Decorating a Bathroom: It's in the Details
Eight secrets to creating a spa-worthy bathroom.
If you just can't get enough bathroom design inspiration, you've come to the right place. Decorating a bathroom is particularly exciting because it's the place where we go to relax and restore our energy. While bathrooms serve many practical purposes in our homes, they become next-level retreats with a few small updates. Whether you need a simple update to make your bathroom feel more like a spa or you're looking to spruce things up, we are here to inspire you. Keep reading below for our favorite bathroom decorating tips and inspiration.
1. Choose a Unique & Practical Mirror
One of the easiest upgrades you can make when decorating a bathroom is to switch out the vanity mirror. A good mirror is a necessity, but a great mirror will make your morning and evening routines more relaxing and simplified. If your idea of the perfect night is a long, hot shower or a soak in the bathtub, a fog-free mirror would be an excellent option for your shower or vanity. A fog-free mirror lets you get a jump on your skincare routine without having to wipe off the steam. Adding a mirror to your space can also make a small bathroom look more spacious and grand.
If you love doing makeup or you have a lengthy skin care routine, consider adding a chic magnifying mirror to your large everyday mirror. Magnifying mirrors rotate to make applying products a breeze, and some mirrors offer an LED light. LED lights give you the most convenient coverage by highlighting the entirety of the mirror's outer edges.
If you have time for a small project, it may be a good idea to invest in your shower. A couple of new fixtures can really take your shower to the next level of luxury. Upgrade your shower system to give yourself the indulgent shower you deserve. If you want to simplify your routine, you might enjoy a built-in hand shower. A shower with body jets is perfect for releasing tension and relaxing muscles. Finally, a shower system that lets you adjust the spray patterns is the ultimate sign of luxury and will help you to really de-stress after a busy day. With multiple spray patterns, you can have it all – from a soothing evening shower to an efficient morning rinse. Tie it all together with a matching shower curtain and shower curtain liner to keep the space looking and feeling luxurious.
Decorating a bathroom is a great chance to branch out with the light fixtures. More lighting is the key to making your bathroom feel bigger and brighter. Supplement overhead and vanity lighting with decorative and task lighting as well. Task lighting is great for brightening up your vanity; you'll be able to apply makeup and skin care with ease. We also love the balanced look of two wall sconces placed on either side of the mirror. If the vanity has two side-by-side mirrors, consider placing a sconce on either side of both mirrors to maximize and brighten the space.
If a soothing bath is at the top of your to-do list, make bathtime all the more luxurious with dimmable decorative lighting. A statement chandelier or chic pendant light placed over the bathtub gives off a lavish, old Hollywood aesthetic. Check to ensure the chandelier or pendant can hang in a wet location. For the most relaxing bath, choose a light fixture with dimmable bulbs.
Giving yourself plenty of surface space and storage is crucial when it comes to bathroom decorating. In order for the bathroom to feel spa-like and comfortable, especially in a small space, it should be uncluttered and functional. If many family members will be using the bathroom, consider using robe hooks for towels. Towel bars are great but can only dry one towel at a time. Individual robe hooks are perfect for hanging and drying several towels at once. You can even use a blanket ladder as a towel rack, as seen in the bathroom pictured above.
For a bit of extra surface space, consider placing an accent stool beside the bathtub. Accent stools are perfect for setting down extra towels, a basket of bath products, or simply a glass of wine. Take it one step further and place a bath caddy atop the tub. You'll have all the bath time necessities you need like bath salts, essential oils, and a good book quite literally within arm's reach.
Want to really make your bathroom feel spa-like? Give yourself someplace to sit by placing a pouf, lounge chair, or vanity chair in the bathroom. A comfortable chair will make the bathroom feel luxe, and it adds a touch of chic functionality. You'll have a spot to sit and put on slippers, touch up a pedicure, or wait for the bathtub to fill. Choose a quick-drying material like wool, polyester, or nylon.
While you're decorating a bathroom, make it feel like your own by surrounding yourself with decor that you love. Having fine art in the bathroom will make it feel like a retreat, whether you gravitate toward wall paintings or marble busts. If you need to save space on the walls, consider putting up wallpaper instead. Wallpaper is such an easy design detail that can make a big statement. We are fans of wallpaper with metallic details, because the shimmer adds depth and interest with the extra lighting in a bathroom – just make sure to choose a wallpaper that is moisture-resistant.
Set the intention to wind down in the evenings by decorating your bathroom with indulgent extras. One of the best ways to fully relax is to light candles or use an oil diffuser with rejuvenating scents. We love jasmine, lavender, and sandalwood for evening and peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary for morning. An oil diffuser is our preferred choice of decor for chilly winters; the mist will help keep skin supple even when the dry heat is working hard.
Keep these little extras tidy by using decor like jars and trays for organization. Glass jars are perfect for keeping cotton pads and swabs neat. And an accessory tray is optimal for organizing your makeup and skincare products – it also makes cleaning up easy because you can lift everything at once to wipe down surfaces. Take your bathroom decorating one step further by using a coordinated hand soap and lotion dispenser set. Look for decor like dispensers made from shell or stone to re-create the feeling of staying in an oceanside resort. You'll feel as though your bathroom is your own staycation.
With all of the marble, wood, and brass details in a bathroom, create balance with plush, soft finishing touches. Choose Egyptian or Turkish towels; they will have a higher thread count than traditional cotton towels. To make your bathroom feel like a spa, invest in multiple towel sizes: bath towels, hand towels, and oversized towels. Either fold towels in neat piles or roll them up and store them underneath the vanity. A cotton linen shower curtain and Egyptian-quality cotton bath mat add luxury and comfort. Keep the coziness going with a high-pile bath rug for a bathroom with tile. A rug is a great little luxury, whether or not you have heated bathroom floors.
Pro Tip:
If you love all things luxury and want more bathroom inspiration, check out our Lavish Spa Bathroom Ideas guide.
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