Bathroom wall decorating ideas to transform your home

    Designing your living space according to your taste is the best way to make your home feel like home.

    However, bathroom wall décor is often overlooked, as the area is often left devoid of inspiration.

    But as a personal space where you can soak, relax and unwind, the bathrooms deserve the best.

    So read on for some top tips to freshen up this room, no matter what your budget.

    bathroom wall decor ideas

    Picking a certain color and sticking to it will make things a lot easier, and this color theme is both on-trend and visually pleasing.

    Richard Roberts, director of Sanctuary Bathrooms, describes gray as “the perfect color in a bathroom and works well in both sleek, modern spaces and traditional period properties.”

    Tell NEWSWEEK: “Grey is a great midway point on the monochromatic shade scale.

    “It can be paired with shades of white in furniture units or tiles for a brighter look or try using it in conjunction with striking black features, like faucets and knobs, to make a room appear bolder, without feeling too dark.

    “Using gray as a base color means you can add a pop of color with accessories like towels, soap dispensers, and plant pots, which can be updated as seasons and styles change without redecorating!”

    Lucy Ackroyd, Head of Design at Christie’s, shares the same opinion NEWSWEEK: “Great gray is a perfect color in the bathroom because it helps relax the mind, and it’s perfect when you want to relax in the bathtub.

    “Add gray accessories to your bathroom to bring the color scheme together in a harmonious and sophisticated way; this can be done by using soothing candles, fluffy gray towels, and cozy bathrobes in your design to complete that luxurious spa feel.”

    Sanctuary Pools / Crosswater
    Experts suggest it’s time to be more adventurous when painting your bathroom.
    Sanctuary Pools / Crosswater

    Elevate your bathroom with the right lighting

    Dining rooms and kitchens should not monopolize the dramatic lighting of a home.

    Jamie Moxley, interior designer at Dusk Lighting, believes that “the right kind of lighting will go a long way in helping you achieve your vision.”

    Tell NEWSWEEK: “Wall lights are the perfect mirror frame, and depending on the theme and design of the room, wall-mounted lights help achieve your decorating goals.

    “Bright, elegant lights allow for a simple option, as bell-shaped lamps can inspire cottage décor.”

    Modern bathroom
    Proper attention to bathroom lighting can liven up a room.
    sl-f / Getty Images

    Impress bathroom panels

    Bathroom panels can provide an easy way to instantly elevate a bathroom design.

    Helen Dennett, Marketing Director of Mermaid Panels, describes these components as “the ideal alternative to ceramic tile,” because they provide a “cost-effective, visually appealing solution that is quick to install and low in maintenance.”

    I told NEWSWEEK: “The bathroom should be a place to relax and unwind, so it is important to create an environment that not only looks inviting, but also offers a bit of maintenance.

    “So wall panels are a great solution, with options that fit traditional, minimalist and contemporary styles, while at the same time removing the need for unwanted grouting – making them easy to clean.

    You can easily mount the panels directly to existing surfaces, including plasterboard and tile, which means you don’t have to worry about preparing the wall underneath. “

    Celebrity interior designer Sanil Kunyar and founder of the online interior store, seem to agree on the importance of panels.

    Tell NEWSWEEK: “Bathroom wall décor doesn’t have to be between the realms of glossy coats of paint and boring plain tiles. Even in the smallest of bathrooms, there’s always a chance to create something special.”

    “Panels are a big interior trend for 2022, and sleeker bathroom walls revive this chic trend.

    “Use a high-quality matte bathroom paint to protect the wood and give you the option of adding some welcome color or ‘binding’ to your existing wall colors.”

    Mermaid Elite - Beaumont Tiles
    Elite Mermaid, Beaumont tile. Getting the right panels can make all the difference in your bathroom.
    mermaid paintings

    Tiled top of your bathroom

    Tiles are synonymous with bathroom decor for good reason—just remember, shape, size, and color are all important factors to consider if you decide to spruce up this space.

    Katie Thomas, founder of interior design firm KTM Design, suggests that bathrooms can be transformed into a “playful, decked-out room” with appropriate tiles.

    I told NEWSWEEKBathrooms can be designed to stand out from the rest of your home or be a welcoming oasis of relaxation.

    “Floor-to-ceiling tiles make a big impact if you choose a bold color.

    Don’t forget to add some design pieces like stylish rails or some matching artwork but make sure you don’t overwhelm the space.

    Designer Sanel Konyar agrees, adding, “Floor-to-ceiling tiles can give the impression of luxury and space in a small bathroom.

    “Choose subway tile for a strong, clean geometric look or tile within a gradient color palette that allows you to add some color to your bathroom.

    “Earth colors are especially big for 2022 and can look amazing in the right bathroom. A good tip is to keep the strong color palette below eye level so you retain a sense of relaxation and serenity.”

    Scandinavian style loft bathroom with white brick
    Loft Scandinavian style bathroom with white brick wall and black and white tile flooring pattern.
    runna10 / Getty Images

    Be bold with bathroom decor

    Bathrooms are in many ways an excellent opportunity to make a big design statement.

    Abbe Ireland, director of Patrick Ireland Frames, believes that while basement bathrooms can often be one of the smallest rooms in a home, “that doesn’t mean you can’t make a statement in them.”

    I told NEWSWEEK: “In my opinion, it’s an opportunity to have a little fun and play around with patterns and designs that you might not feel bold enough to use elsewhere in the house.

    “It can be all you need is wallpaper with a pretty mirror, or alternatively, you can stick with a single wall color and use the wall space of a gallery wall with different frame profiles for added interest.”

    Anne-Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design clearly agrees, adding, “Often, the bathroom downstairs is a place where we can really express our personalities.

    Colorful sanitary ware is a great way to inject some color. If you’re not sold on the trend, look for patterned wallpaper or vibrant colored tiles instead.

    “It’s a great opportunity to be bold, so why not use wallpaper in half the room, then pick a color of wallpaper and choose a tile in a similar shade.

    “Some wallpapers are not suitable for bathrooms, so check the ventilation and product specifications of the wallpaper before purchasing. If it’s just a toilet and sink, that’s not a problem.”

    Rustic bathroom with an old wooden chair
    Rustic bathroom with an old wooden chair. A bold but easy bathroom wall décor idea is to use wallpaper
    Artjafara / Getty Images

    Consider bathroom storage

    Bathrooms are often one of the smallest spaces in the home, which means they can attract a lot of clutter

    Fortunately, there are many clever bathroom storage ideas to help arrange this room quickly and easily.

    Abbie Ireland said: “Space permitting, building recessed storage units in the wall behind the mirror is a great way to save space in a small bathroom.

    Covering the storage with a beautiful framed mirror would not only have an advantage for hidden storage, but the reflective surface would reflect light around the room and make it appear larger.

    “Choose a design with a dark frame to draw the eye into the mirror as you walk into the room, or choose a full-size mirror to cover an entire wall.”

    KTM Design’s Kate Thomas agrees, adding, “Decorate your bathroom with shelves to add more storage and style with some decorative pieces too.”

    Neatly organized bathroom linen cabinet
    Neatly organized bathroom linen cabinet. Having a space that’s less crowded can make a big difference in your bathroom.
    Kristen Brahl / Getty Images