I prefer using mirrors over art. Having one great piece that inspires you is all you need, versus a cluttered collection small art.
My favorite piece of wall art in our bathroom is this French country “Le Bain” metal sign from World Market – the perfect vintage-looking bathroom decor.
Decorating Your Vanity
To make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa, it’s important to not store all your personal care items on the top of it. It just makes everything look cluttered.
If at all possible, store items in your vanity drawers, medicine cabinets and linen closets in baskets, bins and trays. I will talk more about storage options in the next step.
It’s much easier to decorate a vanity if it’s not cluttered.
So clear everything off and start fresh.
The Magic Rule of Three
If you have a double vanity, bless you! I love putting a large vase with faux flowers in the center, or placing a beautiful tray in the center with a lovely vignette using the “Magic Rule of Three” for bathroom decor.
The key to making small decor items work is using the “Rule of Three.” For whatever reason, odd numbers work. They are more pleasing to the eye. That’s why it’s best to use one, three, or five items in a grouping. You can place a single vase of flowers on a table and it looks beautiful. But if you add two things, it takes away.
How to Decorate Using the Rule of Three
For smaller vanities, you can decorate the corners, if there is space. You only need a tall vase of faux flowers or cute plant. The best sources for arranged faux florals are Hobby Lobby, Wayfair and Home Goods. I especially love these faux cherry blossom stems from Amazon.
Instead of using a nightlight, small lamps work beautifully in bathroom corners to create ambiance.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to add small decor accessories to your bedroom. Decorate a luxurious bathroom using my three favorite stores: Hobby Lobby, Kirklands & Home Goods.
Include a touch of whimsy! Every room in your home should have something that makes you grin. Something small, but whimsical.
Items that work well in Three’s in the bathroom:
- Vase of faux flowers, a pretty frame with a family photo or inspirational quote and candle.
- Three clear jars of different sizes for bath salts, cotton balls and swabs.
- An aromatherapy diffuser, cute ceramic jar (I use mine for baking soda).
- A small tray with your three favorite perfumes or body sprays in various heights. My faves: Betsey Johnson for Women Eau De Parfum Spray and Bath & Body Works Be Joyful.
- A plant that needs minimal sunlight or faux green plant, a pretty lotion and silver jar with lid. We keep our watches in it each night, so they don’t get wet.
I enjoy using our local Nashville Thistle Farms soaps and lotions. Every product is beautifully made by women who have survived trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. You will love their bath and body products and their Love Heals Every Body soy candle in Lavender, Eucalyptus Mint, Citrus Wood and Vanilla.
Keeping your bathroom clean by doing a daily vanity refresh will keep you loving this space. It will also cut down on the germs for better health. Soaking in your tub while staring at toothpaste on the mirror will not relax your soul. It takes less than five minutes for a quick tidy.
Store your cleaning products out of sight under the sink or in a bathroom closet. Hide you toilet brush too. No one enjoys looking at it.
Remember less is more on the vanity
You don’t want to cover every inch with dust-collecting decor.
Keep it light and airy.
5. Pretty Storage Solutions
Bathrooms seem to collect a lot of products. Personal care products. Beauty products. Cleaning products. Styling tools.
Before you know it, your bathroom looks like you own a retail store shelf instead of being your personal spa retreat.
So…before you start buying more storage baskets and bins, take one-hour and go through everything in your bathroom. If it’s expired or you haven’t used it in 6 months, throw it out.
Find the Best & Forget the Rest!
I encourage you to find just one favorite shampoo and conditioner, one favorite shower gel and lotion, one favorite brand of deodorant and toothpaste. You get the idea.
I’m preaching to the choir. I must confess: after my daughter got married, I decided to re-organize our second bathroom our teenage boys use. I kid you not, there were no less than seven brands of hair gel, 15 toothbrushes and 12 different brands of lotion. Not to mention dozens of travel size bottles of shampoo and bar soaps!
Marie Kondo Your Bathroom
It was soon after that that I started watching Marie Kondo on Netflix. That is when I said to myself, “things have to change around here.” Let’s find our ONE FAVORITE and only buy that product. So I encourage you to do the same and it will cut down your storage needs tremendously.
Choose Pretty Storage Over Boring
There are lots of great places to find storage for the bathroom. My favorite is The Home Edit Bathroom Collection at The Container Store.
Just because you put everything out of site, storage should still be pretty for you and your family. When you open a door, you want to feel glee, not glum.
We also like to tuck our trash can under the sink, out of site, as well. If you can’t do that, at least get a small trash can that has a step-on, pop-up lid to hide the waste.
Behind the Toilet
For every bathroom I decorate, I always, always add this handy storage cabinet from Lowe’s. It fits perfectly over the toilet and can hold extra rolls of toilet paper, air freshener, extra toiletries like deodorant and soaps, even nail polish. Anything small.
