The Ultimate bathroom styling and decor ideas guide

Bathrooms are highly-utilised, multi-functional spaces that help us prepare for the day ahead and offer refuge when we wish to recharge and relax. That's why decorating, and styling bathrooms purposefully is key to improving our experiences of this space. When done intentionally, the bathroom will feel stylish and functional, serving as an indulgent sanctuary to escape into. So what are these bathroom styling ideas, and what are some common pitfalls to avoid? Use this guide to delve into the intricacies of styling bathrooms and creating a space that exudes luxury from the word go.

Quick Links

• Before styling your bathroom
• Choosing a colour palette
• Expert bathroom styling tips to follow
• Bathroom decor ideas to make it look more luxurious
• Styling bathrooms? Top mistakes to avoid
• Bathroom styling ideas for your home

Before styling your bathroom

Whether you rent or own a home - planning a brand-new bath space requires preparation. And often, the journey starts with choosing an interior style to emulate. Typically, your bathroom's interior should align with that of the rest of your home. But before you think of a specific theme, start with a blank canvas. Declutter and remove any unwanted items. A blank backdrop will offer the best kind of launchpad to begin your bathroom styling adventure.

Choose a colour palette

The rule of three is a guiding decor philosophy that can help you select a successful and fully integrated colour scheme for your bathroom. Pick one neutral, one rich colour and one accent colour. In terms of application, go with a 70:20:10 distribution. The idea is to use the lightest colour as the dominant scheme for your space, followed by the second lightest shade and then the boldest.

Pro tip

Don't like bold colours? You can also combine neutrals using this principle. A fantastic example of this decor rule is combining shades of white, cocoa brown and light green. This is a great way to craft a classic and clean look in your bathroom.

Expert bathroom styling tips to follow

Now that you have a basic colour palette let's dive in and discover modern bathroom decor ideas and styling hacks to elevate and uplift your private spaces.

Make it neat

To instantly elevate your spaces, a fantastic bathroom styling hack is to organise all your little bath knick-knacks. So, corral items like soap or toothbrushes in a trivet or tray. Depending on the tray's size, pick 3,5 or 7 pieces to corral together. Odd number displays communicate well, lending visual excitement to your corners. Trays are ideal for bathroom vanity styling because they offer easy access. They're also great for styling stand-alone tables. Make it a point to include a natural element like flowers, a piece of coral, or a small plant, and don't forget to play with height and scale to create a more stylised display.

Pro tip

One of the best things about investing in a tray is that they're available in a wide range of materials - suiting several interior styles. In short, you're likely to find just about any material that will effortlessly mesh with your overall design. We recommend materials like marble, stone, glass or leather for a high-end look and feel. For purely decorative displays, stone trays look stunning.

Pro tip

Layering is an excellent bathroom vanity styling hack to introduce a luxurious feel. Make it warm and textured with a styled vignette of a candle, hand cream, and perfume bottles. A stylish vignette also helps soften your space.

Style with towels

Arrange by stacking them neatly, folded or rolled on the shelf or hanging them on the towel rail. Either way, towels are the perfect way to introduce a dash of style to your private sanctuary.

Pro tip

If you're looking to fold towels for a luxurious spa-inspired touch in your bathroom, you can opt for the rolling method or the third fold style. Both these folds are easy to master and ideal for styling to perfection. Our complete towel care guide provides a step-by-step account of both folding techniques.

Choose luxurious bath products

If you're wondering how to style a bathroom, an effortless yet sure-fire way to do this is simply styling it with luxurious bathroom products. Think beautiful and stylish packaging with scents that contribute to a relaxing ambience. Again, arrange in groups of three or five with varying textures and heights.

Pro tip

Looking to add a sophisticated and luxurious touch? Beyond stylishly packaged products, you could opt for items like a wooden bath table, monogrammed bath towels, upholstered chairs, or decorative lighting.

Make it soft underfoot

An underrated bathroom styling hack is introducing rugs to create a world of difference in your bathroom spaces. Not only are they a pleasure to sink your feet into, but rugs can instantly lend texture, colour and pattern. Opt for round rugs for smaller bathrooms or where space is a constraint. The only thing to keep in mind is to pick a material that takes kindly to wet feet and is just as easy to pop into the washing machine.

Pro tip

Before investing in a bath mat or rug, remember to measure the available space. As general decorating advice goes, place the larger mat in front of the tub or shower and the smaller one in front of the sinks or the vanity.

Pro tip

Another great tip when buying mats is to consider investing in non-slip options, as this will ensure the mat stays in place, courtesy of a slip backing of mesh or rubber.

Bath trays for bathroom styling

Bath trays are excellent for styling the area around your bathtub, especially if you want to create a little self-care ritual. For instance, if you choose minimalism, style it with an indoor plant and a couple of candles. Or you could set it up for your next soak by including body salts, brushes, a small towel and a book. Alternatively, suppose a bath tray isn't to your liking, or you don't have a bathtub. In that case, you can opt for a feature stool and create an attractive yet indulgent display with bath crystals, body products, and small towels. These tried and tested bathroom decor ideas will help you style like a pro, creating a spa-like vibe in your space.

