Bathroom decorating doesn’t have to empty your wallet or require a contractor. With a few smart moves and some basic techniques, you can turn your bathroom into a stylish space that really shows off your vibe.
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Most DIY bathroom decor projects take just a weekend and use tools and materials you probably already have hanging around.
Planning ahead and picking projects that suit your skill level really makes a difference. Focus on the stuff that stands out the most, but don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Even small tweaks—like updating wall treatments or adding clever storage—can totally change the feel of your bathroom.
Whether your bathroom is a tiny powder room or a big master bath, you can get a designer look without paying designer prices. There are so many ways to add function and beauty, from creative storage to DIY accessories.
Essential Planning for DIY Bathroom Decor
Good planning lays the groundwork for a successful bathroom makeover. It also helps you avoid expensive mistakes.
Take a close look at your space, set a realistic budget, and gather inspiration before you start swinging a hammer.
Assessing Your Bathroom Space
Grab a tape measure and write down your bathroom dimensions. Note exactly where the toilet, sink, and shower sit.
Jot these numbers down—they’ll help you figure out which DIY ideas will actually fit.
Snap a few photos from different angles. It’s handy to reference later, especially when shopping for storage.
Think about your storage needs and where things pile up. Are there annoying problem spots?
Check the lighting at different times of day. Lighting can totally change how paint or tile looks.
Key areas to evaluate:
- Wall space for shelves or art
- Storage gaps
- How people move through the room
- Current color scheme and decor style
Spot any issues like loose tiles or water damage? Fix those before diving into a remodel.
Consider what your bathroom could become. A powder room might need different projects than a big family bathroom.
Setting a Realistic Budget
DIY bathroom decor can cost as little as $50 for simple updates or up to $2000 for bigger changes.
Figure out your total budget, then break it down by category.
Budget breakdown example:
- Paint and supplies: 20-30%
- Storage solutions: 25-35%
- Decorative touches: 15-25%
- Tools (if needed): 10-20%
- Surprises: 10-15%
Check prices at a few stores before you buy. Sometimes the same item costs way less somewhere else.
If you need tools, consider renting specialty stuff and buying basics you’ll use again.
Always add a 15% buffer for those “uh-oh” moments. Bathrooms love to throw curveballs.
Keep tabs on your spending with a spreadsheet or just a notebook. It’s easy to get carried away if you’re not watching.
Gathering Ideas and Inspiration
Look everywhere for inspiration. Pinterest, home design blogs, and magazines are packed with ideas.
Make a mood board with colors, textures, and styles that catch your eye. It’ll help you stay on track as you pick projects.
Great places for inspiration:
- Pinterest boards for themes or color schemes
- Home improvement shows for real-world projects
- Design magazines for what’s trending
- Store displays to see things styled in person
Save photos of bathrooms similar in size to yours. What works in a giant spa bath might not fit in your space.
Stick to projects you can actually finish. Ambitious plans are fun, but unfinished rooms? Not so much.
Pick DIY decor that does double-duty. Storage that also looks cool is a win-win.
Test paint samples in your bathroom’s actual light before you commit. Colors shift a lot in different lighting.
Choosing Your DIY Project Style
The style you pick for your bathroom sets the tone for everything else. It’ll help you choose colors, materials, and even what projects to tackle.
Modern vs. Farmhouse Approaches
Modern bathrooms focus on clean lines and simple shapes. Think glass, metal, and smooth ceramics.
You’ll see lots of whites, grays, and blacks. For a modern vibe, try floating shelves with metal brackets.
Paint your fixtures matte black for a quick update. Geometric shower curtains or wall art fit right in.
Farmhouse style brings in warmth with natural materials and vintage finds. Weathered wood, mason jars, and soft colors like blue and cream are key.
Make a farmhouse sign with reclaimed wood and stencils. Add rope-wrapped baskets or a wooden ladder shelf.
Paint cabinets soft blue or cream to complete the look.
Rustic and Vintage Inspiration
Rustic decor is all about natural textures and imperfect finishes. Use wood with visible grain, metal with a bit of patina, and even some stone.
Earth tones and muted colors work best here. Try a barn wood accent wall behind your tub or vanity.
River rocks make cool shower floors or backsplashes. Copper or bronze fixtures add that rustic touch.
