Creating a defined aesthetic in your bathroom requires clutter-free countertops and fresh decor. Decorating a bathroom so that it feels crisp and curated takes some experimentation and a little bit of guided inspiration. These nine bathroom decor ideas will provide the inspiration you need to use your space purposefully and give it the decor it deserves.

1. Play With the Mirror Shape

Spend a little time on your mirror selection – it’s a great way to add movement with shape, texture, and color through material. Try out a shape other than a rectangle or circle: Consider rounded edges on a rectangular mirror, an arched silhouette, or even something more geometrically adventurous. We love the elegance and sophistication of these delicate, multiple-curve arch mirrors with an antique gold finish; they bring glamour and a vintage feel to a more traditional-leaning bathroom.

2. Incorporate Natural Materials

Bathroom decor ideas that give your space a relaxing spa-like feeling are perfect for primary bathrooms. The best way to achieve the spa-inspired oasis aesthetic is to include natural materials and bright, neutral tones. Elements rooted in nature create a calming and tranquil feeling that’s essential for a space you use when you first wake up or as you get ready for bed. Think: Blonde wood or wicker benches by your bathtub that double as towel racks or a spot to sit and apply lotion. Place ceramic vases filled with faux plants and fluffy white towels atop the benches to bring you right to that spa frame of mind.

3. Decorate With a Transitional Aesthetic in Mind

Give your bathroom extra flare by adding decor that differs from the aesthetic of the essential pieces, like the vanity. Transitional style gives you the freedom to take styling risks and pair unexpected accent pieces with the rest of your bathroom. We love how this small bathroom pairs a modern vanity with gold hardware with rustic accent pieces like a wicker planter, decorative clay pot, wood mirror, and the natural decorative pieces on the sill. While this feels like an unlikely combination, the decor balances each other and creates a surprisingly stylish look in this small space.

Pro Tip:

Find new decorating inspiration with Your Complete Guide to Interior Designs.

4. Get More Use out of a Bench

Working with a smaller countertop area or small bathroom? Get creative with your storage by doubling a bench as a space for more decor or towels. Benches are another great way to add some transitional style into your bathroom – choose a material that will stand out, like this textured wood bench with a woven seating detail. Your bench can be for more than sitting: Try decorating it with a small tray, bathroom necessities, and candles to add fresh ambience to the room.

5. Put the Pattern on the Floor

Clean white-and-black subway tiles are a bathroom staple for many, especially tile with bold geometric designs or subway patterns. If you want to keep the walls fresh and neutral, turn to your floor to add a pattern and play up the bathroom decor. Play with geometric shapes in your tiling to create a mosaic of shape, color, and movement in a neutral-toned space. Take it a step further by layering on a rug with an intricate design or pop of bright color. Look for rugs made from cotton, chenille, bamboo, nylon, or polyester for easy cleaning and make sure there is a rubber backing to avoid slipping.

Pro Tip:

Get inspired with these Rug Designs for Every Style.

6. Use Plants to Create a Spa Aesthetic

Continue to build on the spa aesthetic with plants (real or fake) to give off a botanical feel. Plants like lavender, eucalyptus, and bamboo all make for spa-worthy bathroom ideas. Candles and diffusers with natural scents like moss, fig, and lemon can create a relaxing spa feel, too. Choose decor like a glass vase for a modern feel and don’t overfill it with greenery – sometimes less is more – so only take a few branches for a minimalist statement.

7. Add Texture With Wallpaper

If you’re in the mood for a real change in design and like to take on a DIY project, put up wallpaper to build on your aesthetic. Whether it’s an accent wall behind the vanity or every wall in your bathroom, all prints make an impact. If you decide to cover every wall, go for a lighter, neutral tone or a repeated pattern so it doesn’t make the space feel smaller. For an accent wall, a bolder print or color palette can be a fun way to highlight the vanity and give your bathroom a little more personality.

Pro Tip:

Feel free to use any type of wallpaper in a powder room. For bathrooms where your family takes showers or baths, opt for moisture-resistant wallpaper instead. Its durability will ensure the wallpaper stays intact for a long time.

8. Get the Lighting Just Right

Getting the bathroom lighting just right is important for perfecting your morning skincare or makeup routine. Make sure your lighting isn’t too harsh. Avoid placing light fixtures directly over the mirror or you’ll risk creating unflattering shadows! Instead, place your lighting on either side of the mirror to create the most flattering light – sconces or pendants are perfect for the job. Choose a fixture that adds to your interior style and makes a statement, like these glass globe pendants with glam gold accents.

9. Get Organized

Having a designated place for your bathroom essentials is important to keep in mind as you choose your bathroom decor. Maintain a tidy space and organization with storage pieces like an accent cabinet for toiletries and hand towels or baskets for used or fresh towels. If you’re working with a small bathroom or want a towel rack for organization, add a blanket ladder.

In the mood to decorate?