Style and Design Tips for
Decorating your Bathroom

Read information and advice on style and design in your bathroom, and help in choosing the right fixtures and fittings.

Your bathroom must be practical, but it must also be beautiful too...

Your bathroom should look gorgeous, and be a room you want to spend time in, to relax for a long soak in a lovely hot bath.

Here are some useful hints and tips to help you decide on your color, style and finish...

• Whatever style you choose when decorating your bathroom, remember that your bathroom suite is likely to be in place for quite a few years.

  So don't choose a bathroom suite that is too 'way out'.

• A white suite in a simple, classic design is a sensible choice for decorating your bathroom, and will be a great base for any current and future decorating plans.

• Colored bathroom suites are generally seen as an old-fashioned option.

  Most people will immediately rip out a colored bathroom suite and replace with a white one.

  I do find it quite interesting that now designer and high-end bathrooms are appearing in colors - especially black, pale blue and red.

  These are very different in style and form than the old '70's and '80's bathroom suites, though.

  I think it is pretty unlikely that you will fool anyone into believing your '70's bathroom is actually an expensive, designer option.

  I do think colored bathroom suites may achieve a cult, retro status within a few years though.

  I do actually quite like the old colored bathroom suites - particularly the turquoise blue option, like we used to have.

  If you have a colored bathroom suite, consider whether you can make a feature of your unusual, colored suite...

  See the section on decorating color schemes to learn how to choose a color that will make the most of your colored bathroom suite.

  A reader makes the most of a peach bathroom suite, here...

  Reader, Mary, gets some ideas for a yellow colored bathroom suite

  A reader wants to know how to make the most of green bathroom fixtures, to sell the house

• I do understand, though, if you want to go for a classic, white suite instead...

  It's easy, looks modern and clean - and means you can use any color you like with it...

• To go with your white suite, add interest with a more unusual basin.

  There are some beautiful and interesting basins out there now, that give contemporary designer looks at a reasonable price.

  Consider a basin in stone or resin, or a glass bowl fitted onto a wooden unit.

• Don't get carried away with these unusual basins though - some are quite small, and would not be a suitable size for a family sized bathroom.

  Jen discovers her new wash-basin has splashing issues...

  Choose a wide, shallow basin for practicality when decorating your bathroom.

Taps, Faucets and Bathroom Fittings

• Don't forget the taps and faucets too.

  Fitting smart new fixtures is a good way to smarten up a bathroom of any age - and you may find it is just the thing to liven up a tired bathroom suite.

Keep Wallcoverings Waterproof

• When it comes to decorating your bathroom walls, wall-coverings in and around the shower and bath should be waterproof, and well sealed.
• Tiles are always a sensible option for bathrooms...
• Neutral-colored tiles are a good idea, to make sure you can choose all kinds of colors for future decorating plans.

  But, if you really love a color, and are prepared to live with it in your bathroom for several years, why not add a splash of color with your tiles, too.

  It usually works better to add just a simple row of colored tiles...

  But if you are after impact, choose a wall of striking mosaic tiles in a bright color.

  It actually works really well to just limit the color to one wall - just like a feature wall in other rooms of the house.

• Modern tile trends are for large scale, slab tiles (good for large rooms, or small rooms that require a minimal, streamlined look).

  Or try mosaic tiles (better for small rooms), or glossy rectangular tiles arranged in a brick-style pattern.

• You can also consider tiling an existing bathroom countertop, to fit it in with a new color scheme, or to make it look more modern.

  Mosaic tiles are always a good option for this project.

  A reader wants to tile over an existing bathroom countertop

• For areas of the bathroom less likely to be in frequent contact with water, wall-coverings should only need to be splash-proof.

  Choose a moisture-resistant wall-paper, or a special bathroom paint which is resistant to humidity and mould, with an easy, wipe-clean finish.

Use Wood to Create Richness

• Wood, especially dark wood, is a really great contemporary look for decorating your bathroom.

  Choose storage units and vanity units in a dark wood, and co-ordinate with mirror and picture frames, toilet roll or toothbrush holders.

Adding Color to the Walls

• Experiment with colors, to add interest to a white suite and tiles.
• You can actually get away with much brighter and deeper colors in the bathroom, than in other rooms of your house...

  You are not spending so much time in there, so the colors don't tire your eyes (and brain) so much.

  Take your personal preferences into account when choosing between a pale or strong color...

  Do you like an open, airy feeling? (choose a pale or cool color)

  Or a more closed-in, cosy feeling? (choose a warm or deep color).

A dramatic look can actually work well, even in a small bathroom.

Fabrics in the Bathroom

• Try to avoid soft furnishings, where possible, when decorating your bathroom - so please, no fluffy toilet seat covers!
• To keep your bathroom looking clean and streamlined, fit blinds instead of curtains.
• Also consider frosted or colored window film for added privacy.
• You can soften up your bathroom decorating with a shower curtain, in a color and design of your choice.

  This is a great idea for a quick and inexpensive splash of color in your bathroom, if you have stuck to neutral tiles and suite.

• Or, consider a very streamlined shower screen instead, for a more minimal look.

Finishing Touches for Decorating your Bathroom

• Accessories are an all important extra for decorating bathrooms:
  • Pull the color scheme together with matching accessories - or add a vibrant splash of color to your bathroom to liven it up.
  • Unify the look with co-ordinating fluffy towels, and a bath-mat.
  • Add a striking mirror to fit your chosen style - period, modern, country, fun...

    ...and add any pictures which suit your look.

  • Consider matching storage - wicker baskets, wooden boxes, toilet roll holders, toothbrush holders, soap dishes etc.
  • Add scented candles for a warm, relaxing glow.
  • As long as there is enough natural light, your bathroom is an excellent place to grow lush, green plants - they love the humid atmosphere.
• You can really go to town on your accessories - co-ordinating carefully to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom.
• When you get bored, you can change your mind, swap all your accessories and towels, and get a whole new look, without completely decorating your bathroom again.

I think you will be able to have real fun choosing your fixtures, and decorating your bathroom.

For more ideas and tips for decorating your bathroom, watch these short videos clips.

Just click on a picture to start the video player - I hope you enjoy the clips!

Do you need help with decorating small bathrooms?

Do you want hints and ideas for decorating your bathroom on a budget?

Read hints and ideas for decorating kids bathrooms.

Get a cutting-edge bathroom design, with these contemporary decorating bathroom ideas.

Try bringing a touch of rustic romance to your bath-time, and learn how to create a country bathrooms decorating scheme.

Create a stunning and practical period style bathroom. Get hints and tips, with these traditional decorating ideas for bathrooms.

Ask a bathroom question

Other readers' bathroom questions can help solve your problems - take a look at what people are discussing...

...or ask your own question...

Click here to see other readers' bathrooms Q&A

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