When designing a bathroom, wall decor might not be the first thing that comes to mind. You may be more focused on the perfect layout, including a soaking tub and an oversized steam shower, along with ample cabinetry for your skincare supplies. However, decor is important and can make your bathroom stand out. Here are ten ideas from design pros to upgrade your bathroom’s wall decor.
26 Stunning Modern Bathroom Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation.
Here, the Margaret Donaldson Interiors team opted for a graphic and geometric display, with ferns and vines housed in modern black planters.
15 Humidity-Loving Plants That Will Thrive in Your Bathroom. 06 of 17 – Carry Your Tile Up the Wall. Photo by Erin Feinblatt Photography for Hearth Home Interiors. Tile is a classic bathroom addition, but many people only think to put it in the shower or behind the bath. Given the opportunity, why not carry it around the entire room—and up the wall? In this serene space by Hearth Home Interiors, neutral handmade tiles add a soft texture to the perimeter of the room, culminating in a subtle diamond pattern that brings a sophisticated touch. 07 of 17 – Pair Design With Storage. Photo and Design by Jessica Windle for Jeans and a Teacup. For a charming bathroom wall decor idea that pairs bespoke carpentry with clever storage, look no further than this idea from creator Jessica Windle. She topped a beadboard wall detail with a shallow ledge and shaker pegs for a wall decor idea that doubles as a spot to stash art and hang towels. 08 of 17 – Lean Into a Maximalist Ethos. Photo by Read McKendree / JBSA for Katie Rosenfeld & Co. Sometimes, the smallest spaces are the best place to go big and bold with your design. When it comes to ensuring your bathroom wall decor stands out, lean into a more is more (is more) attitude. Here, designer Katie Rosenfeld paired a graphic wallpaper, unique portrait paintings, and a gilded mirror to ensure the space feels like the jewel box it truly is. 09 of 17 – Pop on Some Planking. Photo by Julia Lynn Photography for Margaret Donaldson Interiors. If you’re the type that prefer your rooms to whisper rather than yell, a subtle wall treatment like horizontal shiplap paneling may do the trick. When painted in a soft hue—like the refreshing mint seen here in a room by Margaret Donaldson Interiors—it’s the perfect quiet spin on bathroom wall decor. 10 of 17 – Hang Your Tile In a Funky Pattern. Photo by Erin Feinblatt Photography for Hearth Home Interiors. Counting tile as a bathroom wall decor idea may be stretching things juuusttt a bit—but when it looks this good, who really cares? Instead of opting for a standard white subway tile, turn to bold colors or playful patterns—or both, in the case of this room by Hearth Home Interiors—to bring some visual interest to your walls. When your bathroom is taken up halfway by a shower or tub, your best bet is to make those elements as pretty as possible. 11 of 17 – Try Out Sconces. Photo by Sara Tramp, Design by Christine Vroom Interiors. Sconces add a bit of polish to any space, bringing an extra-special feel to what is traditionally a no-nonsense room, as evidenced by this bathroom designed by Christine Vroom Interiors. If you don’t want to hardwire them, get a style with a shade to hide a puck light inside and use a remote to turn them on and off. Flanking your mirror with the sconces is a classic choice, but you could also use them to highlight a special piece of art in your bathroom. 12 of 17 – Make a Statement With Art. Photo by Ingalls Photography, Design by J.Incorporating art is one of the easiest ways to add personality and charm to a more utilitarian space such as a kitchen or mudroom. If you have wall space in your bathroom, a large-scale piece like the one in space designed by J. Banks Design can add a focal point and luxe air.
If you have a large, awkward wall and need to fill the space, try a trio of mirrors like designer Kim Gordon did. For smaller spaces, downsize your mirrors. Check out Etsy and thrift/vintage stores for unique styles that echo each other for an eclectic feel. You’ve probably been in a bathroom in a bar or restaurant with two mirrors on opposite walls creating an ‘infinity’ mirror effect. Why not do it in your own home? It’s also a great way to check your hair from every angle. Mary Patton opted for a bold Gucci wallpaper for a bathroom and paired it with a black and gray vanity that echoes the colors on the wall. Gold isn’t just for hardware! Kim Gordon of Kim Gordon Designs incorporated it in the wallpaper and mirror. The emerald green and metallics give the bathroom a rich, sophisticated feel. Have fun with your fifth wall, the ceiling, by incorporating a wallpaper that complements your primary wallpaper. While the dotted ceiling paper is much different from the chinoiserie, the muted palettes are harmonious and work well in this space by J. Banks Design.
