21 Decorating Ideas for a Chic Bathroom

Bathroom updates often take low priority, falling behind more visible rooms in the race to make our houses habitable. But having a beautiful, functional and stylish bathroom can enhance your everyday life (more than a pretty dining room, one could argue), making rushed mornings run a bit more smoothly and helping you unwind at the end of the day. So why not show your bathroom some love? Whether you are looking for an easy update (new accessories) or a major makeover (new everything), these 21 ideas can inspire a creative change.

1. A bold statement mirror, like the driftwood design shown here, can completely transform the look and feel of your bathroom — even without any other changes.

2. Painting the lower half of the walls a rich color is a great way to give your bath a fresh look when you do not have tiled walls.

3. Invest in new storage baskets that coordinate with the wall color to tie everything together — and keep toiletries and towels out of sight.


4. Big change: Forgo a tub in favor of a big shower. This can be a smart move for those who rarely soak. Bonus: An open or glass-walled shower will make a small bathroom feel bigger.

5. Big change: Try a modern sink. The crisp, clean lines of a modern console sink look fresh with slate floors, a muted palette and simple lighting.


6. Big change: Choose a freestanding tub. Love to soak? If you have the room, don't settle for a shower-tub combo any longer. A separate tub will give you a much more luxurious soaking experience.

7. Use a "real" rug instead of a bath mat. It's unexpected and feels great underfoot. Although you can use any small rug, it's best to choose one you can toss in the washing machine occasionally.

8. A wood stump stool is an easy way to add warmth and organic texture to a bathroom. Use one beside the tub to keep your teacup and book within reach during long soaks.


9. Big change: Write a message in mosaic tiles. Have a favorite quote that inspires you? Have it permanently "written" on your wall in tiny mosaic tiles. White letters on a black background look especially dramatic.


10. Try a unique pendant lamp. Swapping out a standard-issue ceiling lamp for something more dramatic is a small change that will make a very big impact. The light shown here was made by hand in Egypt; it casts a beautiful pattern on the walls when lit.

11. Hang big hooks and fringed towels. Sometimes a detail like this can make all the difference. Try hanging several extra-large wall hooks and swapping out your old towels for thinner fringed ones.


12. Add lush curtains around the tub. Why stick with boring shower curtains when you can have real linen or sheer cotton voile instead? Look beyond the bath section and choose any real curtains you love. If they are going around a showerless tub, you'll probably use them more for privacy than keeping water in. To surround a shower, pair the curtains with a waterproof liner.


13. Add storage with vintage apothecary cabinets. Short on cabinet space? Bring in one or two petite, glass-front cabinets for a stylish storage supplement. There are new reproductions of these popular cabinets, but if you are persistent, you can find originals in antiques shops and on eBay — sometimes for a lower price than the reproductions.


14. Big change: Try a chic black and white scheme. Pair white subway tile with black or charcoal-gray grout for a cool (and surprisingly affordable) look. Choose simple gray tile floors and black accents on the shower and mirror frames, then bring the glamour in with shiny brass sink and shower fittings.


15. Big change: Go for eclectic tiled floors. Craving something different than hex tiles? Pick out a bunch of coordinating — but not matching — patterned tiles for a colorful, eclectic look. In the space shown here, the handmade feel of the tiles is enhanced by beautifully textured plaster walls, specially formulated to stand up to moisture.


16. Big change: Use colorful tile as an accent. Rather than covering an entire wall or floor in colorful tile, consider having just one section done; the pattern will really stand out against a solid-hued background.


17. Add wire and wood. Wire adds crispness, and wood (the older and more worn, the better) adds warmth. Together they strike the perfect balance. Use a wooden shelf over the bath to keep soaps within reach and stash fresh towels in a wire basket.


18. Add art and plants. Green foliage, framed prints and even small, soft sculptures will warm up and personalize the bathroom. You can probably even find a few things to use by simply "shopping" the other rooms in your house.


19. Use sink caddies to corral pretty soaps. Similar to what you might use on top of your bathtub, these smaller wooden caddies can be placed atop a large sink to keep frequently used items at hand — they're so much more attractive than a bunch of bottles cluttering up the edge of the sink.


20. Hang shelving beneath a console sink. Wall-mounted console sinks can be elegant but provide little in the way of storage. One way to get around that without springing for a whole new vanity is by adding a shelf underneath the sink. You will have a great place to store fresh towels, and it can hide unsightly pipes.

21. Big change: Try a wood plank wall. Add rustic appeal no matter where you live by applying reclaimed wood planks to your walls. If you go this route, just be sure to do your research or talk with a pro who can lead you to the woods and finishes that can withstand damp conditions.

Tell us: Are you tempted to try any of these ideas at home?

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