20 Pieces of Decor Every Bathroom Needs

From the walls to the floor, our pro tips will help you ensure that your bathroom makes a good first impression.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.

January 31, 2022

By: Maria Conti and Erica Reitman

Related To:

Create Your Home Spa(ahhh!)

Let's face it: Your bathroom is much more than just a necessary spot for washing up. With the right touches — from accessories to storage solutions — you can take your bath from blah to spa. Keep reading for our best bathroom styling tips.

See More Photos: 32 Clever Uses for Everyday Items in the Bathroom

From: Terracotta Design Build

Art

If you don’t currently have any art in your bathroom, this is usually an easy one to start with. You can really bring some personality and color into your space by adding a pretty piece of artwork or two. Depending on how much wall space you have, you can even try bringing in a bunch of pieces to create a gallery wall. Just make sure any artwork you hang in your bathroom is properly framed under glass so the steam from your shower won’t mess it up.

See More Photos: Simple DIY Art Projects

From: Becky Shea Design

Plants

A plant is another easy must-have decor piece for your bathroom. If you happen to have a windowsill in your shower, that’s always a great spot for a plant. And even if you don’t have enough counter space to add a plant, consider putting a small succulent on a shelf or on top of your toilet. (You could even add a hanging plant in an open corner.)

See More Photos: Plants to Grow in Your Bathroom

From: Kirsten Holmstedt

Candles

A candle is a great way to keep things smelling fresh and clean in your bathroom. They’re also a lovely touch to add around a bathtub. When you find one with a scent you love that’s also in a pretty container, you know you have a great candidate for bathroom decor. I always like to keep three or four of my favorite candles on hand so I know I’ll never run out. And don’t forget to make sure you have some matches nearby for guests.

From: Kimberly Horton

Chic Soap Dispenser

Sometimes hand soap comes in not-so-pretty bottles. Purchase a nice dispenser and transfer your liquid hand soap inside. Make sure that whatever you have sitting on your sink looks snazzy enough that you’ll be proud to show it off to your guests.

From: Tiffany Brooks

Fab Hand Towels

This is another super easy way to amp up the style game in your bathroom: Add some colorful hand towels. If you’re not a big fan of color, opt for patterned towels instead. Try to add something to your space with a bit of texture and interest. And don’t forget to get three or four extras when you find something you love.

From: Brooke Wagner

Baskets for TP + Towels

There’s nothing worse than being in a guest bathroom and not knowing where the extra towels or toilet paper are. I always like to make sure that extras of everything are easily available in a pretty basket or container. But don’t be afraid to get creative with your storage containers. I use a big glass vase to store extra rolls of toilet paper and a large planter bust with an open head to store extra towels.

See More Photos: 40+ Clever Bathroom Storage Ideas

From: Kristina Crestin

Storage Containers

Another way to add a bit of design style to your bathroom is by stashing essentials in pretty storage containers. Cotton balls and cotton swabs look great in glass containers, makeup can be stored in acrylic boxes and hand soaps can be stored in jars. You could even bring in kitchen items, like cake stands, to add a bit of height.

See More Photos: 32 Clever Uses for Everyday Items in the Bathroom

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Laundry Solution

Speaking of laundry, it’s a good idea to have an attractive solution in your bathroom to deal with the inevitable piles of laundry. Beautiful baskets are always a great option, and they work with so many different design styles. I like baskets with covers so you’re always able to keep your "dirty laundry" under wraps.

From: Paige Morse

Toiletry Tray

A tray is a great piece to add to your bathroom to help things feel a bit more pulled together. They come in various sizes, styles and shapes, so you can really make them work no matter how big or small your space is. You can collect things such as candles, toothbrushes, soap or other necessities inside. A small arrangement of flowers is another nice addition for a chic tray.

get the how-to: How to Craft a Trendy Fabric-Covered Tray

Quirky Touch

I always like to add one or two small quirky items to mix things up. This small "men's" room sign is a fun accessory that doesn’t take away from the overall design of the space. Other ideas include an old postcard, vintage magazines or an old bathroom key (like the ones we had in elementary school).

