When designing a new bathroom or renovating an existing space, the fixtures and finishes like tile, vanities, and bathtubs tend to get the most attention. But don’t underestimate the power of accessories and décor to personalize the look of your bathroom design. Cleverly chosen accessories transform even the most basic bathroom into a spa-like oasis.
Accessories refer to the decorative objects and functional items that aren’t permanently built into the bathroom. Unlike plumbing fixtures, tile, and vanities, accessories can easily be swapped out to match kitchen and bath design projects. They introduce affordable ways to refresh the space without a full remodel. Read on for the top ideas to accessorize your bathroom design.
Eye-Catching Floor Accessories
Don’t overlook opportunities to accessorize the floors in your bathroom design. During a bathroom remodel or refresh, flooring accessories present simple decor upgrades that can make a big visual impact. Area rugs, accent floor tiles, and even unusual bath mats make artistic statements underfoot.
Add Visual Interest with Area Rugs
Layer bath-friendly area rugs over your flooring to introduce color, pattern, and softness. Use luxuriously plush, absorbent rugs with non-slip backings in spaces around the vanity or freestanding tub. Coordinate rug colors and motifs with your wall tile, paint, or furnishings for a cohesive look. Roll rugs up when cleaning the floors.
Define Zones with Accent Tiles
Define specific areas like the shower, vanity, or soaking tub using accent floor tiles. For example, place mosaic tiles inside the shower floor for traction. Or put marble tiles under the tub for an elegant touch. Contrasting tiles help segment the bathroom into functional zones.
Make a Statement with Unique Bath Mats
In a bold bathroom design, make a style statement using unique, artful bath mats. Opt for hand-tufted cotton mats featuring colorful abstract designs or shaggy textures. Arrange a few geometric patterned mats around the room for an eclectic collector’s look.
Creative Touches for Walls and Windows
Wall décor, mirrors, artwork, and window treatments add personality and visual interest to bathrooms. Accessorize blank walls and windows to maximize your design flair.
Display Artful Mirrors
Mirrors visually expand small bathrooms while serving a practical purpose. Lean into the reflective qualities by choosing unique mirror styles and arrangements. Cluster round, oval, or arch mirrors over the vanity in an artistic formation. Opt for beveled, etched, or dramatically shaped statement mirrors.
Add Colorful Art Prints and Photography
Inject color, mood, and interest onto bathroom walls with vibrant art prints and photography. Look for large-scale pieces featuring bright colors and nature motifs that tie into your design scheme. Black and white botanical prints make a soothing classic statement. Frame pieces in painted wood or metals to complement fixtures.
Install Custom Wallpaper or Murals
Make walls pop through prints like tropical leafy patterns, geometric mosaics, or scenic murals. Many wallpaper brands now offer peel-and-stick applications ideal for renters and commitment phobes. An accent wall covered in wallpaper introduces texture and personality.
Softening Windows with Curtains
Add light-filtering curtains to bathroom windows for privacy and a softening effect. Choose subtly printed linen or cotton curtains in natural hues. Hang curtain rods well above the window frame and select full-length panels that puddle on the floor for a romantic look. Tie back with textured cords to control privacy.
Functional and Beautiful Bathroom Storage Solutions
Creative storage solutions keep essentials organized without cramping your style. Use a mix of freestanding furniture, built-in cabinetry, and baskets to stash bathroom necessities conveniently.
Furniture-Style Storage Cabinets
Freestanding storage cabinets provide concealed stashing spots without looking utilitarian. Opt for furniture-style cabinets to match your vanity for a built-in look. Include cabinets near the toilet for discreetly tucking away extra toilet paper and personal products.
Woven Baskets for Aesthetic Simplicity
In a minimalist bathroom, natural woven baskets create tidy storage nooks while contributing to the simple aesthetic. Group baskets of descending sizes to corral rolled towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Baskets made of rattan, bamboo, or jute work with most styles from modern to traditional.
Pretty Ladder Shelves for Display
Ladder-style shelving introduces both open display and storage real estate. Prop pretty glass bottles rolled towels, and candles on the shelves. Position a small ladder rack next to the bathtub to hold bath accessories within arm’s reach.
Coordinating Bath Caddies
Mount wall-mounted bath caddies or shelving near showers and tubs to organize necessities. Look for caddies with holes or mesh panels that allow for drainage. Choose finishes like metal, bamboo, or acrylic that integrate into your decor.
Illuminate with Stylish Bathroom Lighting Accessories
From sconces to vanities, lighting accessories boost ambiance and function.
Arranging Vanity Lights
Bathroom vanities often dictate appropriate lighting placement. Opt for symmetrical light fixtures flanking the mirror for even illumination. On wider vanities, add two fixtures on each side for a well-lit workspace.
Make a Statement with Chandeliers
In grand or glamorous bathrooms, make a stunning style statement with a chandelier as the focal lighting. Choose sparkling, swooping fixtures that align with your overall motif. Place central chandeliers to cast ambient light over-soaking tubs.
Backlight Mirrors for a Glow
For a contemporary edge, backlight wall mirrors using LED strip lights. Conceal lights at the mirror’s top and side edges emit a soft halo glow reflecting onto faces. Backlit mirrors omit shadowing for well-lit grooming.
Unify Design through Finishes
Select fixture finishes that coordinate with other metallic details in your bathroom design. For example, pair black metal vanity lights with black cabinet hardware. Maintaining a common finish creates cohesion.
Elevate Bathrooms with Spa-Like Accessories
Create a soothing, spa-like ambiance using accessories that appeal to the senses. Transport bathers to a tranquil retreat through sound, scent, texture, and relaxation-focused details.
White Noise Machines Set Serene Mood
Mask outside noise by incorporating a white noise machine into your bathroom design. Set to soothing sounds of rainfall, ocean waves, or meditation music to promote total relaxation. Position out of sight or house in attractive cabinets.
Infuse Inviting Scents with Candles
Light aromatherapy candles during bathing rituals to stimulate the sense of smell. Opt for calming scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or vanilla. Group candles in similar vessels for impact and incorporate flame-safe placements.
Plush Robes and Towels Provide Comfort
Outfit your spa bathroom with ultra-plush robes and towels rolled neatly on shelves or ladders. Opt for luxe, fluffy fabrics in white, gray, or other zen colors. Monogram towels for a personal touch. Quality linens elevate the pampering experience.
Greenery Brings Nature Indoors
Place small potted plants atop vanities or in wall niches to connect your bathroom to nature. Ferns, orchids, and succulents thrive in humid bathroom environments with proper drainage and indirect light. Avoid thorny varieties if little ones use the space.
Bottomline
Cleverly chosen accessories introduce purpose, polish, and personalization to any bathroom design. Use a thoughtful mix of floor coverings, wall décor, storage furniture, lighting, and spa-inspired touches to fashion a warm, inviting retreat. By creatively accessorizing the space around your permanent finishes and fixtures, you can elevate a basic bathroom into a breathtaking oasis for relaxation and daily renewal.