If you love vintage, hunt for antique hardware, clawfoot tubs, or ornate mirrors. Floral patterns and soft pastels give that romantic feel.
Check thrift stores for old window frames to hang on the wall. Repurpose vintage crates for storage.
Pick shower curtains with floral prints or lace for a classic look.
Eco-Friendly and Upcycled Decor
Upcycling lets you turn old stuff into new treasures. It saves money and cuts down on waste.
Look around your house for things to transform. Old candle jars become storage containers.
Wine bottles make pretty vases. Wooden crates can become wall shelves in no time.
Reclaimed wood works great for projects like mirror frames or towel racks. The weathered look adds character and feels good for the planet.
Choose water-based paints and natural cleaners. Bamboo accessories and organic towels create a healthier space.
Transforming Bathroom Walls and Surfaces
Bathroom walls are a blank canvas. With a little effort, you can add tons of personality without a massive remodel.
Three easy options stand out: accent walls with paint, peel and stick wallpaper, and custom stenciled patterns.
Painting and Creating Accent Walls
A bathroom accent wall makes a big statement for not much money or time.
Pick the wall behind your vanity or tub to highlight.
Use paint made for bathrooms—semi-gloss or satin finish works best since it handles moisture.
Good color picks:
- Deep navy or charcoal for drama
- Soft sage or seafoam for a chill vibe
- Warm terracotta for a cozy feel
- Classic black for a modern edge
Prep by patching holes and sanding rough spots. Tape off trim and fixtures to keep lines clean.
Prime first if you’re going from light to dark. It helps the color look even.
Paint in thin coats. Use a brush for edges and a roller for bigger areas. Two coats usually does the trick.
Want to get fancy? Add wall molding or shadow boxes before painting for a high-end look.
Using Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Peel and stick wallpaper gives you all the style of regular wallpaper, but it’s way easier to install and remove.
Measure your wall and buy a little extra—mistakes happen, and patterns need matching.
Clean the wall well and let it dry. Any dirt or grease will mess up the stick.
Start at the top corner and peel the backing as you go. Smooth it down with a card or smoothing tool to avoid bubbles.
Fun patterns for bathrooms:
- Tropical leaves for a spa feel
- Geometric shapes for a modern look
- Marble or stone prints for a luxe vibe
- Florals for something softer
Cut around outlets and fixtures carefully with a sharp knife.
Most good peel and stick wallpapers come off cleanly when you’re ready for a change.
Stenciling Patterns and Faux Tile
Stenciling lets you create custom patterns that look like tile or wallpaper, but for a lot less money.
Pick sturdy plastic or mylar stencils—they’re easy to clean and last a long time.
Practice on cardboard first. Use a foam roller or stencil brush for best results.
Stenciling basics:
- Good stencils
- Foam rollers or brushes
- Painter’s tape
- Level for straight lines
- Paint that works in bathrooms
Tape the stencil down tight to avoid paint bleeding. Light, even coats work best—too much paint makes a mess.
Work in small sections and clean your stencil often. Paint buildup can ruin the crisp lines.
Moroccan tile patterns look awesome behind vanities. Subway tile stencils give classic style for less.
Let each section dry before moving the stencil. It’ll keep your lines sharp.
DIY Storage and Organization Solutions
Smart bathroom storage turns clutter into calm. These projects help you stay organized and look good doing it.
Installing Floating Shelves
Floating shelves add storage without taking up floor space. They fit nicely above toilets, next to mirrors, or even in the shower.
Find wall studs with a stud finder. Mark where you want the shelves.
You’ll need:
- Drill and bits
- Level
- Stud finder
- Screws and anchors
Measure twice before drilling. Hold the bracket up and mark the holes.
Drill pilot holes to keep the wall from cracking. Attach the brackets, then slide the shelf on.
Check that the shelf is level before loading it up.
Pick shelves that fit your style. White shelves brighten up small bathrooms. Wood shelves make things feel warmer.
Crafting Mason Jar Organizers
Mason jars make awesome bathroom organizers. They’re perfect for cotton balls, hair ties, or travel toiletries.
Mount jars under shelves or inside cabinets to save counter space. Use hose clamps or wooden holders to attach them.