From: Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Chic Stools

Add a small-but-chic footstool to your bathroom arsenal. Nestle it tub-side to hold your phone and self care necessities while you take a soak, use it while giving your kiddo a bath or repurpose it as an elevated plant stand by your shower door.

get the how-to: Cheap Meets Chic: Craft a Tub-Side Table for Your Bathroom

From: Zoe Feldman Design

Stylish Bath Mat

Swap your old, unsightly bath mat for a statement-making alternative. Designer Corine Maggio uses a brilliant vintage rug to ground this otherwise airy farmhouse bathroom with timeless charm. Recreate the look with a jewel-tone accent rug in your white or neutral bathroom design.

Buy It: Urban Outfitters, $39 - $49

Cozy Seating

Settle in for your "me-time" morning routine with a comfortable bathroom chair. This glamorous dressing table and chair gets primo natural lighting thanks to a window above the vanity area, while an upholstered seat and plush pillow ensure maximum comfort for the glam session.

learn more: 7 Ways to Pretty-Up + Organize Your Vanity

From: Tim Barber Ltd.

Proper Lighting

Paint yourself in the best light possible when you start each day — literally. Invest in dreamy sconces or overhead lighting to illuminate your bathroom and cultivate a custom look in the space. Choose a brass, chrome or nickel finish for a timeless look or go bold with inky, matte-black finishes for fresh, modern appeal.

See More Photos: 20 Dreamy Bathroom Lighting Ideas

From: Amy Studebaker

Show-Stopping Mirror

Swap out the builder-grade mirror that came with your house and upgrade to a punchy, personality packed alternative. Experiment with unexpected shapes and edgy finshes like this chic little gold-framed number.

See More Photos: 25 Ways to Decorate With Mirrors

From: Lauren Clement

Privacy Shades

Privacy, but make it fashion. Take advantage of the opportunity to dress your bathroom windows with treatments that reflect your personal style and vision for the space. Here, natural tones in the matchstick blinds are a perfect complement to the bathroom's herringbone wood planks.

From: Urbanology Designs

Bathroom Blooms

Greenery is great but a fluffy bundle of blooms brings another level of softness and glamour to any bathroom design. Choose fresh or faux florals and take notes from designer David Christensen and match your blooms to your bathroom's color palette or overall feel.

Wall Hooks

A pair of wall hooks work overtime to provide spa style and function in your bathroom. Dangle a pair of fluffy white bath robes on your wall hooks to add a touch of indulgence to your everyday routine or use them to store your bath sheets within reach of the shower door.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Classic Shower Curtain

A crisp white shower curtain is a must-have for bathrooms with doorless showers. Not only will a white shower curtain go with your current decor but it works magic in creating a clean, spa-like feeling in any space.

See More Photos: 10 Must-Shop Shower Curtains for Every Style

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Towel Warmer

Towel warming racks add an instant luxe-factor to any bathroom. Bonus? They don't cost as much as you think. Yes, really. Snag one for your main bathroom and enjoy warm, fluffy towels after each shower, along with less laundry between uses.

From: Alison Jennison

Shop This Look

Photo By: Jeff Herr

Photo By: Sean Litchfield

Photo By: Kirsten Holmstedt

Photo By: Allegra Anderson Photography

Photo By: Robert Peterson; Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Chad Mellon

Photo By: Jared Kuzia Photography

Photo By: Julie Soefer Photography

Photo By: codyulrich.com

Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Photo By: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Photo By: Roger Davies

Photo By: Alise O'Brien Photography

Photo By: Dustin Peck Photography

Photo By: Joe Torma, M.A.S Photography

Photo By: David Christensen

Photo By: Rustic White Photography

Photo By: Flynnside Out

Photo By: Jessica Klewicki Glynn