70 Beautiful Bathroom Decorating Ideas on a Budget
These small upgrades make a huge difference.
Don't let your bathroom decor be an afterthought! A thoughtful design scheme won't just make your space more functional — it can turn it into a space you fully enjoy (think a relaxing bath or your nightly skincare routine). In fact, because bathrooms tend to be the smallest rooms in your house, they're actually the perfect space to flex your creativity — possibly bold wallpaper, geometric tiles or funky bathroom lighting?
To inspire your next DIY project, we've rounded up easy bathroom decor ideas that don't involve a complete renovation — AKA, these modern upgrades won't break the bank. There are improvements that'll only take a few hours, like refreshing walls with a trendy paint color, installing a modern fixture or bringing in genius storage solutions. But a more budget-friendly approach involves weaving in decorative accents, like statement artwork, stylish rugs and a chic vanity mirror. You can also layer in pops of personality with floating shelves filled with collectibles, framed photos or your favorite beauty products.
Whether you're gathering inspiration for a spacious primary bath, small bathroom or charming powder room, you'll find a bathroom design worth recreating. If your style strays modern and minimal, maybe you'll choose to stick with an all-white bathroom or farmhouse aesthetic, but if you dabble in eclecticism, we've included plenty of "more is more" inspiration, plus moody interiors and unique layouts.
Funky Lighting
Frame a window above the bathtub with decorative wall sconces. Here, designer Candace Shure matches the matte black and gold fixtures with a black bathtub faucet, then tops a stool with dried flowers.
RELATED: Interiors That Display Brilliant Bathroom Lighting Ideas for Every Style
Geometric Wallpaper
Whether it's an abstract design or floral print, geometric wallpaper adds a touch of whimsy to any space. We love that designer Jessica Risko Smith pairs it with black herringbone floor tiles for added dimension.
RELATED: 16 Latest Wallpaper Trends That Designers Are Loving
Persian Rugs
Add rich color and warmth to your bathroom design with a patterned area rug, just as designer Raili Clasen does in this texture-filled bathroom. Embrace vintage reds, gorgeous greens or creamy neutrals — or a combination of all three.
Pops of Personality
Don't be afraid to infuse a bathroom with personal touches. Take note from designer Julia Chasman and install playful tiles in the shower and on the floor, then weave in last-minute touches like framed photos, floral curtains and a chic wicker basket.
Rolling Utility Cart
If you're short on storage space, roll in a utility cart to store essentials, like clean towels and skincare products — plus a plant for decoration.
Faux Flowers
Rather than replacing fresh flowers every week or two, find fake blooms that look just like the real thing. In this pattern-filled bathroom, designer Jessica Dorling displays faux florals in ceramic white vases for a pop of color.
Playful Artwork
Lean framed prints on a nearby ledge, a simple way to infuse color and personality into an otherwise minimal bathroom.
Gold Accents
From gold lighting fixtures and hardware to decorative accents, this Parisian-inspired powder room packs a lot of style into a small space. An acrylic shelf above the toilet becomes a perfect place for chic jars and bottles.
Victorian Style
Move over minimalism. Embrace a more-is-more aesthetic by filling a wall-mounted shelving unit with Victorian-inspired plates, teapots and teacups.
Pretty Photo Display
Fill a blank wall beside the sink vanity with personal photos, whether you create your own display or go for a store-bought option. Below, try a DIY makeup organizer to keep your everyday items within reach.
High Contrast
Celebrate the beautiful combination of deep black walls and a bright white vanity. Here, designer Emily Henderson stains the reclaimed wood walls to ensure a dramatic bathroom design.
Coastal Decor
Drawing on the beauty of the ocean, coastal decor is an ideal theme for any bathroom. Fill open shelving and the ledge of your bathtub with a mix of sea shells. Bonus points if you find the shells at nearby beaches.
Natural Materials
Not only do the two large windows in this bathroom have an indoor-outdoor feel, this light-filled space is full of organic textures like raw woods and rattan.
Mauve Paint
Country meets chic in this small bathroom, which features wood panels painted in a soothing mauve shade, gold fixtures and a rustic cow portrait.
RELATED: Striking Bathroom Paint Colors for a Luxurious and Serene Space
Floor-to-Ceiling Tile
Balance dramatic floor-to-ceiling tile with a standout piece of wall art and a stylish pendant that won't overwhelm the overall design scheme.
Abstract Wallpaper
Go bold with an abstract black-and-white wallpaper, like this one inspired by female beauty. For another touch of intrigue, there's a gold rectangular mirror with bird motifs and unique wall lights.
Display of Books
Whether it's built-in storage or an open shelf bookcase, showcase your collection in the bathroom for a cool, vintage feel. A forest wallpaper and candlelight sconces elevate the look.
Touches of Matte Black
From the round vessel sinks to the complementary vanity and tub hardware, this modern farmhouse bathroom is full of subtle matte black accents.
Wood Accent Wall
Here, Shaolin Low chose to keep original wood paneling around the bathtub to serve as a statement wall. To create contrast, she went with modern, all-white fixtures for the rest of the space.
RELATED: Studio Shaolin Turns a Dated Honolulu House Into a Coastal Contemporary Abode
Curvy Mirror
A minimalist mirror with graceful curves brings contrast, as well as a touch of elegance, to this bathroom's eye-catching terrazzo sink.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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