Great for:
- Cotton swabs and balls
- Hair accessories
- Travel-sized stuff
- Makeup brushes
Label each jar so everyone knows what goes where. Chalkboard labels are easy to update.
Wide-mouth jars work better since you can reach inside easily.
Spray paint the lids to match your colors. Let them dry fully before putting them back on.
Building Bathroom Cabinets
Custom cabinets give you storage that fits your space exactly. Building your own can save money.
Start with simple box construction using plywood or MDF. Cut pieces to size and sand the edges.
You’ll need:
- Top and bottom panels
- Sides
- Back panel
- Shelves
- Door (optional)
Glue and screw the pieces together. Clamp the joints while the glue dries for strength.
Add adjustable shelves so you can change up storage later. Shelf pins make this easy.
Attach cabinets to wall studs for support. Big cabinets need more than one anchor point.
Finish with paint or stain that matches your decor. Make sure to use something that holds up to bathroom humidity.
Customizing Bathroom Fixtures and Accessories
Swapping out bathroom fixtures can totally change your space’s vibe. Try new cabinet pulls, handmade holders, or custom storage pieces to add your personal touch—no major renovation needed.
Updating Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet hardware gives you one of the easiest ways to refresh your bathroom vanity. Just swapping out old knobs and pulls can totally change your space—no need for a full renovation.
First, grab a tape measure and check your current hardware’s spacing. Most vanities have either 3-inch or 4-inch gaps between screw holes.
Jot down those numbers before you head out to shop.
Pick materials that fit your vibe:
- Brushed nickel if you’re into modern looks
- Oil-rubbed bronze for something traditional
- Matte black if you want a contemporary feel
- Brass for a vintage twist
Unscrew the old hardware from inside the cabinet door or drawer. Wipe away any grime or leftover gunk from the holes.
Try to use the existing holes when you install new pieces. If you end up with different spacing, you’ll need to drill new holes—use a drill bit just a bit smaller than your screws.
Tighten everything up, but don’t go overboard. If you crank the screws too hard, you might crack the cabinet or strip the holes. Nobody wants that.
Making a Toilet Paper Holder
A custom toilet paper holder brings some personality to your bathroom and actually gets used every day. You can build one with just basic materials and a few tools.
Wood and rope holder:
- Cut a piece of wood, about 8 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- Sand it smooth and slap on some stain or paint.
- Drill holes on both ends for the rope.
- Thread rope through and tie knots.
- Screw it into the wall.
Industrial pipe holder:
- Get some 1/2-inch black iron pipe fittings.
- Connect the pipe to wall flanges.
- Screw the flanges into studs in your wall.
- Slide the toilet paper roll on.
Hang your holder about 26 inches from the floor. Keep it 8-12 inches from the toilet so you can actually reach it.
Give it a test run with a full roll before calling it done. Make sure the paper unrolls easily and doesn’t snag.
Designing a DIY Bath Tray
A wooden bath tray can turn your tub into a mini spa. The project only needs basic woodworking skills, but the results look pretty impressive.
Cut cedar or bamboo boards to your tub’s width, then add 2 inches. Cedar naturally resists moisture, so you won’t have to worry about warping.
Basic tray measurements:
- Length: Tub width + 2 inches
- Width: 8-10 inches
- Thickness: 3/4 inch
Sand all the surfaces with 120-grit sandpaper. Brush on two coats of waterproof finish to keep the wood safe from water.
Add some handy features:
- Book or tablet slot: Cut a 1/2-inch wide groove.
- Wine glass holders: Drill 2-inch holes.
- Candle wells: Route out shallow circles so candles don’t tip.
Attach adjustable arms using wooden dowels or metal brackets. They’ll help the tray grip the tub’s edges and stay put.
Test the fit before you finish. The tray should sit steady and flat—no wobbles.
Replacing Towel Hooks and Racks
Switching up your towel storage changes how your bathroom works and looks. Think about your family’s habits before picking hooks, bars, or maybe even a ladder towel rack.
Single hooks are great for:
- Small bathrooms where space is tight
- Keeping towels separate
- Hanging robes or clothes
Towel bars work well for:
- Shared bathrooms
- Full-size bath towels
- A tidier, streamlined look
A ladder towel rack can hold a ton and adds rustic charm. Build one with 2×3 lumber for the sides and 1-inch dowels for the rungs.
