Transform your bathroom with these neat and nifty decorating tips

A splashback for your bathroom basin is an important feature from a practical waterproofing perspective but is also an opportunity for some styling and expression. Subway tiles are great for both, protecting your wall from excess moisture or splashing from the sink while adding a unique design element at the same time. Subway tiles have been around since the 1900s and have remained a popular choice since. Their rectangular design blends seamlessly with a variety of interior styles, and they are also readily available in a wide range of colours from classic white tile to emerald green, dark blue and more. Easy to clean and maintain, they do tick all the boxes as a fail-safe choice for a bathroom splashback.

Related article: How much does it cost to tile a bathroom in Australia?

The bath mat has always been the least glamorous of the bathroom linen options but you can easily turn this on its head by making it a decorative feature. There are some fantastic designer bath mats that have ornate patterns and designs made from superior-grade natural materials. These can easily be a focal point of a master bathroom, like an area rug in a living room, contrasting against your tile flooring in an eye-catching and complementary way. You may even want to take it further by coordinating your choice with another feature, like a bold shower curtain, for a cohesive look.

Related article: How to choose bathroom tiles - 7 top tips

Linen closets are extremely handy in a bathroom as a place to store essentials and keep fresh towels within arm’s reach whenever you need them. Typically, they have doors that can be opened and closed, but another option is to open them up together by removing the doors (or choosing options without doors) so that their contents can become a decorative feature. This will allow you to showcase a premium collection of bathroom towels and any accessories that would otherwise be concealed. It will also compel you to keep these spaces neat and tidy, which can often be hard to motivate yourself to do when it's out of sight and mind.

Related article: Tips on how to choose bath towels for your home

Mirrors and storage space are both necessities in the modern bathroom, so it makes perfect sense to combine them if you can. There are plenty of mirrored storage options to consider, from mirrored medicine cabinets to mirrored shelves, which can provide that extra storage space you need. These are particularly ideal for a small bathroom but can also be used in larger spaces as well to help you achieve a minimalist aesthetic. With so many different styles available, you'll have no problems finding something that matches the look you're going for whether you have a traditional Victorian or a modern farmhouse bathroom. They'll also boost the natural light in your room, making the entire room brighter.

Related article: Neat bathroom storage ideas for Australian homes

It’s no secret that nature is good for one's health and well-being, so if you want to create a true sanctuary in your bathroom, a touch of greenery is a great idea. Placing a potted plant or fresh flowers in a vase on a shelf, vanity or window sill is such an easy thing to do, and you’d be surprised by the impact it can make. Hanging plants are a great choice for a high perch, while options like spider plants and peace lilies will thrive in a bathroom's moist conditions and remove toxins from the air. The plant's pot also provides another decorating opportunity.

When considering bathroom renovation, it's easy to get swept up by the big-ticket fixtures and furnishings without paying attention to the smaller items and details that complete the bathroom design. Hand towels fall into this category, making them a prime candidate for adding value on several levels if you choose from the best of the very best. As such, the best hand towels are made from the finest natural materials and tend to feature more vibrant and interesting designs. In doing so, they can act as lovely accents in a bathroom through their bold designs, pops of colour, contrasting textures etc, especially in an otherwise neutral bathroom. Better still, they'll be more absorbent, last longer and feel great when you use them.

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The bathroom isn’t traditionally the first place you think about when it comes to wall decor, but is something that can add atmosphere and personality to your space. Wall decor includes quite a wide range of products from original art and photography to clocks, sculptures, and decals - even peel-and-stick wallpaper as a feature on one side counts as an option to consider. For most, the easiest option is to create a small gallery wall of three prints, paintings or photos that reflect your interests or establish a mood. You can also mix and match your choices for a more eclectic feel.

Related article: How to choose wall art that works in your home

Bathroom cabinets suffer from wear and tear more than any other furnishing in the bathroom. They are constantly in use, sometimes rather rough use, especially in busy households. Because they are so prominent in the bathroom, their look and appearance have a significant impact on the vibe and feel of the space. Replacing these can make a big difference in your bathroom's overall aesthetic, and you can do this in several ways. You can replace the handles and paint the doors, swap the doors out completely or upgrade the bathroom vanity altogether. As soon as you do, you’ll notice a vast difference with your bathroom or powder room feeling fresher.

Related: Versatile bathroom vanity ideas for your home

While shelves are mainly used for practical storage in the bathroom, you can also consider them for decorative purposes. Installing a floating shelf at eye level on a free wall for small decor items like diffusers, candles or floral arrangements can quickly make your bathroom feel more inviting and personal. Again, it’s an easy one to implement and make use of and is something that can adapt and evolve with you in the future as you can easily swap out decor pieces whenever you feel like it. It also gives you a legitimate accent wall, a great interior design technique that creates contrast and interest.

LED strip lights can be a simple yet effective way to enhance the ambience of your bathroom. Place them beneath cabinets, around mirrors, or along the edges of the ceiling for a subtle glow that adds a touch of luxury. With options for colour-changing lights, you can create a spa-like atmosphere or tailor the lighting to your mood. They are energy-efficient and easy to install, making them an affordable option for a quick upgrade. Their sleek, unobtrusive design ensures they blend seamlessly into any bathroom decor.

Related article: LED lights - the definitive guide - FAQs, costs & more

Revitalise your bathroom by painting a feature wall or the entire space in a bold, unexpected colour. Jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red can make a dramatic statement, while muted tones such as terracotta or sage green offer a more subdued yet stylish update. Ensure your chosen shade complements your existing fixtures and finishes. You can further enhance the effect by incorporating matching accessories, such as towels or bath mats, for a cohesive look. If you're hesitant to commit, opt for washable or removable paint for easy changes in the future.

Related article: Bathroom colours to look out for in 2025

As you can see there are some great bathroom decor ideas that will help you keep your bathroom neat and tidy while refreshing its appearance. Most of them are extremely accessible too, which means you can get them done in no time at all and see your space transform before your eyes, turning even a nondescript small space into a bold bathroom of note.

This article was updated on the 12th of December 2024

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