Pro tip

A fresh bathroom reminiscent of a luxury hotel is impossible to go past. And it's easy to recreate this vibe in your private space with bath trays or shelves. Shelves, in particular, offer the perfect space to layer your products, candles, books, etc., lending instant luxury and glamour.

Decorative and ambient lighting for the win

Style your space with scented candles and light them too. The soft, gentle glow of candlelight will make your bathroom feel like a warm, welcoming space to escape into. If you're uncomfortable using candles, why not introduce a small table lamb to sit on a stool next to your bath or the vanity? Layer your lighting to create a comforting vibe.

Pro tip

If you're lighting the bathroom vanity, a good rule is to have wall lights on either side of the mirror, placed at eye level. In addition to LED downlights, introduce pendants for a stunning look and feel.

Mirror on the wall

Choose a mirror that exudes personality and flair to uplift instantly and style your bathrooms, taking it from basic to wow in seconds. Mirrors can reflect light, creating a brighter and more open space. Remember to shop for unique shapes and sizes. Alternatively, if space is not an issue - you could also opt for a grand-size mirror for styling a bathroom like a pro.

Pro tip

If you're in the market for a mirror but can't agree with the expensive price tag, why not look for budget buys at flea markets or pre-loved options?

Style with storage baskets

If you don't have shelves, opt for storage baskets, as you can comfortably tuck them into little corners and nooks. Ideal for storing towels, bath toys, toilet paper and other accessories - natural woven baskets offer an aesthetic and pleasing view, transforming your bathroom spaces.

Bathroom decor ideas to make it look more luxurious

Since bathrooms are one of the most expensive spaces to decorate, their styling and design are almost always treated as an afterthought. Anyone who has shied from styling a bathroom, remember this: You don't need a massive renovation to make your spaces appear premium. Here are six bathroom decorating and styling ideas that will help you create a premium look and feel without breaking the bank.

Choose to go bold

Whether you have limited space or a large bathroom, going bold is one of those tried and tested bathroom decor ideas that will work to lend instant oomph and pizzazz to your rooms. For instance, this could look like a stylish mirror or a bold wallpaper.

Introduce some shine

We love a maximalist bathroom. And your bathroom styling project is incomplete without visual sparkle. A great way to achieve this is by opting for gold and brass tapware and hardware.

Opt for sharp contrasts

Take your stylish fittings to the next level with black and white wall and flooring to contrast the gold and brass. Doing this will lend an air of sophistication to your space.

Go zen

For instance, mixing starkly different materials and textures, like concrete and timber, could be a great way to create calming zen vibe. Quiet luxury, anyone?

Texture is key

Suppose you're thinking of a neutral colour palette for your space. In that case, you can make it exciting by varying the textures of your surface materials.

Keep it simple

Artist Leonardo Da Vinci famously said, 'simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.' In your bathroom, simplicity could be a freestanding bath in front of a large bay window with a statement pendant light.

Styling a bathroom? Here are three mistakes to avoid

Bathrooms are one of the most frequented spaces in your home and can make a grand impression, especially before guests and visitors. Let's dive into the top three bathroom mistakes to avoid and find out what to do instead.

Mistake #1: Too much clutter

Remember, we started this article with advice on the importance of organising by decluttering. You see, clutter can make your spaces appear smaller and make you feel uneasy. That's why it's important to pack away gadgets after you've finished using them and stow toiletries and products in their trays, baskets, and so on. Investing in storage trays could be a great way to keep your clutter out of sight.

Mistake #2: Poor lighting

Lighting is possibly one of the best ways to create ambience and atmosphere. Unfortunately, getting it wrong can have an equally detrimental effect on how your space looks and feels. Try layering your lights by introducing a mix of task, ambient and decorative lighting. For instance, lights around the mirror could help brighten the room without feeling too stark. Similarly, accent lighting could be a great way to draw the eye to specific elements like artwork or a cosy bath corner.

Mistake #3: Displaying worn-out towels

Fresh fluffy towels on the shelf or the towel rack can instantly brighten a worn-out space. That's why it's essential to ditch those raggedy, discoloured towels and bring out a fresh colour-coordinated set. Alternatively, if your towels are new, but aren't looking as fluffy as you'd like them to, maybe you're washing them incorrectly. Washing towels properlywill keep them looking good as new.

Bathroom styling ideas for your home

Style your spaces like a pro with elements like indoor plants, freestanding furniture, and thoughtful accessories. We're particularly partial to trays, bowls, and delicate dishes. Or, you can explore the towels and bathroom range for more variety. Remember to keep it simple, steer clear of clutter and create beautiful vignettes that help soften your space.

For more inspiration on creating a spa bathroom, Harris Scarfe expert designer Jane Lamerton has a few handy tips. For advice and information about all things home decor, our online Home Hub can help.