Mount towel hardware into wall studs for strength. Use a stud finder to make sure you’re hitting solid wood.
Installation tips:
- Mark your holes with a pencil before drilling.
- Use the right anchors for your wall type.
- Check that everything’s level before tightening screws.
- Leave about 24 inches between towel bars.
Hang hooks and bars at a comfortable height. Usually, 48-54 inches from the floor works for adults.
Easy DIY Decor Items for a Personal Touch
Handmade touches can take your bathroom from plain to personal. You can use common materials and simple skills to make custom pieces that show off your style.
Framing or Upcycling the Bathroom Mirror
The bathroom mirror stands out as one of the biggest features in the room. Adding a frame turns a plain mirror into a real focal point.
Wood Frame Options:
- Reclaimed barn wood for a rustic vibe
- Painted trim for a crisp, clean look
- Rope-wrapped boards for a beachy feel
Cut the frame pieces to fit around your mirror. Sand the edges and finish them with stain or paint. Stick the frame to the wall around your mirror with construction adhesive.
If you rent, make a removable frame with corner brackets. That way, you can take your custom bathroom mirror frame with you when you move.
Creative Alternatives:
- Stick decorative tiles around the mirror’s edge
- Wrap twine or rope around the border
- Add LED strip lights behind a floating frame
Measure everything twice before you cut. Most mirrors come in standard sizes, but double-check yours before buying supplies.
Creating Farmhouse or Industrial Signs
Custom signs add some fun and function to your bathroom. You don’t need fancy tools or skills to make these.
Farmhouse Sign Ideas:
- “Wash your hands” reminders
- Quirky bathroom quotes
- Signs with your family’s name
Start with a piece of reclaimed wood or grab a craft board at the hardware store. Sand it smooth and paint or stain it for a base.
Use stencils for neat, professional letters. Paint over the stencil and peel it off while the paint’s still wet for sharp lines.
Industrial Style Options:
- Metal sheets with vinyl letters
- Pipe-framed wooden signs
- Galvanized metal backgrounds
Distress wood signs by lightly sanding the paint after it dries. It gives the sign that weathered, farmhouse look.
Hang signs with small brackets or wire. Put them at eye level so people actually see them.
Crafting Cork or Custom Bath Mats
Store-bought bath mats just don’t last and they’re kind of boring. Making your own cork bath mat or something custom lets you get exactly what you want.
Cork Bath Mat Instructions:
- Buy about 175 wine corks for a standard mat.
- Slice the corks in half lengthwise.
- Arrange them flat-side down on a flexible backing.
- Glue each one with waterproof adhesive.
Cork handles water well and feels nice under your feet. It even grips tile floors better than you’d think.
Fabric Mat Options:
- Braid cotton rope into a mat
- Weave fabric strips in colors you like
- Layer old towels with a waterproof backing
Add rubber backing to any fabric mat for safety. You don’t want it sliding around on wet tile.
Creative Alternatives:
- Make a river rock mat by gluing smooth stones to a rubber base
- Tie bamboo slats together with waterproof cord
Always test your mat’s grip before using it every day. Wet floors can be pretty risky if your mat slips.
Making DIY Bath Bombs for Display
DIY bath bombs do more than just fizz in the tub—they look great, too. I like to toss mine in clear containers and let them brighten up the bathroom.
Basic Bath Bomb Recipe:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- Essential oils for scent
- Food coloring (optional)
Start by mixing your dry ingredients really well. Slowly add the oils and a bit of food coloring if you want.
Keep mixing until the mixture feels like damp sand. If you squeeze it, it should stick together, but don’t make it too wet.
Press everything into molds. I swear by silicone molds—they actually let go of the bath bombs without a fight.
Let the bath bombs dry for about 24 hours. Try not to mess with them too much while they set.
Display Ideas:
- Glass apothecary jars on open shelving
- Wicker baskets near the bathtub
- Tiered stands for different scents
Pick colors that fit your bathroom vibe. Neutrals blend in anywhere, but sometimes I go for bright colors just for the fun of it.
Label your containers with the scent names. It makes choosing one easier and honestly, it makes your bathroom feel a little more like a spa.