You can use the three baskets for cotton balls, Q-tips & extra razors. I even updated it by swapping the old knobs to clear knobs from Lowe’s.
Laundry Hampers
I am grateful to have a small laundry on the second floor by our bedroom. However, not everyone has that so a hamper in the bathroom is often a necessity.
For a small splurge, try this KOUBOO wicker hamper on Amazon to add texture and keep clothes and towels off the bathroom floor.
6. Luxurious Linens & Personal Care Products
Nice towels are not expensive but make such a big impact in your bathroom. I love using white because it makes laundering so much easier since everything is the same. Decorating a luxurious bathroom always includes white towels.
There is nothing that says luxury more than soft and fluffy white towels. Super white! Not dingy, gray and ragged.
The same is true for buying white hand towels and washcloths. I prefer thinner white washcloths for scrubbing to those extra-thick ones.
Unless you are a newlywed, if you haven’t bought new towels since your wedding, stop everything and get two-four new white fluffies. You probably spend more money on fast food or takeout meal and have nothing to show for it. Try my favorite luxurious white cotton towels from Wayfair and hand towels. You’ll be sooo happy you did.
Upgrading your towel bar and other hardware are easy fixes. You can also use hooks, either wall mounted, or over-the-door, to maximize space.
Wrap yourself in luxury with this 100% Cotton Terry Robe by UGG. It’s available in white, grey, navy, lavender, or my favorite, seashell pink!
Personal Care Products
Selecting personal care products are exactly that – personal. The selection is vast and often confusing. Companies spend billions of dollars trying to swoon you.
My first requirement is that they work. The second, if possible, have the least amount of toxic chemicals.
Here’s some of my favorites….
7. Scents, Sounds & Seasonality
You want your bathroom to smell nice. We keep this Pure Citrus Orange Room Spray stocked.
For ambiance and a beautiful scent, candles are perfect for the bathroom. You can change scents with the seasons.
Essential Oils
Essential oils offer many health benefits because they trigger responses in the brain. Some scents tell your nervous system to relax, others help you focus, sleep or feel more energized. You will need a diffuser to release the essential oil into the air. We love this Williams Sonoma diffuser.
Amazon’s Echo Plus, aka Alexa
Filling your home with beautiful music is another secret to a lovely home. Finding the balance of noise and quiet is important. Yes, there is a time for silence for work, study, prayer, meditation and sleep.
There is also time for TV and home movies, but let’s not have the television playing in the background all day. I confess I have done this. It stirs an anxiety within you. It’s not good for the children either.
To quote one of my favorite singers, James Ingram, “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” My current favorite way is using Amazon Echo Plus.
This hands-free device will stream your music playlists and songs with ease with its 360° audio. With premium Dolby speakers, you can choose from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM and more.
Good music is good for the soul of the home, especially in a luxurious bathroom. My favorite playlist is the Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe, as it is perfect for everyday. For love songs, the perfect choice is Ina Garten’s Love Songs.
Decorating the Bathroom Seasonally
I generally do not decorate our bathroom seasonally except for changing the candle scents. We usually have enough decor going on in the main areas of our home during the holidays that it’s nice not to have the pressure of decorating the bathroom also.
Keep seasonal decor small and simple.
Take an Honest Look & Review
You did it! Now take a step back for an honest look around your bathroom. Ask yourself these 7 questions:
- Is it lovely & inviting?
- Does it make you smile?
- Does it feel luxurious?
- Is it uncluttered?
- Is it light, airy & clean?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, make a change now. If it feels cluttered, take some things away. Get rid of items that don’t work or make a plan to replace them as your budget allows.
Now is the time to make adjustments. Don’t procrastinate. We have more rooms to decorate!
Let’s review!
- Determine Your Style & Design the Space – Get inspired using Pinterest or your favorite magazine.
- Unify Paint, Lighting & Flooring – This is the canvas for the makeup and jewelry of a beautiful bathroom.
- Window Treatments, Shower Curtains & Rugs – Soften the hardness of a bathroom with beautiful textiles.
- Styling the Vanity, Tub & Walls – The vanity is your focus point. Get rid of the clutter and make it lovely.
- Pretty Storage Solutions – Who says storage has to boring?
- Luxurious Linens & Personal Care Products – Luxury doesn’t have to be expensive to make you feel pampered.
- Scents, Sounds & Seasonality– Delight all your senses to keep your bathroom fresh and inviting.
I would love to see your Before & After bathroom photos. You can share your bathroom decor photos with me by email. I would be thrilled!
May your home be filled with all things beautiful and lovely, especially the people you love most.
I’m here for YOU!
Much love & joy,
Get my Decorating Guides:
How to Set a Lovely Table in 7 Joyful Steps
7 Tips Ina Garten Taught Me About Throwing a Fabulous Dinner Party
I love this, and reading this has inspired me to DO this! So approachable!
Thank you Melissa! You CAN decorate a luxurious bathroom. I can’t wait to see photos.